We installed an 18' Intex pool last year, so this is the first time opening it up after winter. We have a sand filter. Do I just keep the same sand that was in it from last year, or do I need to change the sand every year?
First time opening pool with sand filter
- Thread starter ScottRDay
- Start date
johnnyleo11
Well-known member
You can keep the sand in there for a few seasons. Someone with more knowledge will chime in.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,625
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Sand does not wear out. It is millions of years old, and the use in a sand filter does not harm it.
Only time to replace sand is when you fall in the trap of using pool store potions. Many of them gum up the sand.
Only time to replace sand is when you fall in the trap of using pool store potions. Many of them gum up the sand.
Yeah, I was more concerned with whether or not what's being filtered through it would end up clogging it, rendering it less effective.
Only time you really have to change the sand is if you are converting from Baquacil or regularly use a flocculant.
"Dirty" sand is actually more efficient.
"Dirty" sand is actually more efficient.
With sand filters, you backwash them to clean all the crud out but you can wait to to that until the pressure in the filter increases to 25% above where it started.
My sand filter runs about 10psi so I only need to backwash when pressure gets to 35psi, but it’s never done that. I just backwash after we get a big rain to drain down some of the water.
25% above your starting pressure of 10 psi would be 12.5 psi, not 35 psi.
- Jun 8, 2019
- 4,576
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
If you are concerned, open it up and inspect the sand. Try doing a deep clean of the filter with a hose in it. That’s all it should need unless gummed up with stuff you shouldn’t use in your pool 