Ruqayyah Snyder
Sand filters are a popular, affordable, and low-maintenance method for pool filtration. Pool filter sand typically needs to be replaced every 3-7 years, depending on usage and maintenance. The sand's texture becomes smoother over time, reducing its filtration efficiency as it loses its ability to trap dirt, algae, and other contaminants. When replacing the sand, it is recommended to use glass sand media, which provides clearer water, less backwashing, and superior water flow. Before beginning the replacement process, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies, such as a strap wrench, rubber plug, and protective equipment. Turn off the pump and open the air relief valve to release pressure and drain water from the tank. Remove the drain cap at the bottom of the tank and any valves attached to the filter to prevent water loss. Use a bucket, shop vac, or your hands to remove the old sand, being sure to wear gloves to protect against bacteria. Rinse the inside of the tank and inspect the standpipe and laterals for cracks or damage. Cover the standpipe opening to prevent sand from falling inside, then partially fill the tank with water to protect the laterals. Slowly add the new filter sand, ensuring you use the manufacturer's designated amount. Finally, reconnect the top mount valve and hoses, and backwash the filter before using it on the filter cycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to change sand | Every 3-7 years |
| Reasons to change sand | Ineffective filtering, frequent backwashing, cloudy pool water, algae |
| Tools required | Standard Flathead and Phillips Screwdriver, Strap Wrench or Filter Lid Tool, Hand Saw, Rubber Plug, Sock, Plastic Bag, Duct Tape, Small Tarp or Five-Gallon Buckets, PPE |
| Steps | 1. Turn off pump and close valves. 2. Release pressure and drain water from the tank. 3. Remove drain cap and top lid to access internals. 4. Cover standpipe with duct tape or a sock/plastic bag. 5. Remove sand with a shop vac, by hand, or with a small container. 6. Rinse and clean the inside of the tank. 7. Inspect laterals for cracks. 8. Cover the standpipe opening with a solo cup or rag. 9. Fill the tank with a few inches of water to protect laterals. 10. Pour new sand slowly into the tank. 11. Remove the cup/rag and fasten the valve back onto the filter. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare tools and supplies, including PPE
To prepare the tools and supplies for changing the sand in your pool filter, you will need a few standard items and some personal protective equipment (PPE).
First, gather the tools and supplies:
- Standard flathead and Phillips screwdriver
- Strap wrench or filter lid tool (for threaded filter types)
- Hand saw (if your top mount multiport is hard-plumbed with no union connections)
- Rubber plug, sock, sturdy plastic bag, or duct tape (to cover the standpipe inside the filter tank and prevent sand from falling inside)
- Small tarp or several five-gallon buckets (at least 3-5 buckets to hold and transport old filter media)
- Shop vac, or small cup/scoop (to remove old filter media)
- New filter media (consider using glass sand media, which provides clearer water, less backwashing, and is lighter by weight)
Next, prepare your PPE:
- Gloves (when removing old sand to protect your hands from harmful bacteria)
- Eye protection (to protect your eyes from any flying debris or dust)
- Respiratory protection (to protect your lungs from dust and debris)
- Skin protection (long sleeves and pants, or a coverall suit, to protect your skin from contact with old sand and any chemicals)
By gathering these tools and supplies, including PPE, you will be well-prepared for changing the sand in your pool filter and ensuring a safe and efficient process.
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Turn off the pump and open the air relief valve
To begin changing the sand in your pool filter, start by turning off the pump. This is a safety precaution to prevent unintended operation while you work on the filter. You should also turn off the pool pump.
Next, open the air relief valve on the filter. This will release the pressure in the system, allowing most of the water inside the filter tank to return to the pool. This is an important step to prevent water loss and to ensure the system is safe to work on.
Once the air relief valve has been opened, you can finish up by removing the drain plug cap, which is located at the bottom of the sand filter tank. This will allow the remaining water to drain out, along with any extra weight. The process will vary slightly depending on the model of the sand pool filter. Some filters have a top lid closure, while others have a top mount multiport valve. If your filter has a top mount multiport valve, be careful when removing it from the standpipe.
