Why is my pool pump blowing out sand?

Sand coming from the pool filter is the sign of a broken component in the filter. If you see it blowing out into the pool, something is broken. The most common problem is a cracked lateral, which is one of the perforated pipes at the bottom of the filter that catches water that has circulated through the sand.

Hereof, how do you fix the laterals on a sand filter?

The laterals are attached to the bottom of the standpipe within your pool sand filter. To replace a broken lateral in your sand filter you will have to remove the Multiport Valve on the top of your filter. If your filter was not installed with union connections, you will have to cut the piping to your filter.

Similarly, should sand come out when I backwash? If most of the sand comes through the holes of the lateral, the sand is too small. Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool.

Likewise, people ask, can I vacuum sand out of my pool?

You'll need vacuum your pool manually to do this. You want to vacuum the sand directly out of the pool and not through your filter or else the sand will get stuck in the laterals inside your filter. Of course, you'll want to do this quickly because you'll lose a lot of water in the process.

How often should you backwash pool?

How Often to Backwash a Pool Sand Filter. As a rule of thumb, you should backwash and rinse your filter about once a week. The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash twice a week.

29 Related Question Answers Found

Will a magic eraser clean a pool?

After a series of tests, the results confirmed what she and many of us thought, a Magic Eraser is not the answer to cleaning your pool. The Magic Eraser absorbed some of the algae in the water, however, it did not completely remove the algae from the water.

How do I get rid of fine sediment in my pool?

Brush the walls every week during swimming season while the pump is turned off. A vacuum removes the debris that collects on the bottom. Vacuuming requires moving the vacuum head over the debris on the bottom of the pool until the bottom appears clean.

Can a sand filter remove algae?

As is generally understood, typical sand filters can remove and hold particles as small as about 20 microns. Some people recommend adding D.E. to a sand filter as a way to catch very fine particles, such as dead algae.

How long does a pool sand filter last?

5-7 years

Can a pool filter explode?

Many homeowners have pool filters are not safely manufactured. These filters can explode and cause devastating injuries. Most filters are comprised of a tank, a lid, and a clamp that holds the system together. The lid can explode off the tank with tremendous force if too much pressure builds up and the clamp fails.

What are laterals in a pool filter?

the laterals on any sand filter are the 8 to 10 plastic tubes at the bottom of most sand filters. the laterals act as sieves to keep the sand from entering the pool water as it is filtered through the sand.

What causes a pool filter to crack?

If after cleaning, you are still faced with high pressure, there could be a clog in the plumbing lines. High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. It can also be the reason for a cracked tank or even more dramatic, the filter lid blowing off.

How often should I change my 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.

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.

Why is my pool not backwashing?

If the filter pressure gauge reads zero or close to zero with the pump running and the valve in filter or backwash mode, something is wrong. It could be a clogged pump basket, clogged impeller, clogged pipe or clogged skimmer. It could also be a closed or broken valve before the pump.

What happens if not enough sand in 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 do I bleed the air from my pool pump?

Turn off power to the pool pump and pool heater.
Rotate the air relief valve located on top of the filter canister counterclockwise to open the valve.
Close the skimmer valves and leave open the main drain valve.
Open the pool pump strainer box cover, usually secured by two knurled knobs.

How much does it cost to replace the sand in your pool filter?

Types of filter

Types of Filters	Pros	Cost
Sand Filter	Most economical Easy to mantain	$248-$1,135
Cartridge Filter	Requires less water to clean Environmentally friendly	$199-$1,164
Diatomaceous Earth Filter	Most efficient Catch the smallest particles Provide the cleanest water	$490-$1,500

How do you vacuum a pool with a sand filter?

How To Vacuum the Pool with a Sand Filter

Remove Large Leave or Debris.
Attach the Vacuum Head to the Telescopic Pole and Hose Pipe.
Flood the Hose Pipe With Water.
Attach the Hose Pipe to the Skimmer or Dedicated Suction Port.
Vacuum the Pool.
Disconnect the Hose Pipe from the Skimmer or Dedicated Suction Port.

What should the pool filter pressure gauge read?

A pool system's pressure is generally measured at the filter's pressure gauge; the usual range is 10 - 25 pounds per square inch (PSI.) When you installed your filter, or after a thorough cleaning, make a note of the “clean filter” PSI. This rating will be used as a benchmark for pressure tests down the line.

How do I know if my spider gasket is bad?

The spider gasket should be firmly attached (glued) into all of the grooves in between the ports. It should not appear twisted or overly worn or torn. Check to see that your gasket is not enlarged or looks as though the rubber has been chemically altered.