As a pool owner, you’re no stranger to how important your filter system is. It keeps your pool clean, and your water clear. But every filter eventually needs to have it’s filtering material changed. In this post, we focus on sand pool filters.
[Have a cartridge filter? Check out this post to learn how to replace your pool cartridge filter]
With that said, let’s address the most common questions on the subject:
How often should I change pool filter sand?
It’s recommended to change your pool filter sand every 3 – 5 years.
How do I know if my sand filter needs replacing?
Over time, the sand in your pool filter dulls and it’s ability to capture contaminants decreases. Allowing more debris into your pool. And in some cases, you may notice clumps of sand finding it’s way into your pool. These are telltale signs that your sand filter needs replacing.
In summary, change pool filter sand when your pool is no longer staying clean.
[Want crystal clear water and squeaky clean pool? Follow these pool care tips]
So now that we’ve addressed those important questions, let’s get to the good part. How to change your pool filter sand. We’ve broken the process up into small steps, but it’s overall a fairly simple task.
How To Change Pool Filter Sand
Turn off pool pump
The very first thing to do is turn off your pool pump. This prevents unfiltered pool water from getting into the filter. It also protects your pool pump from accidental damage.
If your pump were to turn on during the process, it could run dry and break down.
[Experiencing pool pump problems? Learn how to troubleshoot your pool pump]
Drain filter | Remove drain plug
Locate the drain plug at the bottom of your sand filter. Slowly turn the plug counter-clockwise to release any pressure, then fully remove it. You’ll notice water flowing out of the unit.
Wait until all the water is out before moving to the next step.
Remove Multiport Valve
Removing your multiport valve is probably the most extensive work you’ll have to do when you change pool filter sand. So we’ve broken it down:
- Disconnect hose attached to “WASTE” line
- Unscrew “PUMP” and “RETURN” port unions
(If your ports are “permanently” plumbed, and you don not have unions you must cut the pipe. This frees the ports, and allows you to add on unions for easier changes in the future) - Remove valve flange clamp (secures multiport valve to filter)
- Gently twist multiport valve off of standpipe (careful not to damage or crack laterals at bottom)
Cover main pipe inside tank
After removing the multiport valve, you’ll notice a pipe down the middle of the filter. Cover up the opening of the pipe with some duct tape to prevent any sand from entering. If sand gets in, it can clog the laterals and damage the filter.
Remove sand
Now it’s time to get rid of the old sand.
There are a few ways you can approach this. If you happen to have a shop vac, time to let it shine. Otherwise, grab a small plastic cup.
Shop Vac: Stick hose into filter and begin slowly sucking out sand
Cup: Scoop out sand until you reach the bottom
Once you’ve removed most of the sand, you should see a bunch of small plastic PVC fittings attached to the bottom of the standpipe. These are called laterals, and they’re essential to the filtering process. Depending on their condition you may want to remove them and give them a good soak. We recommend doing so if it’s been a few years since you changed your sand. Check for any cracked or damaged laterals as well, and replace them as needed.
*Remove laterals
Begin lifting the standpipe out of the filter.As you get about halfway out, flip each lateral up so that it’s as close to touching the standpipe as possible. This makes it easier for the laterals to clear the small opening at the top of the filter.
-Soak laterals
Soak laterals in a bucket of warm water and cleaning solution to break down any hard clogs or grime.
Rinse out tank with hose
Use a garden hose to rinse out any remaining sand from inside the filter.
Reattach drain plug
With a clean and sand-free filter, it’s time to reattach the drain plug. Carefully screw the plug back in and give it a good tightening once you reach the end of the threading.
Fill tank halfway with water
Begin filling your tank up with water until you reach the halfway point. Once there, carefully replace your standpipe/laterals — making sure to keep them centered. When the pipe is back inside the filter, slowly unfold each lateral back to its original flat position.
Slowly add new sand
You’re almost done. Now it’s time to add new sand. But first, you need to know how much to add.
How much sand goes in a pool filter?
The amount of sand you’ll need is entirely dependent on the size of your pool filter. Usually, each bag of sand is around 50 pounds. Therefore, if you find out the capacity of your filter, you’ll know how many bags of sand you’ll need.
Most average sized Sand Pool Filters will need about 3 bags of sands. But if you can’t figure out how much sand you need, just fill your tank until the sand reaches about 6 inches from the opening.
Fill the tank with one bag at a time. Once you’ve added your sand, you can safely uncover the standpipe.
Reattach Multiport Valve
Replace your multiport valve, securely reattaching all unions, hoses, and clamps.
Backwash filter
Once you’ve properly reattached your multiport valve, turn your pool pump back on, and set your filter to backwash. Backwash the filter for about 2-3 minutes for that last cleaning sweep.
Run The Filter
Last, set the pump to “FILTER” and give yourself a pat on the back. You successfully learned how to change pool filter sand.
Need visual aid?
Our friends at SwimUniversity put together an excellent video that walks you through the process.
Check it out:
How To Change Pool Filter Sand | Closing thoughts
We hope this post is helpful for you. Whether your original aim was to learn how change sand in a jacuzzi pool filter, or an above ground pool filter, this quick guide will serve as an excellent resource. Of course, changing you pool filter sand does take time. Time that may be difficult to set aside. Consider hiring a pool repair service to do the job. They’ll get it done efficiently and on-time, allowing you to rest easy and enjoy your pool in no time.
[Are you a new pool owner with a lot of questions? Check out our Pool Owner Guide]
