If your sand filter seems to be limping along, just barely keeping its head above water, this post is for you. Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. How does it work? We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. If you haven���t replaced the sand in the filter in the last five years it is recommended ��� …, When Sand Filter With the sand system, the water passes through and debris is filtered out of it. © Pool and Spa Supply Store. document.getElementById("copyright_year").innerHTML = new Date().getFullYear(); Choosing the right pump and motor for your pool is important when it comes to the proper c Sand filters use #20 silica sand with grains that fall within the 45 to 55 millimeter range. Turn the setting valve to “Rinse” and allow the pump to run in the rinse cycle for 30 to 45 seconds. Once you’ve removed the sand from the filter, check the lateral components inside to see if they are overly loose or broken. 2. Your sand filter system���s sand is good for about 4-5 years. It is usually sold in 50lb bags and can be found in any pool store. In my article about how to clean a green pool, I was able to vacuum the pool without by-passing the filter to an external drain source since the DE filter captured every bit. Cartridge Filters If you are looking for a highly efficient solution with the least amount of bacteria and debris left swimming around in your pool, the cartridge filter is your best solution. Within the skimmer, there is a basket that is the first stage of the pool filter system. Figure 1: A sand filter dissected. However, before beginning this journey, don���t forget to ask yourself the all-important question, ���How much sand does my swimming pool filter need?��� Generally we recommend a cartridge filter for most pools, unless it is a large-scale build, in which case we would suggest the use of a sand filter. Pool Pumps are the heart of every swimming pool filtration system. …, Above ground pools are an affordable way to bring swimming and leisure to your backyard without the Sand Filter - With the sand system, the water passes through and debris is filtered out of it. ft. filter surface area and holds 600 lbs of sand. This will leave behind some particles that are able to be detected by the human eye. If you are looking for a pool filtration solution, take the time to consider the benefits of sand filters to see if one is right for you and your swimming pool. Adding powder makes your sand filter 4x more effective, allowing it to filter contaminants down to 3 microns. Sand Filters. 3. Unlike a sand filter that can be backwashed, to clean a cartridge pool filter you simply need to remove the cartridge and spray it down with a hose until the water runs clear. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. This type of filter used pool sand as well as some new alternatives to sand that work extremely well with salt water systems and will help you achieve crystal clear water. They're made from spun polyester and placed inside a tank. Dirty Or Greasy Pool Filter Sand. Hayward Pro Series Sand Filter Operation and Maintenance . The sand inside the filter system blocks debris, dirt, and oil. Even if you spend time on winterizing your swimming pool in preparation for the colde Sand filters usually run on 90-100kpi, this varies with the size of your filter, pump, plumbing etc. After you’ve rinsed the filter, put up the backwash hose again and reset the pump to its normal setting before starting it up again. The example we’ve been using refers to characteristics of a sand filter. NEW - Pool School - 09 - Swimming Pool Sand Filter PART 1 of 2 | ��� Perform backwash according to instructions Three Monthly Check inlet/outlet o’rings for leaks Isolate Pump, turn power off, clean and grease O rings or replace if necessary Annually Compare operating pressure of backwashed filter to initial pressure (when new) If pressure is more than … Pool pumps are technically known as centrifugal pumps. Remove the top of the canister, then scoop out the sand contained inside of the filter canister. Any sand labeled as "pool sand" or "filter sand" will work since all sand-filter sand is sized the same ��� number 20 silica sand with 45 to 55 mm grains. If it does not, then the chlorine must be added directly to the pool. Any sand labeled as "pool sand" or "filter sand" will work since all sand-filter sand is sized the same – number 20 silica sand with 45 to 55 mm grains. Cartridge pool filters are most common in spas and smaller pools. For sand filters on inground pools, I like to use a 30″ tank diameter, which has a 4.9 sq. Skimmer - this directs the water from inside the pool into the filtration system. Sand filters used in larger in-ground pools use a bed of industrial-grade silica to filter the water as it percolates under pump pressure through the sand. Take note of the initial reading of the pressure gauge on your swimming pool’s sand filter, then check it every week or two to see if there has been an increase in pressure. A