Now that the water has been drained, you can access the internals of the filter and begin the process of changing the sand. It is important to note that you should not use regular sand in your sand pool filters, as it can destroy your entire filtration system.
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Remove drain cap and empty the tank
To remove the drain cap and empty the tank, start by turning off the pump and closing any valves attached to the filter to prevent unnecessary water loss. If you don't have valves, disconnect the hoses from the filter and hang them in the pool until you're ready to reattach them.
Now, remove the drain cap at the bottom of the tank to release the remaining water and reduce extra weight. Depending on your sand pool filter model, this step may vary slightly. Some sources suggest first loosening the cap to release pressure from the tank, then fully draining the tank by removing the cap altogether.
Once the tank is drained, you can proceed with inspecting and preparing the standpipe and laterals before refilling the tank with new sand.
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Inspect and cover the standpipe
Inspecting the standpipe is an important step in changing the sand in your pool filter. The standpipe is the vertical pipe inside the filter and its purpose is to move water from between the laterals and the inlet/outlet of the filter. If there are any cracks in the standpipe, it can cause sand to enter your pool. Therefore, it is important to inspect the standpipe for any cracks or breaks and repair or replace it if necessary.
You can use a flashlight to inspect the standpipe for any breaks or cracks. If you notice any issues with the standpipe, it is recommended to repair or replace it before proceeding with the sand change.
Once you have inspected the standpipe and ensured that it is in good condition, you need to cover it to prevent sand from falling inside. You can use a sock, a sturdy plastic bag, duct tape, or a rubber plug to cover the opening of the standpipe. This will help prevent sand from clogging the filter or ending up in the pool.
Make sure to securely cover the standpipe and check that there are no gaps where sand can enter. It is important to use only the recommended amount of sand and to slowly pour it into the filter unit to avoid overflow. Once you have finished adding the sand, you can remove the cover from the standpipe and proceed with the rest of the pool filter sand change process.
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Remove and replace the sand
Sand filters are a popular and affordable way to keep your pool clean. However, the sand does need to be replaced every three to five years.
First, turn off the power to the pump motor. You should also close any valves attached to the filter to prevent water loss. If you don't have valves, disconnect the hoses from the filter and place them in the pool.
Next, open the air relief valve to release pressure in the system, allowing the water inside the filter tank to return to the pool. You can then remove the drain plug cap at the bottom of the sand filter tank to drain the remaining water.
Now, remove the top lid closure or top mount multiport valve to access the internals of the filter. If your filter has a top mount multiport valve, be careful when removing it from the standpipe. You will then be able to see the sand that needs to be removed.
Use a shop vac, or your hands or a small container, to remove the sand. It is recommended to wear gloves when coming into contact with old sand as it may contain harmful bacteria.
Once the majority of the sand has been removed, rinse the inside of the tank with water and remove any remaining debris and water. You should now be able to see the standpipe and laterals, which you should check for any cracks. If there are no cracks, put the standpipe back in, ensuring the standpipe laterals are all laid out. Cover the standpipe opening with a cup, rag, sock, sturdy plastic bag, or duct tape to prevent sand from falling inside.
Now, fill the tank with a few inches of water to protect the laterals from being damaged by the sand particles you are about to add.
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Frequently asked questions
Sand filters are low-maintenance and only need to be changed every 3-7 years. However, if you notice your filter isn't working efficiently, you may need to replace the sand.
Glass sand filter media is recommended over regular silica sand as it provides clearer water, less backwashing, and is lighter by weight. It is also compatible with magnesium pool setups.
First, turn off the pump and open the air relief valve to release pressure. Then, remove the drain plug cap at the bottom of the tank to drain the water. Next, remove the top lid closure or top mount valve to access the internals. Cover the standpipe with duct tape or a sock to prevent sand from falling inside. Use a shop vac or your hands to remove the old sand. Rinse the tank and check for cracks in the laterals. Finally, pour in the new sand slowly, being careful not to fill it above the manufacturer's designated amount.
