Planning a filter service this winter - tips?

[primuspaul]

I have not maintained the filter in a number of years. Planning to replace all the sand and possibly the gasket. I noticed sometimes after a backwash sand is blown into the pool. Perhaps there is some other damage that might have been done/needs to be replaced inside the filter?

1. What sort of gasket do I need? Can I just reuse the old gasket?
2. What sort of sand do I need? Does it have to be special pool filter sand or is there some type of generic sand that can be bought for less that works the same way?
3. What about any other damage that might have occurred in the filter? After I open it up, what should I check?

Edit: I think the filter brand is Hayward S200.

 

[ajw22]

Read Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

 

[GaryV512]

I found the multi-valve on my Pentair filter fairly easy to refurb. Upon disassembly I found the gasket was chewed up a bit, probably from the prior owner not pushing down before rotating the handle. Replaced the gasket and the spring with parts from Amazon, lubed everything up and I've been good to go.

If you're going to remove/replace your sand, I think you would want to do an inspection of the laterals as well while the filter is empty, and replace any laterals that are broken/cracked.

If you're blowing sand after a backwash, there's some possibility you are not "rinsing" before switching back to filter mode?

FWIW, I was getting sand in my pool and in my backwash. I installed a VSP pump and a flow meter. The meter keeps me from pushing the filter too hard and beyond spec. I've not had sand in the pool or backwash since. You might check your pump and filter manuals for specified and acceptable flow rates?

 

[1poolman1]

The sand used in pool filters is not ordinary sand but is milled to a specific size. So, no you have to use filter sand. You only need 4 bags for that S-200 filter, but it is awfully small for a pool that large.

I have not maintained the filter in a number of years. Planning to replace all the sand and possibly the gasket. I noticed sometimes after a backwash sand is blown into the pool. Perhaps there is some other damage that might have been done/needs to be replaced inside the filter?

1. What sort of gasket do I need? Can I just reuse the old gasket?
2. What sort of sand do I need? Does it have to be special pool filter sand or is there some type of generic sand that can be bought for less that works the same way?
3. What about any other damage that might have occurred in the filter? After I open it up, what should I check?

Edit: I think the filter brand is Hayward S200.