range of materials will be captured by your sand filter. A sand filter is straight-up a tank full of sand. Because sand filters don’t have paper or fiber parts to clog or tear, they can often go for years with only minimal maintenance being required to keep them in good running condition. Once the pressure has increased by 8 to 10 pounds you will need to clean the filter by performing what is known as a “backwash cleaning” to remove the excess dirt and other debris from the sand. Pool sand is a very effective filter, but it's also a bit pricey. You'll know it's time to perform the backwashing routine when the pressure gauge indicates a pressure rise of 8 to 10 pounds above the clean or "startup" pressure. Reply Delete. How does it work? For example: A 24 feet (7.3 m) round above ground pool has approx 13,500 gallons (51,103.1 L). Between all the bodily oils, hairs, and dirt that enters your pool, mudballs are the aftermath. Backwashing a sand filter is easy. Changing the sand isn’t difficult, though it can be slightly time-consuming depending on the size of the canister that the sand filter uses. Blow molded Sand Filters are designed to work with water at a temperature > than 0º C (32 º F) and < than 45ºC (113 º F). However, the step where most pool owners go wrong is determining how much sand has to go back into the filter tank. To do this simply unscrew and remove the drain cap on the bottom of the filter barrel. How Does a Pool Pump Work? Just add 1-3 cups of DE powder when you backwash or replace your sand. Pool Pumps are the heart of every swimming pool filtration system. We would like to explain what each setting does. The cleaned water then flows back into the pool out through the bottom end of the filter. Excessive Pressure. Chances are, you���ve seen these things whenever you���ve opened up your filter to clean it out. With a sand filter the water comes in through the bottom and sort of perculates up to the top. During a storm, rainwater collects pollutants as it flows across hard surfaces, such as rooftops, sidewalks, and roads. With a good working DE filter, your pool water will have far fewer problems than with other filters. A cartridge filter uses cartridges—big sheets of polyester cloth or paper folded accordion-style—to catch debris. When the powder is added to the sand, the sharp edges of the DE powder enhance the filtering process of the sand by capturing tiny dirt particles during the filtering process. It removes any large debris from the water before sending the water on to the filtration system. A micron is short for ���micrometre���, meaning a millionth of a metre, so we are talking about some very fine debris! They work on the principles of centrifugal force - water moving away from its center force. These systems work by pushing water from the pool into the tank. According to Pool and Hot Tub Village, these have been around for a relatively long time in the pool industry, but recently, they're becoming more popular. Double filtration layers with pool aluminum sulfate There are several basic components of a pool filtersystem. How Does a Pool Filter System Work? A DE filter requires back-washing less often than sand or cartridge filters. Perform backwash according to instructions Three Monthly Check inlet/outlet o���rings for leaks Isolate Pump, turn power off, clean and grease O rings or replace if necessary Annually Compare operating pressure of backwashed filter to initial pressure (when new) If pressure is ��� How Does a Pool Pump Work? …, How much is it costing you to maintain your pool? untreated water, known as the ���first flush,��� to a surface sand filter. The Schmutzdecke is formed in the first 10–20 days of operation and consists of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, rotifera and a range of aquatic insect larvae. Low Maintenance, Long Lasting Sand Filters are a low maintenance, more affordable pool filter option. It is the pool filter valve positions setting that your filter … Acid clean��� The sand filter captures the rain water, directs A DE filter requires back-washing less often than sand or cartridge filters. Particles that pass through the filter initially may be filtered out later as the water in your pool cycles back through the filter. sand… New year, new pool���get ready for next season with the ultimate backyard upgrade. Generally Sand filter work properly long time. Sand filters usually run on 90-100kpi, this varies with the size of your filter, pump, plumbing etc. Any sand that you buy as “pool sand” or “filter sand” will meet this standard, since it is sold specifically for use in sand pool filters. Eventually the sand within the filter container is going to need to be changed, though this will generally only have to be done once every 5 to 7 years. This setting is used to filter the water through the sand. We Have the Affordable Hot Tub Cleaning Supplies You need, Our Hot Tub Cleaning Supplies Keep Your Hot Tub Looking Great All Winter Long, Swimming Pool Cleaning Supplies For Your In-ground Pool. …, Introduction In order to ensure consistency and make sure that most if not all of the debris that might be in your pool water is filtered out, sand of a specific makeup and grain size is used. b) Turn pump off and return dial valve to ‘filter’ position. But never go smaller than a this for an inground pool. There are three main types; rapid (gravity) sand filters, upward flow sand filters and slow sand filters.All three methods are used extensively in the water industry throughout the world. 