Introduction
Generally, the pool needs replacement after some time. The reasons behind changing the sand are of different types. But the duration, quality, and condition matter a lot. The old sand lost its smoothness and gave no productive results.
It also causes various difficulties in maintaining the pool's health. Therefore you must know about the duration and the process of how you could change the sand in your pool sand filter.
How sand filters work
Sand filter is an all-purpose cleaner that helps clean out the suspended matter, human waste, bacteria, germs, and other contamination easily. The role of sand in keeping your pool water cleaning and menufacturig is vital.
Therefore it is necessary to maintain the health of the sand. Because when the contaminated water enters the filter tank, the sand catches all the pollutants and makes the water crystal clear for further use.
The excess use of sand also leads to disturbance in pool functioning. So it is necessary to replace the sand every 3 to 5 years and use the right amount of sand by using sand pool calculator. The sand particles are composed of rough edges, and their selection is important because the sand filtration system comprises multiple layers of sand.
Gravitational pressure
The gravitation pressure is essential in pushing the contaminated water into it. It is a suitable processing facility that reproduces high-quality water and is odorless. Therefore, using sand filters is quite important for further cleanliness and water hygiene.
Best indication to change water
The pool water is the best indication to change the water. It shows various symptoms that need proper attention. It is understood that the sand filter system has a lifespan in which the sand needs proper replacement, maintenance, and washing.
During this period, the sand itself shows various signs, which includes:
- Water pressure
- Low water flow
- Cloudy water
- Dirty pool water
- Overfilling sand
1. Water pressure
Pressure plays an essential role in the cleanliness of pool water. If the pressure weakens, it creates difficulties and has a bad impact on the quality of water. It needs moderate pressure to wash out the raw material from the pool water.
If the filter pressure is high, it just flows out the sand particles and creates more dirt in the pool. So the high water pressure in the pool filter is the best sign to replace your pool's sand.
2. Low water flow
Low water flow is one indication that tells you to replace the sand immediately. The low water is caused due to some reasons in which the clogged debris in the filter basket and the pump pressure itself.
The dirty basket slows the filter system to function fully at the prime level. Therefore the sand loses its capacity to filter out the contamination and gives you a sign to change the sand in the sand filter.
3. Cloudy water
Cloudy water can be seen visually, which is the most common reason that reminds you to replace the sand. It happens because of the poor performance of sand filtration. When the raw water passes into the filter and returns without purification, it generally makes the water cloudy and dirty.
Because the filter stops working and passes the water with full contamination, it is noticed that the proper care of your pool improves the filter functioning and increases the water quality.
4. Dirty pool water
The dirty pool water is a warning to replace the sand. Because due to the improper filtration system, the sand unclean the impurities that result in algae or other pollutant growth. The excessive growth of algae becomes the cause of motor failure.
So this symptom identifies the presence of chemicals and dirt in pool water. It also helps you to replace the sand at a suitable time.
5. Overfilling sand
Using a proper amount of sand is necessary to function the filter system properly. Overfilling sand results in the breakage of laterals, multiport valves, and seals. The high level of sand flows the sand level in the filter pipe, which results in clog and blockage.
It also stops the backwashing process's proper functioning and needs sand replacement in the pool sand filter.
How to replace the sand in your pool filter?
When you identify the need to replace the sand in the filter system, it is quite easy to change the old one and add the new one without professional assistance. Some of the descriptive or easy to do steps are as follows:
- First of all, switch off the filter pump.
- Use the right equipment to open the filter tank.
- Open the O-ring of the tank.
- Remove the multiport valve of the tank.
- Release the pressure and drain out the water.
- Disconnect the filter pipes.
- Emptying the old sand with the help of a vacuum.
- Pull out the filter fingers or filter laterals.
- Check the drain cap keenly. If it has cracks, replace it with a new one.
- Wash the whole tank with water.
- Fill all the cracks and cleanse them out clearly.
- Add the new sand matching with the filter system.
- Do not overfill the sand tank.
- Place the O-ring again.
- Put the multiport valve on the sand tank and join the filter pipe's end connections.
- Switch on the pump.
- Turns the backwashing mode.
- Set the filter mode through a multiport valve and get crystal-clear pool water.
Factors that can affect the lifespan of the sand
Do not rush to frequently change the sand in the filter system. First, examine the real condition of the pool and determine all factors that cause damage to sand. Some factors that have a bad impact on the lifespan of the sand are discussed below. These are:
- Water chemistry
- Excessive use of filter system
1. Water chemistry
A large amount of chlorine in the water is effective for the pool functioning. It hardens the water properties and never distills impurities. It puts more pressure on the filter system to turn the clear water back.
More pressure means more involvement of sand. Therefore it is the major cause that decreases the life of sand and makes it nonfunctional.
2. Excessive use of filter system
Excessive use of the filter system creates an adverse effect on the lifespan of the sand. The repetitive usage of sand also turns out the air pressure in the tank. It also lessens the sand quality and creates problems during filtration.
So try to make a schedule for using the filter system more appropriately and prevent your sand from getting old and malfunctioning.
How can you prolong the life of sand for your pool filter?
Generally, the regular maintenance of the pool filter extends its lifespan. The proper backwashing, the right type of sand, and cleaning prolong the sand's life and the filter system.
The daily check on the condition of the pool and water quality also increases the quality. Use the sand filter according to the recommendations and at least once daily.
Conclusion
The filtration system makes your life easy by eliminating contamination and all types of bacteria. But the main thing is to fully know about the system that also includes the replacement of sand at its appropriate time.
Because when you never replace the sand, it has a bad impact on the pool's overall health. Various reasons are mentioned above that will help you to know about the consequences of not changing the sand.
So follow the filter system appropriately and change the sand according to the instructions almost every 3 to 5 years. These precautions increase the lifespan of your sand, which is truly a good thing for long time usage of the filter system.
Try to replace the sand by following the step by step instructions. It benefits you to clean the pool water all season without manual cleaning. This guide is a reward that helps you solve your pool problem and easily change the sand in your pool filter.