Here we go through some basic maintenance checks that every sand filter owner should know!
What regular maintenance is required on a Pool Sand Filter?
Sand Filters incorporate moving parts and withstands high velocity water with chemicals in it. Some of these parts will wear in the normal course of use and require regular checks and maintenance. Performing these checks and maintenance will identify parts that have worn and require repair/replacement before further serious damage is sustained. A small amount of regular care and attention to your pool equipment will help ensure long life and trouble free performance.
| Timing | Maintenance Check | Service action (if required) |
| Fortnightly | Check pressure gauge. If pressure increase is greater than 5psi cleaning may be required. Sand filters usually run on 90-100kpi, this varies with the size of your filter, pump, plumbing etc. | Perform backwash according to instructions |
| Three Monthly | Check inlet/outlet o’rings for leaks | Isolate Pump, turn power off, clean and grease O rings or replace if necessary |
| Annually | Compare operating pressure of backwashed filter to initial pressure (when new) | If pressure is more than 10psi different from new filter pressure, a sand change may be required. |
What is the maximum operating pressure for a Sand Filter for swimming pools?
Maximum operating pressure is usually 90-110psi.
How often should you backwash a Pool Filter?
You should backwash when the pressure gauge indicates 3-5psi higher than at starting or clean operating pressure.
ALSO SEE: How to backwash your sand filter!
What is required for at start up after a sand change for a Media Filter?
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Make sure the correct amount of sand is in the filter tank.
2. Prime pump.
3. Set valve handle in BACK WASH position.
4. Start pump and operate in BACK WASH cycle for three (3) minutes. This will purge the filter of excess fines in the sand.
5. Turn pump OFF and set valve handle to RINSE. Start pump and run for one (1) minute.
6. Stop pump and set valve handle to FILTER. Restart pump. System is now operating on a normal Pool FILTER cycle.
How do I add the media / sand to a Sand Filter for my pool?
Once the filter system has been positioned, the installation of filter sand may be undertaken as follows:
- Check filter size in order to determine necessary amount of sand required.
- Double check that the internal system consisting of a lateral hub and standpipe are intact inside the tank.
- Fill tank half full with water.
- Place the disposable loading disc into the upper tank opening and the plastic cover over standpipe to stabilise the pool filter and stand pipe.
- It is important that the stand pipe remains centered through the sand loading procedure to ensure alignment with valve assembly opening.
- Proceed to load correct volume of dry sand slowly (if sand is saturated loading can be difficult).
- Once sand is loaded discard loading disc and check to determine if standpipe is properly centered in tank opening.
- Fill with sand, glass or other approved sand to the shoulder level of the filter.
LEARN MORE: Tips for maintaining your Pool Filter
What should you do if you are installing a Media Filter below water level?
If the system is installed below pool level it is important to install isolating valves to prevent risk of flooding from back up water, from the pool or spa.
SEE ALSO: Top Pool Sand Filter Problems
Conclusion and Recommendations
Thinking of getting or replacing your sand filter? Our recommendation goes to the Water TechniX Sand Filter Aspire! Looking for other sizes or other brands? Check out our collection of pool sand filters through the button below. Or check out all of our pool filters through this link.
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Happy swimming :)
1 comment
steven
You wrote:
“Sand filters usually run on 90-100psi, this varies with the size of your filter, pump, plumbing etc.”
I think you must mean 90-100kPa, or about 10-15psi