First time deep cleaning the sand filter

[George D]

Hello,
This is my 2nd season as a pool owner. I had a difficult time opening last season as I was a newbie, the previous owner didn't use the pool for 5 years and it was a swamp. I also added new sand to the filter last year. TFP was a great help. Before I closed in October, instead of raising the chlorine levels I added Polyquat 60 Algaecide.
I will be opening the pool on Tuesday and I would like to do a Deep Cleaning of the filter before opening. I read the Deep Cleaning post and saw the videos. I will be adding unions so I won't have to cut the pipes anymore.
I read in another post that the filter should not be moved due to its weight from the sand. It's located inside the garage and I would prefer not to get all that filthy water on the floor.
My questions are?
Is it ok to move the filter outside using a dolly?

Just to confirm, I do not need to cover the standpipe during the deep cleaning? I just need to make sure sand doesn't get in there?

When do I Backwash and Rinse after the deep cleaning? does it need to be done soon after or can it wait a day or two?

The PH test result from yesterday was 7.2. I think it's high enough to start the SLAM but I would like to make sure. Is the PH level acceptable?

 

[duraleigh]

That is a HEAVY load to put on a dolly. probably more than 500 lbs but I am guessing. Is your garage floor sloped a bit so you can channel the dirty water outside? Of course, removing the sand is an option but that sort of defeats the purpose of the deep clean process.

However you get the filter up off the floor, consider placing one of the "overflow" pans like you find on a hot water heater to channel the water out (for next time)

Putting a stopper of almost any type in the stand pipe makes life easy. even a rag placed into the opening works

Just backwash and rinse when it works for you.....no set time limit.

7.2 is just fine for a SLAM

 

[George D]

I believe the filter weighs about 250 lbs.
Thanks for answering all my questions.

 

[George D]

There are several cracks at the bottom of the filter. Should I buy a replacement or is there anyway to repair it? Epoxy, flex spray, keligrout?

 

[George D]

If I need a new filter is it ok that it's a side mount instead of top mount? It's a Hayward S244S ProSeries Sand Filter, 24-Inch, Side Mount.

All I need to do is adjust the piping and elbows. Is that correct?

 

[duraleigh]

Side mount is fine.....you'll need to re-do the plumbing but you may have had to anyway.

Cracks in a fiberglass filter cannot be safely repaired. You are wise to replace it.

I know you didn't ask, but that filter is a little too small. the s310s with a 100gpm flow rate more closely matches your pump and pool size.

 

[George D]

Thanks. This means my Tagelus Filter was also undersized since the flow rate was 60gpm.

I'm buying the used Hayward Filter to install it before the pool opening tomorrow. Other than running the filter longer are there any other problems that are caused by undersized filters?

 

[duraleigh]

The biggest issue is fewer backwashes with a large filter.

 

[George D]

The opening went well except one of the drain plugs for the gas heater did not screw on tightly due to the stripped cast iron . I purchased one of those threaded plugs and started twisting it in the cast iron using a wrench. It seems to have worked. No water coming out of the heater.
Do I need to remove the drain plugs from the heater at the end of every season?

There was no algae in the pool but there was lots of dirt but no organic matter.

 

[sktn77a]

Do I need to remove the drain plugs from the heater at the end of every season?

Absolutely!!! The cast iron manifolds and copper heat exchangers hold water and burst at the first good freeze!