How To Change Sand In Pool Filter?

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Pool filters are important equipment that helps keep the pool water clean. You also need to keep it functioning, so here is how to change the sand in the pool filter.

Efficiency is one of the many factors that you need to consider when putting a pool filter in your pool. This way, you get to save time for cleaning and money at the same time.

Pool filters sometimes spend a lot of energy when turned on.

They reciprocate that by keeping the above ground pool clean without needing to manually do the job and when you are away.

When a pool filter is damaged, they spend as much time and energy without putting up the same expected result.

It can be frustrating and, in fact, costly of both time and money.

Sand pool filters are great for filtering the dirt from the pool and cleaning the water.

They can remove even the smallest debris in the water to keep it safe.

Compared to nets or skimmer baskets, sand is better for holding the small debris that the water brings into the filter while giving the water to go back to the swimming pool.

The sand in above ground pool filters tends to get stuck when there is too much debris in them.

It makes them risky, and they cannot do their job well when this happens.

You also get some variations on the sand that you can put in the pool filters.

So the first step in changing the sand in the pool filter is to choose which type of sand you want to put in there.

Here, you will see how easy it is to change the sand in the pool filter as we give you a simple guide that you can follow.

So keep reading and know more about the sand pool filters.

Table of Contents

What Is Pool Filter Sand?

While we explained it briefly, we feel that you can know more about these kinds of filters so that you get a better understanding of how they can keep your above ground pool clean.

Swimming pools are the perfect area for bugs, mosquitoes, algae, and other bacteria to settle down.

The stagnant pool water is an optimal area for them to build up and reproduce. That is why pool filters have media that help keep them in check. Sand is one of the best filtering media as it can get rid of both large and small debris.

Sand is often used in other filtering systems like septic systems so that even if they put out wastewater, the sand holds up all the toxic substances from the dirty water.

You can use it for filtering drinking water because of its amazing thoroughness.

That does not mean that you can drink pool water.

There is a specific type of sand for drinking water and pool water.

That is why it is also important to get the right type of sand to prevent destroying your pool filter.

How Often Should You Change Sand In Pool Filter?

How often you change the sand in the pool filter depends on how much vegetation you have in your backyard.

Also, depends on the size of the pool/above ground pool you are using.

The sand in your pool filter should be changed every 3 to 5 years to keep functioning properly.

So as you can see, there is not much need for you to change the sand in the pool filter too often.

If the pool stays clean, then the filter should be able to clean that with minimal effort.

How Do I Know If My Sand Filter Is Bad?

Knowing when to change the pool filter is key since, there is no need to change the sand in the pool filter frequently.

So you need to know the signs that indicate whether the sand needs to be changed or not.

One common occurrence is when the swimming pool is a bit more cloudy than usual.

If you have a pool filter running at a specific time of the day, then the pool should be clean.

If you did not change the pool filter schedule and the pool becomes cloudy, that means that the pool filter is not doing its usual job of cleaning the swimming pool.

Another is the dirty filter itself.

That is when you know you have to change sand in pool filter and consider this option.

While this is a bit of common sense, it is always good to take a good look at your pool filter and make sure that it is always clean.

A clean sand pool filter translates to more opening and space for water return. So when your pool filter is clean, the swimming pool should also be clean.

Changing The Sand in Pool Filter

When you need to change the sand in the pool filter, make sure to bring some tools like a screwdriver and a shop-vac to help ease up the job.

Also, ask the company that built the sand pool filter what sand it uses for its filter. This way, you will know which type of sand to buy to keep the filter safe from damage.

Turn Off and Drain

The first step in replacing the sand in the pool filter is to disconnect the pool filter from any electrical source.

So turn it off and plug it out of the electrical outlet.

If the sand pool filter is hardwired and you cannot plug it off, make sure to just turn off the timer so that it does not suddenly turn on while you are still replacing the sand in it.

Remove the plug of the sand pool filter and let it drain out the water in it.

The drain plug is usually found at the bottom of the pool filter, so check if it is there and remove the plug.

Here is a helpful tip: draining the pool filter will take some time, so set the replacement process in the afternoon so you can drain the pool filter in the morning.

Remove The Multiport Valve

The multiport valve is responsible for connecting the pool filter to the pool and the outlet.

There are some pipes here that need to be disconnected so remove them all.

Most multiport valves have a PVC connection that is hard-plumbed into it.

If this is the case, you will need to cut the pipe out of the filter, use a hacksaw to do this job.

Unscrew the clamp securing it from the pool filter.

From there, you can change the connection to a union fitting, so you do not have to cut it again the next time you change the sand in the filter.

Cover The Sand Pipe

When you open the sand filter, you will see a pipe in the middle of the opening.

There is no cap for this pipe, so use tape or a small cup to cover the pipe.

Better yet, use duct tape to cover it to make sure that the sand does not get inside it.

This is the pipe that connects the filter to the pool, so the sand in it will go to the pool.

Remove The Sand

From the same opening at the top, place your shop-vac in and then start removing the sand from the pool filter.

You can also use a cup to scoop the sand out, but it will take longer.

Make sure to get all the sand inside the filter so you can start pouring the fresh ones.

Invest in a shop-vac to make the job easier for the next time you change the sand.

Rinse The Tank

Since the sand is wet, you will find it a little bit hard to remove every grain with the shop-vac, especially on the parts where there are ridges or corners.

So get your garden hose and blast the tank with water.

Keep the drain open and then let the water rinse and drain the remaining sand from the pool filter.

Fill The Tank

Inspect the tank if it still has some sand in it and once you have removed it all, fill up the tank halfway with water. The water will serve as a cushion for the laterals and pipes.

Add The New Sand

The sand used in pool filters is very fine, so make sure to wear goggles and face masks to prevent breathing hazards and eye irritations when you start to fill up the tank.

Slice the bag open with a knife while holding the bag right on top of the tank.

This procedure will need more than a pair of hands, so make sure to seek help from somebody else.

After putting the right amount of sand in the filter, fill it up with water, and replace the parts that need replacement. Put all the connecting parts back together.

Backwash

Attach the backwash hose and start backwashing the pool filter.

This will help clean the filter and eliminate the debris that might have come with the sand.

Let the backwash function run for at least three minutes or when the pool filter’s sight glass has become crystal clear.

Then, reattach the filter to the swimming pool.

Check the Pressure

After reattaching all the parts that connect the pool filter to the swimming pool and its power source, turn it back on and watch the pressure valve on the multiport valve.

The number that it shows will be the normal running pressure of your pool filter so take note of it to guide you in the next sand replacement process.

Cost to change sand in POOL FILTER

Replacing the sand in your pool filter is not necessarily a professional’s job, but it is going to cost you to pay the pool company for labour job and also pay for the sand delivered.

It will cost you to buy sand which is around $20 per 50 pounds bag and depending on the size of the pool filter you need around 100-250 pounds of sand.

With the right tools, you can easily replace the sand in your pool filter to keep the pool water clean and safe for swimming keeping the cost minimum.

Filter Size(inch)	Sand Required(Pounds)	Cost
16	100 pounds	$40
19	150 pounds	$60
21	200 pounds	$80
23	250 pounds	$100
25	300 pounds	$120
30	500 pounds	$200

Cost to change sand in pool filter

If you want a more detailed chart on how much sand you need then do read this full chart.

So when you see the signs, make sure to not prolong the filtering period and replace the sand in the pool filter right away.

This will save you a lot of time and money.

Replacing the sand in the pool filter will also help get rid of the debris in the pool.

When the pool filter is running properly, the swimming pool is always safe for swimming and playing!

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