Sand Filter problem or something else?

[summertimesadness]

Filter is old. I'd say at least 10 years at this point.

At the beginning of the season, I replaced the pump with a VS as the one I had stopped working. (It was on its last legs anyway)

Since then, I've had gurgling sounds coming from the Filter and an occasional bubble or two in the returns. Plus, sand at the bottom of the pool (confirmed it being gritty). It's not a small amount, I'd say a couple table spoons in the robot basket every few days. And the bulk of it is under the area of the two wall returns (one deep, one shallow).

We checked the laterals last year when we replaced the sand and they seemed fine. So, unless something happened over the winter.. not sure what's going on.

 

[summertimesadness]

The setup.

 

[Texas Splash]

You may have a couple issues happening at once.

I've had gurgling sounds coming from the Filter and an occasional bubble or two in the returns.

When do you hear the sounds? When the pump is turned off and water sloshes around, or do you hear sounds all the time when the motor is running? If the pump was the only thing changed recently, I would look at either the inlet union fitting to the from of the pump and/or the lid and drain plug O-rings.

Plus, sand at the bottom of the pool (confirmed it being gritty).

Sure, something could've happened over the winter, but if you just started noticing the sand after the pump was changed, that seems odd. Just changing the pump shouldn't have any bearing on the sand unless it was over-filled or a bad batch of sand used that is slipping through the laterals.

 

[summertimesadness]

You may have a couple issues happening at once.


When do you hear the sounds? When the pump is turned off and water sloshes around, or do you hear sounds all the time when the motor is running? If the pump was the only thing changed recently, I would look at either the inlet union fitting to the from of the pump and/or the lid and drain plug O-rings.


Sure, something could've happened over the winter, but if you just started noticing the sand after the pump was changed, that seems odd. Just changing the pump shouldn't have any bearing on the sand unless it was over-filled or a bad batch of sand used that is slipping through the laterals.

When the pump is running, around 1600 or 1800 rpm. I notice some bubbles in the basket (and the lid was checked for tightness), but I was told that was normal when running at lower RPM.

I changed the pump at the beginning of the season when it was opened. Didn't have sand issues last year prior to closing.

 

[Texas Splash]

and the lid was checked for tightness

Silicone lube as well correct? That's very important.

Didn't have sand issues last year prior to closing.

I don't see where the pump would make any difference in this case with the sand, so the laterals would be my choice for inspection. If you can wait, I would just leave this task for closing if you can wait. If it's really bugging you or gets worse, then you may have to dig down there and check sooner.

 

[summertimesadness]

Silicone lube as well correct? That's very important.

I don't see where the pump would make any difference in this case with the sand, so the laterals would be my choice for inspection. If you can wait, I would just leave this task for closing if you can wait. If it's really bugging you or gets worse, then you may have to dig down there and check sooner.

I didn't install the pump, but I'll check. Would a poor seal for the multi port and filter tank cause air suction as well?

And for the second, part, you're right. I'll wait till closing.

 

[Texas Splash]

Would a poor seal for the multi port and filter tank cause air suction as well?

Not while running. But when the pump goes off, it could allow air in.