How to Change your Filter Sand

Everyone wants their pool to look and feel as clean as possible. For this reason, you should ensure your sand filter is changed when needed.

The more the filter is used the more the sand particles get worn and broken down. If the sand particles aren’t large or jagged enough it will allow debris to pass through – exactly what you don’t want!

Sand should be changed or replaced every 2-4 years to keep your pool water sparkling clean. We know this is all easier said than done. To help you through the process here is a basic list of steps for changing your sand filter:

1. Shut off power to the pool for added safety
2. Remove the drain cap from the filter and allow all the water to filter out
3. Remove (unscrew) the piping connected to the multiport valve by hand
4. Loosen the screws holding the multiport value to the filter. Carefully twist and lift the valve off the filter (don’t use too much force – don’t want anything breaking!)
5. Place some tape over the standpipe to prevent sand or debris from getting in and use a shop vac to remove all the used sand
6. Carefully remove the standpipe and laterals from the filter. Inspect them for cracks or damage and give them a thorough (yet gentle) cleaning
7. Once clean, put the standpipe and laterals back into the filter and secure them back into their place
8. Fill the filter half-full of water, then pour the new sand into the filter until you reach the tanks recommended capacity
9. Remove the tape from the standpipe and reattach the multiport valve
10. Reattach the piping to the multiport valve
11. Set the handle on the valve to ‘backwash’ before turning the pool pump back on
12. Restore power to the pool
13. Prime the pump, and turn it on for two minutes to flush out any impurities from the sand
14. Turn the pool pump off, set it to ‘rinse’ and watch through the sight glass in the multiport valve until the water in the sight glass has turned clear
15. Turn the pool pump off one more time, set the handle to ‘filter’, turn the pump back on and you’re ready to go!