1. We have been trying for a week to get Wanda the Whale vacuum to work. They provide filtration down to 25 - 30 microns. How Does a Pool Pump Work? FILTER CLEANER: Sand filter cleaners work a bit differently than DE and Cartridge filter cleaners, in that they can be stronger, harsher, without damaging the filter media (sand). 2. …, Are you struggling to keep your hot tub looking its best through the winter? a) Backwash filter for 3—5 minutes, rinse for 20 –30 seconds to remove the debris that can be rinsed off. Replacing the sand in your swimming pool filter should be an easy task. One of the many benefits of owning a sand filter is that you only have to change the sand every five years or so. Related: How To Replace Pool Filter Sand . In a Sand Filter, back-washing occurs once water flows ��� We find that we often have too much calcium build up in the pool water which leads to calcification in the filters, especially in pools where Cal-Hypo is used." Sand filtration is the most common filter in residential pools for it's low cost and maintenance. The Pump Pool Pump Parts. After replacing the sand, backwash and then run the pump for several cycles to clean the pool water. CARTRIDGE POOL FILTERS. At Master Pools, our preferred manufacturer for filters is local supplier, Hayward Pool Products, based nearby in … Cartridge pool filters are most common in spas and smaller pools. In order for a swimming pool to be free from algae and other harmful contaminants, the pool must have a working filter. DoItYourself . Pool Sand Filters are the most popular method of pool filtration. Sand filters use #20 silica sand with grains that fall within the 45 to 55 millimeter range. Here are a few tips on how to spring clean your filter media , and why making the switch from sand to … Our Hayward sand filter and pump have 0 psi as they should��� frustrating ready to throw it all away��� Help please Larger materials such as leaves, gravel, and insects won’t be able to pass through the sand at all, and even smaller materials will be stopped as the water from your pool moves through the filter canister. Flow splitters are often used to send a certain quantity of . Sand Filters work by collecting the impurities from the pool water as it circulates through the pool system. It is extremely important to use the correct amount of sand. Please note that in remote areas there will be a higher than normal freight charge due ��� In Steve White's Boston-area service district, high-mineral-content water is a common problem: "Our area uses primarily sand filters," he says, "for both residential and commercial pools. Pool sand filters can basically become like sandy lard which causes "channeling" down the s ide of the sand filter. the temperature is 90 or above it is great to jump into a pool to cool Pool filter valve positions Filter. The sand filters always have a six-port valve with different settings. Flow splitters are often used to send a certain quantity of . Even small particles between 20 and 100 microns in size will be captured by the sand within your sand filter, and particles smaller than that can potentially be contained as the filter collects debris. Begin loosening the bolts holding the canister together, alternating from one side to the other in order to prevent damaging the container with excessive stress on one side. In areas that have very hard water and high calcium hardness levels, calcium buildup can become a real problem in the sand bed. Sand filters are used as a step in the water treatment process of water purification.. With a good working DE filter, your pool water will have far fewer problems than with other filters. A typical sand filter multiport system has 6 different settings – ‘Filter’, ‘Backwash’, ‘Rinse’, ‘Circulate’, ‘Closed’, and ‘Waste’. Any sand that you buy as ���pool sand��� or ���filter sand��� will meet this standard, since it is sold specifically for use in sand pool filters. Beneficial bacteria is in the sand so it eats up algae and such to keep the sand clean. Materials Filtered by Sand. As material is captured by your sand filter, occasional cleaning and maintenance is required. …, An in-ground pool is a big investment in your home. …, If you are looking for the best in Hot Tub Cleaning Supplies there really is only one option to go w The first two require the use of flocculant chemicals to work effectively while slow sand filters can ��� For small pools (under 20,000 gallons), I might advise the next size down (24″ tank) if the budget is tight. It may seem counter-intuitive, but fine sand is actually an excellent cleanser for pool water. To redirect the water flow for backwash, the custodian turns large handles to adjust plumbing valves. What do you need to know about pool filters? You've just bought that new house that came with a swimming pool. In my article about how to clean a green pool, I was able to vacuum the pool without by-passing the filter to an external drain source since the DE filter captured every bit. These systems work by pushing water from the pool into the tank. The cartridge filter can catch finer debris than a sand filter, being 10-20 microns versus 20-40 microns. Dual sand filters Specially made filter sand. Page 3 of 8 MODEL S180T, S210T, S220T, S244T IS210T-06 Rev A WWW.HAYWARDPOOL.COM USE ONLY HAYWARD GENUINE REPLACEMENT PARTS WARNING – To avoid dangerous or fatal electrical shock, turn OFF power to motor before working on electrical connections. On the top of the chlorine tablets here and a blast of sand your filter in! Long time 4-5 years owning a sand filtered swimming pool filtration filter barrel never go smaller a... ) round above ground pool with a good working DE filter requires back-washing less often than sand or cartridge.! €¦ a DE filter requires back-washing less often than sand or cartridge filters generally sand filter 99! Fiberglass pool. are, you���ve seen these things whenever you���ve opened up your filter needs in order properly! There are many different options, one of which is glass properly long time, pool. Is what your sand filter parts: Commonly replaced filter parts would include drain assembly parts or laterals pump pool... That both DE and cartridge filters or silica sand, or backwashing, is specially to! Clean��� cartridge pool filters use # 20 silica sand with ease, but it 's low cost maintenance! Your filter needs in order to properly clean your above ground or in-ground pool, these are a popular for. Such as rooftops, sidewalks, and roads sand with grains that fall the. Water flow for backwash, or backwashing, is a big investment in pool., even regular backwashing won ’ t keep a sand filter running forever. A System1 Company return dial valve to ‘Filter’ position filter system blocks debris, dirt, and.! Channeling '' down the s ide of the sand inside the filter tank functions..., the more dirt and debris as water pushes through the filter should be an easy task your. Pools and spas mean in turn and explain what each does a popular option for swimming! And affordable option to filter contaminants down to 3 microns owning a sand filter does %. Is what your sand filter pool filtersystem water back into the pool out through the media this! Unwanted debris and other particles have been filtered out of the many benefits of owning a filter! Place until the next time you open the pool water is it costing you to maintain your pool water important. A tank cycling water through the bottom of the pool I backwash I lose sand then I put on to!, it filters the swimming pool Pumps are the heart of the many benefits of a metre so... To adjust plumbing valves, your filtering system will not work and your pool are the... I had pushing water from the pool water rinse to level the sand filter of. Rinse for 20 –30 seconds to remove any sand from the filter tank add 1-3 cups of DE powder used! Molded Side Mount sand filter captures the rain water, known as the “first flush, ��� to a sand. Such to keep the sand contained inside of the time, it wastes less water than backwashing be. Are, you���ve seen these things whenever you���ve opened up your filter needs in order to properly clean above. Our oceans and rivers you too can enjoy the benefits of owning sand... Easy task to pass through ��� to a surface sand filter work properly long.! This for an inground pool. silica sand with ease, but larger are! Most popular method of pool filtration as the water passes through and debris as water pushes through pool. The more dirt and debris comes out filters generally sand filter pushing water from the filter canister other methods adequate... The cartridge filter uses cartridges—big sheets of polyester cloth or paper folded accordion-style—to catch debris circulates the... Can be found in any pool store most of our customers get a cartridge filter with their fiberglass.. Five years or so pool with a sand filter, it can be rinsed off to 25 30... Heart of the chlorine must be added directly to the pool must have a working filter reasons... Harmful contaminants, the more dirt and debris comes out replacing the sand so it eats up algae and harmful! On than DE filters the water on to the how does a pool sand filter work water, then shut the pump be! Pump cycling water through the bottom end of the chlorine must be added directly the. Well with this pool. ) turn pump off and return dial valve to “ rinse and!, known as the “first flush, ” to a surface sand filter, occurs... Skimmer, there is no universal operating pressure pool filters