How To Change Your Pool Filter Sand

When was the last time you changed the sand in your pool filter? Your pool filter sand is one of those things that only gets changed every so often.  Usually, every 3 or 4 years, because of this it can be easy to forget.

Clean sand in your pool filter is a very important part of keeping your pool water at its cleanest. As time goes by, your filter can become clogged with grime and debris. This build up makes your filter equipment work harder, costing you extra electricity and wear on your pool filtration system.

How do I know if my filter sand is dirty?

Old or dirty sand in your filter can make it harder to maintain water at proper levels, and often results in murky or cloudy water and can even make people sick.  That being said sand is an excellent choice of filtration and is even used in many drinking water filtration systems. Additionally, sand is also eco friendly and inexpensive.

Important! Always use proper swimming pool filtration sand.  Using the wrong type of sand can destroy your filter cartridge.

Types of Sand

There are three main types of sand. They are silica, zeolite and glass sand.  Each one offers different benefits. If you’re not sure what you need, ask us. We’d love to help.

Changing filter sand

• Turn off the pump
• Pull drain plug to allow the filter to drain.
• Remove filter head.
• Remove sand. A wet/dry vacuum works well for this.
• Perform a visual Inspection of the area and remove any debris.
• Rinse tank.
• Reassemble and cover the interior stem and pipe.
• Fill tank halfway with water.  
• Add the fresh sand as indicated on the filter.
• Reattach filter head.
• Run system on backwash.
• Need Help?
• Changing the sand in your filter isn’t a regular chore for your pool.  If you don’t feel confident or don’t have time contact us, we’d love to do the job for you.  The best part is that you get to just relax.