Sand Filter Question

[AussieSwimmer]

Hi guys,

First time replacing the sand in my sand filter.

Is the pipe that comes up the middle (with the laterals at the bottom) connected to anything at the bottom (ie a threaded fitting maybe?) or does it just sit in the bottom and the weight of the sand is what keeps it in place?

As I was removing the sand it felt like it was firmly in the correct place, but now I have an empty sand filter, it's come loose/easily moved around and I'm worried I need to reattach at the bottom?

Thanks!!

 

[dereksanders]

The two filters I have the contraption is not secured. You place it in the center of the filter, cover the tube to prevent sand from entering it, then fill with the requisite volume/weight of approved sand.

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Thanks!

 

[AUSpool]

The ones I’ve pulled apart just sit there. You may find a good clean is all you need, removing the sand is pain. Bunnings sell a filter cleaner that is alkaline salts while the LoChlor one is a dilute strong acid, 10% pool acid would do the same. Tip it in the filter, mix best you can, wait 24hrs then put the filter back together and backwash.

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[proavia]

The center tube with the laterals just sits there. It doesn't attach to anything at the bottom.

Be sure to carefully check the laterals for any damage prior to adding the new sand.

Cover the opening in the center tube to prevent sand getting in as you add the sand to the filter.

Before adding any sand, fill the filter 1/3 or so with water. This helps cushion the laterals from the sand falling directly on them.

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Thanks for all the help guys

I'm having difficulty getting the multiport valve back in, I've got it sitting on the riser pipe, but it's not down enough to get the collar on it. See pic. Any tips on what I can do to solve this? Thanks!

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Should I try trim the pipe slightly? Sorry I've just thought of this after posting...

 

[AUSpool]

The lateral assembly must have risen a bit. It’s either trim it allowing for seal compression or clean it out again so it sits all the way down.

Not a fun job is it.

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Mate it's bloody hard work, especially as it's my first time. I trimmed it down slightly and it did the trick. Thanks for the help

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Hi guys, I have ANOTHER issue....just as I thought everything was looking and working fine....my sand filter appears to be leaking from the centre?? I didn't even know this was a thing, I thought it was one single unit. Any ideas why? Any solutions? It's only 4 year old

 

[AUSpool]

Centre top, under the selector handle? There is stainless shaft that goes down through the top of the multiport, connecting the handle to the valve rotor plate. Or the shaft and rotor plate may be one piece. Either way, there are Orings that keep it sealed. They could be worn or have some sand in there. I would push down on the handle and smear some Oring grease on the shaft. Then gently up and down a few times.

If that doesn’t do it you’ll need new Orings. But there is a spring in the assembly under a bit of pressure making the job difficult. The service or repair guys generally have a special jig for it.

Too late now but I wouldn’t have changed the sand in a 4 year old filter.

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Sorry mate, centre middle where the top and bottom halves of the filter connect.

 

[AUSpool]

Check your warranty. I don’t think that can be fixed, only replaced. And after all that work. Sorry, not the answer you were looking for.

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Thanks for the heads up. I've got a new one on the way (still under warranty), it might take a week to arrive.

Any thing I can do while the pool has no filter? I imagine you wouldn't want to have the water sitting stagnant for any longer than a week?

 

[wireform]

Throw some liquid chlorine into the pool and either use a submersible pump to move the water or use your pool brush.

 

[AussieSwimmer]

Ok so the new filter has arrived and I've added the sand in. I filled it half way with water before adding the sand. I've reattached everything and it's ready to go. Did I need to add more water before running it? Should I backwash/rinse as a first move? Thanks!

 

[AUSpool]

I would fill it to the top before putting the multi valve on. Then start it on back wash. Then rinse. Then normal. Back wash diverts the water down the standpipe and up through the sand which will fill it nicely. Rinse reverses that to normal flow onto the top of the sand with clean water up and out to drain via the stand pipe.