deep cleaning a sand filter - inside a pool shed?

[mjc123]

This is a bit early as I'm not planning to deep clean the filter until the end of the season - but wanted to think about how best to do it in advance. All my pool equipment is located in a shed beside the pool, which, to the extent possible, I'd like to avoid flooding during the process of deep cleaning the filter. Wondering if anyone else has a similar set-up and how they avoid making a wet mess. I suppose the same applies to closing the pool (which I have never done) - do I just accept that I'm going to get water everywhere inside? or is there a way to try to limit it?

Thanks!

 

[lshonda310]

This is a bit early as I'm not planning to deep clean the filter until the end of the season - but wanted to think about how best to do it in advance. All my pool equipment is located in a shed beside the pool, which, to the extent possible, I'd like to avoid flooding during the process of deep cleaning the filter. Wondering if anyone else has a similar set-up and how they avoid making a wet mess. I suppose the same applies to closing the pool (which I have never done) - do I just accept that I'm going to get water everywhere inside? or is there a way to try to limit it?

Thanks!

In my opinion the best way I know of making less of a mess is to just suck all the sand out with a shop vac and put new sand in. New sand isn't that expensive, especially considering it last a few years, and it gives you a chance of inspecting the laterals in the tank.

 

[OldPoolBoy2]

You could also use a wet/dry shop vac as there is a level of water above the sand. You would have to turn on off the water and shop vac to empty it and restart. This would be meticulous and and a lot more time consuming than a regular deep clean but just a thought.

 

[mjc123]

In my opinion the best way I know of making less of a mess is to just suck all the sand out with a shop vac and put new sand in. New sand isn't that expensive, especially considering it last a few years, and it gives you a chance of inspecting the laterals in the tank.

The previous owner told me the sand was replaced at the end of last season, so I'd rather avoid replacing it annually; though it can't hurt to price out the sand just to see what it costs I suppose

You could also use a wet/dry shop vac as there is a level of water above the sand. You would have to turn on off the water and shop vac to empty it and restart. This would be meticulous and and a lot more time consuming than a regular deep clean but just a thought.

Ugh... yeah, I suppose I can do that, but you're right it would definitely be a pain in the butt

 

[Richard320]

The only way I could envision a deep clean without a huge mess inside the shed is to empty the filter out and either replace the sand or empty it into another vessel -- a trash can or a kiddie pool or a wash tub -- and deep clean it there, and then return it to the filter. Seems like a lot of work. The shed floor isn't pitched so it drains?