How to Clean & Change a sand filter

How to Change the Filter Media

Sand should be changed in the filter every 3-5 years.  However, if the sand is not cleaned once per season the sand may need to be changed much more often than that.

  • 1 Turn off the pump.
  • 2 Take the drain plug off the bottom of the filter.
    If you remove the drain plug the night before it will allow the sand to dry making removal easier.
  • 3 Remove the clamp or bolts holding the filter head to the filter body.
  • 4 Scoop or shop vac the old media out of the filter.
  • 5 Once the media is out of the filter, remove the standpipe assembly, clean it and inspect it for any cracks or other damages.
  • 6 If everything looks fine, put the standpipe assembly back in the filter.
  • 7 Inspect the gasket on the drain plug to be sure it doesn’t need replacing and put the drain plug back on the bottom of the filter.
  • 8 Add water to the filter until the laterals are covered.
    This will prevent damage to the laterals once the sand is added to the filter.
  • 9 Cover the standpipe opening with duct tape to ensure that no sand gets into the standpipe.
    If sand gets into the standpipe, it will end up in the pool.
    Ensure the standpipe is straight before adding the sand to the filter.
  • 10 Cut one corner of the sandbag so the sand can be poured into the filter.
  • 11 The filter should be approximately ¾ full or filled with the required amount as per the filter manual.
  • 12 Reinstall the filter head using silicone lube on the o-ring and turn the pump on.
  • 13 It may take a while for the sand filter to completely fill with water so the pressure may be low at first.
  • 14 The filter must be backwashed before normal filtering resumes.

Sand is an extremely important part of keeping your pool clean and clear.  Remember to clean your filter media once per season to extend the life of your media, and to keep the pool looking clear and beautiful.

NEED SOME HELP MAINTAINING YOUR POOL?

RELATED GUIDES & RESOURCES