sand in pool

[coleson412]

Hi guys. I woke up to sand in my pool this morning. There are piles on the steps and floor in front of the return lines. I'm assuming a cracked lateral is to blame. The pump is set to turn on early AM, so it had been running about 1 1/2 hours by the time I saw it. I immediately turned the pump off and plan to open up the filter when I get home from work. Can replacement laterals be purchased at a pool store or do I need to order online?

I did a backwash last night. Random timing or is there a possible cause and effect I need to look for?

 

[Texas Splash]

Can replacement laterals be purchased at a pool store or do I need to order online?

Probably depends on the store or pool supply outlets in your area. My gut tells me online though. I suspect most local places would have to order replacements as well.

 

[JLizard]

Did you rinse after backwashing?

The last time I forgot, a whole bunch of dirt came out of the returns.

 

[Dirk]

Ooh, like a shy little lizard, he tried to sneak in that first post without anybody noticing! Welcome to TFP, JL. Thanks for contributing, post and gold. Nice!

Sorry, back to the OPs thread...

 

[coleson412]

I did rinse after backwashing. This isn't dirt but nice piles of sand just below the return jet. After taking the filter assembly off, I found the center pipe had split. Any way to replace just the pipe?

I found a compatible part on Amazon for about $65 which includes laterals and the center pipe. Any thoughts on finding just a center pipe to get the filter up and running quicker? The part would arrive Monday or Tuesday and with temps in the upper 90/100's I'm worried about water quality if I can't turn the pump on for a few days.

 

[Dirk]

Don't sand filter valves have a bypass mode? Run the pump through that, and keep the FC up. Might get a little dirty, but the water will stay safe and mostly clear...

 

[MinerJason]

Don't sand filter valves have a bypass mode? Run the pump through that, and keep the FC up. Might get a little dirty, but the water will stay safe and mostly clear...

Multi port valves do, but push pull/slide valves do not. I think I'd run the pump either way. Gonna have to vacuum up the sand later anyway, there will just be more to vacuum if the pump keeps running.

 

[Texas Splash]

After taking the filter assembly off, I found the center pipe had split. Any way to replace just the pipe?

In some cases yes. Although local store-bought PVC might be a slightly different thickness, in many applications it can still work to replace the factory center/stand-pipe. You won't know until you try. But if you order the entire assembly, you'll be good as new.