How To Change Sand in a Pool Sand Filter

Every 5 - 7 years, you will have to replace the sand in your sand pool filters. The sand wears out. The sharp edges of the sand particles become worn and rounded and don't capture the contaminants. Also, the sand will start to ball up, or the water will create channels through the sand. You will notice that your swimming pool water is not as clean or the interval between required backwashes is shorter. This guide shows you how to replace the sand in your pool filter. Click Here to View our Available Sand Filters Click Here to View Replacement Sand Filter Parts

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Step 1

To change the sand in your pool sand filter, you must remove the Multiport Valve on top of it. If your pool filter was not installed with union connections, you must cut the piping to your pool filter. When replacing sand in pool filter this would be an excellent time to add unions.

Please Click Here to View Multiport Valves

Please Click Here to View Unions

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Step 2

Before changing the sand in your pool sand filters, purchase any material or equipment you will need beforehand. This might include sand, the O-ring between the valve and the tank, Teflon tape, lubricant, and unions; for the sand, use only high rate No. 20 Silica Sand. An example is pictured on the left. Check the manufacturer to determine the amount required. This unit (Hayward S180T) uses 3 50 lb bags of sand - 150 lbs total.

Choosing the right type of filter sand (#20 silica sand), specifically pool filter sand, is crucial for optimal filtration efficiency. Pool filter sand is designed to filter out debris as small as 20-40 microns and should be replaced every 5-8 years to maintain its filtration capability. You can also purchase our superior to sand, Sand Alternative.

Please Click Here to View ZeoSand Alternativet

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Step 3

Before you start to change the sand, make sure you turn off the pool pump. For maximum safety, please turn off the power at the circuit breaker and turn it off at the pump.

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Step 4

Release the pressure in the filter tank by turning the drain cap at the bottom of the tank a half a turn counter-clockwise. Then, remove the cap to drain the water out of the tank.

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Step 5

Disconnect the waste hose attached to the "WASTE" line from the Multiport Valve.

Please Click Here to View the Backwash Hose

Please Click Here to View Hose Clamps

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Step 6

To remove theMultiport Valve:

1. Unscrew unions that connect the piping to the "PUMP" and "RETURN" ports.
2. If your filter does not have unions, cut the piping that connects these two ports.
3. Leave enough room to attach unions later and stagger the cuts so that one union will not be installed on top of the other.

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Step 7

Next, remove the Multiport Valve flange clamp that holds the filter onto the tank. Screw off both bolts to separate the clamp. Keep track of the vinyl protector caps that are placed over the ends of the screws.

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Step 8

With a gentle twisting motion, lift the valve off the pipe inside the tank. If you pull too fast or hard, you risk breaking the lateral pipes at the bottom of the tank.

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Step 9

Tape the top of the pipe to prevent sand from entering and clogging the laterals.

Please Click Here to View Multiport Valves

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Step 10

Remove sand carefully with a plastic cup until you can see the tops of the laterals at the bottom of the tank. If you have a wet and dry shop vac, it might be an easier and faster option to remove your sand.

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Step 11

Pull the pipe and lateral assembly out of the rest of the sand. Then, before you pull the assembly out of the tank, carefully rotate the ten laterals up to the side of the pipe so that they will clear the hole.

Note: The number of laterals varies according to the make, model, and size of the pool sand filter.

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Step 12

Lift the pipe and lateral assembly out of the tank.

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Step 13

Check each of the laterals for breaks and replace them as necessary. If the laterals are badly clogged, you should soak them in a bucket of cleaning solution.

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Step 14

Wash out the tank with a garden hose.

Click Here to View our Available Sand Filters

Click Here to View Replacement Sand Filter Parts

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Step 15

Check the drain cap for cracks and replace it securely.

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Step 16

Fill the tank about 1/2 with water to provide a cushion when the pool sand is poured in; this will help protect the laterals.

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Step 17

Next, you will install the pipe and lateral assembly inside the tank. Make sure the ten laterals are rotated up. Place the pipe and lateral assembly inside the tank.

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Step 18

After the lateral assembly is inside, carefully rotate the ten laterals 90 degrees in their down position.

Please Click Here to View Multiport Valves

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Step 19

Ensure the pipe is centered in the opening; tape the top to prevent sand from entering and clogging the laterals.

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Step 20

The pool sand filter package came with a cardboard sand shield. If you still have this shield, place it over the pipe and within the opening. If not, you must ensure the pipe remains centered when loading in the filter sand.

It's crucial to use the correct type of sand for pool sand filters to ensure effective filtration and avoid damage to the system.

Note: Before you fill the tank with sand, line the tank up with the piping and do a trial install so you don’t have to move the weight of a 300 pound tank into place.

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Step 21

Pour sand carefully into the pool sand filter until the laterals are fully covered. This step is crucial not only for the physical setup but also for ensuring the pool filter efficiently removes other contaminants such as suntan lotion, cosmetics, oils, dirt, algae, and dead bugs from the pool water. The rough texture of the filter sand plays a key role in trapping these impurities, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the pool. For this unit, three bags should leave at least 6” space between the sand’s top and the filter’s top.

It's important to use the correct type of sand for the pool filter, as this significantly impacts its ability to filter out contaminants and maintain optimal filtration capability. Level the filter sand as you pour, and make sure the center pipe remains centered in the opening. Be careful when leveling the sand so you do not lift the pipe and laterally assemble it off the bottom of the tank. You cannot push the pipe back down without causing the laterals to rotate up.

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Step 22

Remove the O-ring on the bottom of the Multiport valve and check it for wear. Since you only do this every 5-7 years, replacing this O-ring is a good idea now. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with a silicone lubricant and place it on the underside of the valve.

Please Click Here to View Magic Lube O-Ring Lubricant

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Step 23

Remove the tape from the top of the pipe. Slip the Multiport control valve onto the central pipe - check the O-ring to ensure it is positioned correctly.

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Step 24

Install clamp around the tank and valve flange. Tighten the multiport valve flange clamp with a screwdriver. Tap around the clamp with the screwdriver handle as you are tightening the clamp to help seat the clamp properly. Place vinyl protector caps over the ends of the screws.

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Step 25

Reconnect the two unions to the "PUMP" and "RETURN" ports. If you did not have unions, add unions now or glue the pipes together with straight couplers.

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Step 26

With the pump OFF, fully depress the multiport valve handle and turn it to the "BACKWASH" position. Ensure the waste line is rolled out to where you want to dump the pool waste water.

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Step 27

Prime and turn ON the pool pump. Ensure you have at least one suction and all discharge lines open.

Please Click Here to View Diverter Valves

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Step 28

Run the pool pump for 2 minutes after a steady water flow out of the waste line (after the pump is fully primed); this will flush all the impurities or fine sand particles out of the sand media. This step is crucial in ensuring your pool water remains crystal clear and clean, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and the use of pool filter sand to optimally filter the pool water.

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Step 29

Turn the pool pump OFF and turn the valve handle to "RINSE."

Click Here to View our Available Sand Filters

Click Here to View Replacement Sand Filter Parts 
 

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Step 30

Turn the pump back ON and run until the water in the sight glass is clear; take no more than 1 minute.

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Step 31

Turn the pool pump OFF and turn the valve handle to "FILTER."

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Step 32

Turn the pool pump ON.

Note: check and record your filter's PSI reading. The initial water pressure reading will be used to inform us when to backwash your filter.

Please Click Here to View Pressure Gauges

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