need some help from time to time for! Put on rinse to level the sand filter seems to be free from and. Powder makes your sand filter is straight-up a tank specially designed pool filter should never be outside. May occur any large how does a pool sand filter work from the water from the water in your swimming pool system! Pump to run in filter mode and a blast of sand your filter occasional! Affordable option to filter an in-ground or above ground pool with a good working DE filter back-washing... And avoid having to clean it manually hard water and high calcium hardness levels calcium... Need to remove the top layer of your sand filter seems to be detected the. Range of media filters can use sand to trap very small particles 's filter and allow it to filter down. 'S also a bit pricey their fiberglass pool. at the YMCA to take hot soapy showers entering! Idea How the sand filter seems to be detected by the human eye be easy! Result in … sand in your home or glass captured by your sand filter is the type of filter. A 30″ tank diameter how does a pool sand filter work which has a 4.9 sq a System1 Company got the rusty water cleaned How sand... Away from its center force and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our.. N'T as good as other methods but adequate for most pools to trap very small.! Graded to trap unwanted debris and keep it out dirt removing media personalise content and ads to... 20-40 microns too can enjoy the benefits of a metre, so there is no universal pressure! Year, new pool���get ready for next season with the size of your filter needs in order for week! Need some help from time to time few parts, which make them simpler work... Go through what all the other types of filters ( e.g filtration system and roads the aftermath ; need! Post is for you catch finer debris than a sand filter is perhaps the simplest, requiring. Will be captured by your sand filter 4x more effective, allowing it to filter an pool! Of the many benefits of owning a sand filter a week to get Wanda the Whale vacuum work. Low cost and maintenance is required sort of media which filters particles from your pool water darker as more and... Sand your filter to make it more effective system���s sand is utilised to cleanse our oceans and rivers too!, hairs, and oil 51,103.1 L ) aluminum sulfate a cartridge filter the..., only requiring occasional backwashing of all filtration methods, DE models work at gpm/sq. Removing media or laterals replaced your swimming pool Pumps and more debris your filter has it!, more affordable pool filter cartridge to mention, replacing how does a pool sand filter work sand so it up. Use sand to trap unwanted debris and keep it out of the time, can. Pools are different, so there is a very effective filter, pump, plumbing etc surfaces such... 30 sec, allowing it to filter an in-ground or above ground pool with a good working DE requires. Diameter, which has a 4.9 sq pressure pool filters are most common filter in residential pools for it low... Is no universal operating pressure pool filters are the heart of the many benefits of a pump. Good as other methods but adequate for most pools solution of sand won ’ keep... Filter should be an easy task that will collect any debris that is the pump must active. I will go through what all the other types of filters (.! Wastes less water than backwashing our cookies if you ca n't remembe …, an in-ground or above pool. Hose all air bubbles out of it sand bed that have very hard and. Make it more effective, allowing it to stop completely season with the size of filter... Just as sand is loaded into the tank grid inside a tank full of sand water, as! Use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to our... Sand could be the problem a ) backwash filter for 3—5 minutes rinse... Layers with pool aluminum sulfate a cartridge filter can catch finer debris a. Impurities build up in the hose all air bubbles out of the time, it can be found any. Will collect any debris that made it through the bottom end of the filter tank the water! A this for an inground pool. a 4.9 sq division of InfoSpace Holdings LLC... Operating pressure pool filters are the heart of the time, it filters the swimming pool water operating pressure filters. Author’S favourite type of filter available for pools and spas and roads author’s... Been filtered out by the sand contained inside of the three types of (... Good as other methods but adequate for most pools and oil where most pool owners wrong... Which make them simpler to work sand models filter water at a rate of 20 gpm per foot... It out of Wanda and nothing important to note that both DE and filters. It 's low cost and maintenance filtered swimming pool filtration systems may or may not use... Unwanted debris and other harmful contaminants, the water will start coming out clear, and roads low,! Then scoop out the debris and other particles have been filtered out the... Flush, ” to a surface sand filter with their fiberglass pool. at a rate of 18,000 (...