How much sand do you put in a sand filter?

Sand filters are sold in different tank diameters, from 16” diameter, up to 36” diameter, holding less than 100 lbs of pool filter sand, up to 600 lbs of sand. Below are some guidelines for sizing sand pool filters properly. Another rule of thumb is to buy 1.5 sq ft of filter area per 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Hereof, how full of sand should a pool filter be?

Sand filters are not filled completely full of sand, but only about 2/3 full, to allow “Freeboard” space in the tank, above the sand bed.

Secondly, how often should I change pool filter sand? How often should the sand in a swimming pool filter be changed? We recommend changing the sand every five years. While we have seen filters go 20 years or more without changing the sand and still do the job, they are not as efficient as they should be.

Just so, how much sand do I need for a 24 sand filter?

Sand Filter System – Sand Requirements

Filter System	Sand Needed
AquaPro 24" Sand Filter System	300 lbs
Hydrotools 16" Sand Filter System	100 lbs
Hydrotools 19" Sand Filter System	175 lbs
Hydrotools 24" Sand Filter System	300 lbs

What happens if you put too much sand in a sand filter?

If you have too much sand, the sand bed will be above the point where the tank starts to taper. This means the filter will behave like a smaller filter, requiring more frequent backwashing and causing higher resistance to flow. If it was high enough, you could see sand making its way into the returns.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Can I run my sand filter without sand?

You cannot run it in filter mode without sand. Any debris small enough to get past the strainer in the skimmer and pump may lodge in your filter laterals. As long as you stay in waste or recirculate you should be fine.

What happens if you don't have enough sand in your pool filter?

Too much sand and your filter will likely not run correctly or may break when reassembling. Too little sand and you will have cloudy water no matter how much your filter runs. For this reason check your filter manufacturer's specs.

How often should SAND be changed in pool filter?

On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.

How much sand do I need for a 16 inch pool filter?

How Much Sand Does My Pool Filter Need?

Filter Model / Size	Pounds Required (Sand)	Filtra Balls Required (Boxes)
16 Inch	100 Lbs	2 Boxes
19 Inch	150 Lbs	3 Boxes
21 Inch	200 Lbs	4 Boxes
23 Inch	250 Lbs	5 Boxes

How long do you backwash a sand filter?

3 minutes

What is the best sand for a pool sand filter?

Quikrete 50 lb. Pool Filter Sand is a properly graded and dried sand. It is designed to be used in swimming pool filtration systems. This pool filter sand also features a tan color.

How do you make a sand filter more efficient?

You can add DE powder to your sand filter to make it more effective. Just add 1-3 cups of DE powder when you backwash or replace your sand. Adding powder makes your sand filter 4x more effective, allowing it to filter contaminants down to 3 microns.

How do you change the sand in an above ground pool filter?

Remove the Multiport Valve. Remove the hoses or pipes that are connected to the multiport valve.
Cover the Standpipe.
Remove the Sand.
Rinse Out the Tank and Laterals.
Fill the Tank Halfway with Water.
Add the New Sand.
Fill the Tank and Reassemble the Connections.
Backwash and Rinse the Filter.

Can you backwash a pool too much?

Backwashing Your Pool Filter Too Often

Pool water washes funk and gunk out of your filter media, then exits through your filters backwash valve drain port. Backwashing is an important part of basic pool care, but overdoing it is one of the more common pool maintenance mistakes.

Do you need chemicals with a sand filter?

Yes, you can use this sand filter pump if you add chlorine or other chemicals to the water.

Can you use play sand in pool filter?

Many swimming pool filters use sand to trap unwanted debris and keep it out of the pool water. Pool sand is a very effective filter, but it's also a bit pricey. Play sand and pool sand are not the same, however, and are not interchangeable.

Why is my sand filter not filtering?

Probably the most ironic of filter problems is sand or DE powder flowing back into the pool. For sand filters, one or more cracked laterals or a broken standpipe is typically the culprit. Another cause of DE in the pool is simply adding too much DE powder when recharging the grids.

How do I lower the water level in my pool sand filter?

For most pools with a sand or DE filter, the simplest way to lower the water level is to place the multiport valve onto the waste position and roll out the backwash hose. If you have a slide (push-pull) valve, backwash the filter to lower the water level.

How do you clean a sand filter?

Cleaning Time!

Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes to remove debris.
Turn off the pump, and turn the valve to Filter.
Remove the pump's strainer lid.
Pour sand filter cleaner.
Turn the pump on for about 15 seconds, just long enough to transfer the cleaner from the pump to the filter.

How long do sand filters last?

5-7 years

How many pounds of sand do I need for a pool filter?

Filter Sand Requirements For Your Sand Filter

Manufacturer	Model	Sand Required (In Pounds)
Hayward	S140	50
Hayward	S144	50
Hayward	S160	150
Hayward	S165	100

What PSI should my sand filter run at?

If anything could be considered "normal", it would be about 10 psi. Most filter systems are designed to operate in the 5-15 or 10-20 psi range. The way to find out your particular correct pool filter pressure is to clean or backwash the filter thoroughly and empty the pump and skimmer baskets.