You can reuse the filter sand if it's still in good shape. Generally, pool filter sand lasts about 5-7 years before it wears out and needs to be replaced (except for very small filters used on aboveground pools, which usually need new sand much sooner.
If you've noticed that the backwashing cycles have become shorter, then you should check to see if the sand filter is dirty or greasy. If the filter is dirty or greasy, then don't be surprised if it takes on the appearance of sandy lard. When this happens, the water doesn't flow through the sand filter media.
On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.
Sand Filter Cleaning
Sand filter sand can last five to seven years, but more than likely, you will replace it every three years or so. Baquacil users may find that they need to replace the sand every year because it tends to coagulate the waste in the tank.
If the size of the sand grains in the sand tank is too small, then the sand can escape through the laterals and get into the pool or come out of the backwash hose during backwashing or rinsing. When filling up a sand filter, it's important to only use pool sand, as this sand is graded and is the correct size.
Pool filter sand should not be reused because the roughness of the particles that is used to catch unwanted bacteria, contaminates, and debris will be too worn down to be effective. Reused pool filter sand can result in severe contamination of your pool and is not worth the risk.
Any of the valves on the filter system can fail at any time, which can lead to a bad sand filter. These valves are the multiports that are located on the top or side of the filter system. However, the most common cause of valve failure is when the gaskets inside the sand tank fail.
Ask for enough to create at least a 2-inch thick layer of sand across the entire area of your pool site, though if you end up with 6-inches or more this is totally fine. Once it's been delivered, use a rake to spread the sand evenly, then give everything a good water, and leave it to dry.
Place a cinder block inside the foundation area where each pool post will be resting and layer the inside of the boarded foundation with pea gravel, and then sand. Make sure the sand and cinder blocks are flushed with each other, and then rake another layer of pea gravel over the entire area.
Changing the pool filter sand is a bit of a pain, especially in the back region, but a bag of pool filter sand costs around R90 at your local Builders Warehouse, and you should only need two bags for most pool filters.
How Often Should You Backwash a Pool Sand Filter? As a general rule of thumb, you should backwash and rinse your filter about once a fortnight. The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash once a week.
Finding sand in your pool means one or more parts of your sand filter have broken, and the filter is no longer functioning the way it should.
Add diatomaceous earth (DE) to your pool skimmer, stick to around a scoop or two – no more than the size of a 1lb coffee cup. The moment you do this, go to the pool jets to see if it is returning DE into the pool, or if the water suddenly looks cloudy. If it is, you likely have an issue with your filter.
Check to see if there is dirt or debris returning to your pool or during a pool vacuum. If there is, this can be a sign you have a broken lateral. Laterals are plastic parts at the bottom of the sand filter, with slits so small that it keeps out sand grains, until it cracks that is.
Sand filters often do not filter 100% of algae. The more times a pool is shocked once you have algae, the smaller the particles get. Ideally, turning off the pump for a day will drop all the algae to the bottom and then you vacuum to waste.
There are two ways to clean your sand filter: through backwashing, or deep cleaning. Backwashing involves reversing the flow of water through your filter to flush it out, and is the most common method. It should be done fairly regularly (usually weekly) according to your maintenance schedule.
Power washing or using a high pressure hose is an option that homeowners can use to remove sand from graveled areas. Often, however, the sand will be washed into the gravel, leaving behind a layer of dirt that weeds love. A better solution is to sift the gravel and physically remove all the sand.
After air and water, sand is our most used natural resource. We use it even more than oil. It's used to make food, wine, toothpaste, glass, computer chips, breast implants, cosmetics, paper, paint, plastics.