How to Clean Sand Filter
Photo: Bestway
A sand filter will require cleaning at least once every two weeks, but the actual frequency depends on the pool’s usage. You can also tell when to clean your pool filter by checking the system’s pressure, as it gets pretty high when you have a dirty and clogged filter.
That said, what is even more important is to know how to clean the sand filter properly. The process is relatively simple, and you will not need any unique tool or a lot of time. All it takes is understanding the key steps to follow.
What You Need
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Switch Off the Pool Pump
The first step should always be to switch off the pump before performing any maintenance on your sand filter.
Switching off the pump will ensure you do not damage things like the multiport valve and other components in the filtration system.
Also, make sure you close the suction return valves as they are prone to damages during filter maintenance.
Step 2: Set Multiport Valve to “Backwash”
Next, you need to set your multiport filter valve to the “backwash” setting. Make sure the handle locks in place to be certain that you have the correct setting.
During the regular pool operation, the setting will be at “filter,” meaning the pump directs water through the filter for cleaning before returning it to the pool.
Choosing the backwash setting will reverse the water flow, forcing water to enter at the bottom and come out from the top. Also, the dirty water will go to the waste port, where it goes out of the pool.
Step 3: Connect a Backwash Hose
Once you have the system at the backwash setting, you need to connect a backwash hose to direct the dirty water to your sewerage line. A backwash hose is crucial since many pools will not include a waste line.
It is crucial to ensure you have a good quality backwash hose like the Eastrans Blue PVC Lay-Flat Backwash Hose as something inferior quality can burst and make a huge mess.
Backwash hoses do not cost much, and you can get them in various lengths and materials, so it should be easy to get something that will work for you.
Step 4: Backwash the Sand Filter
With the backwash hose in place, you can now backwash your filter to remove the dirt and debris. Here you only need to switch on your pool pump and allow it to run for around 5 minutes.
You can tell when the backwashing is enough by keeping a close eye on the sight glass that most multiport valves will include.
Once the water flowing through the sight glass is clear, it means you have removed most of the debris from the filter, and you can now switch off the pump.
Step 5: Switch Valve to “Rinse”
While backwashing will remove most of the dirt and debris from your sand filter, it is still essential to give the filter a rinse to be sure. Hence, you should set the multiport valve to the “rinse” setting and switch on the pump again.
Rinsing is also crucial to bring back the sand in the filter to its normal positing since backwashing tends to move it around.
Also, there will be some sand sediment in the filter tank that you need to remove with a rinse so it does not end up in the pool water. You only need to rinse the system for around a minute.
Step 6: Reset Valve to “Filter” and Switch On the Pump
The last step is to return the filter to the normal working condition by switching the multiport valve setting to “filter” and turning on the pump.
Also, remember to monitor the pressure once the pump is running and make sure it is within the optimal range.
Bottom Line
A sand filter plays a crucial role in keeping your pool water dirt and debris-free. However, this also means it will need cleaning at some point as the contaminants it straps accumulate over time.
The good news is that cleaning a sand filter is relatively easy and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a good backwash hose and following the simple steps above.
