Does my silica sand need replacing?

[gmcpherson]

Hi there, a Pool amateur here. Bought a house with a pool that uses a silica sand filter. The previous owners mentioned the sand may need replacing soon. There is no pool supply store in town, so trying to figure this out on my own. wondering if anyone can give me their thoughts on the picture attached and whether or not the sand needs replacing.
Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

There is rarely a reason to replace sand in a filter. After a few years a sand filter can be topped off. It loses some sand with every backwashing.

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[1poolman1]

Hi there, a Pool amateur here. Bought a house with a pool that uses a silica sand filter. The previous owners mentioned the sand may need replacing soon. There is no pool supply store in town, so trying to figure this out on my own. wondering if anyone can give me their thoughts on the picture attached and whether or not the sand needs replacing.
Thanks for any help you can provide.

Look closely at that sand. You can see the sharp edges, just as they are supposed to be. Sand virtually never needs replacing, but it is not unusual to need a "top off" if the filter has been in use for five years or more. A bit of sand is lost at each backwash and does need to be replaced.
Depending on the size of the filter, it is usually only one fifty-pound bag needed.