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Sand
Filters (cont.)
of the way so you can get a scoop to the sand.
If you have a Top Mount Multiport,
you may need to cut some pipes to remove the valve (you can reconnect them later with unions or
couplings.) Once these pipes are cut, the clamp band connecting the valve to the filter is
removed, and the valve pulls straight up and off. Plug, tape, or cover the standpipe so
you don't spill sand in it. Then you can use a shop vacuum to suck out the sand, or you can
use a small cup to scoop out the sand.
Be very careful as you scoop or suck,
not to knock or break the laterals at the bottom of the tank. They can be brittle when the
get older, and it may be wise to
replace laterals at the time you replace the filter sand.
Use a hose to wash out the sand beneath the laterals. When the tank is empty of sand,
replace the drain assembly, using silicone sealant on the threads. Then add enough water
to cover the laterals, so the new sand pouring in won't crack them. Again, if you have the
top mounted multiport, cover the standpipe opening. If you have a side mounted filter
valve, gently push the intake baffle to one side, or wrap the baffle with a small plastic
bag to keep the sand from entering the pipe as you pour it in.
Pour it in! Use only specially graded
pool filter sand; #20 silica sand, 45-55 mm. On top mounted multiport filters, use care to
keep the lateral/ hub assembly in the center, and on the bottom of the tank. After each
bag of sand is added, make sure it is still centered . It may be useful to have a helper
hold the standpipe in place while the sand is added.
Add the recommended amount of sand
only; more is not better! If you don't know this info, contact your dealer or
manufacturer. Most tanks are filled only about 2/3 of the way full, to leave enough
"freeboard" space on top. When full,
lube o-rings and reassemble filter top.
Make sure lid is very secure, lids that blow off can be very dangerous. It's a good
idea to
replace the o-ring on the filter domes.
When the filter is started up, start up
on "RINSE" setting first (if you have a multiport valve). Then backwash and
rinse again. If you have a push pull valve, backwash first. This final step will prevent
putting a lot of "sand dust" into the pool after a sand change.
Leaking filter?
Sand filter tanks rarely leak
themselves, however leaks often occur in
and around the multiport interface. A
common complaint is that water is
leaking out of the backwash port of the
multiport (six position) valve. Slight
adjustments of the handle may
temporarily solve this problem. A more
permanent repair may necessitate
replacement of the
spider gasket inside of the
multiport. You may also have leakage up
around the middle of the handle on the
valve, which external adjustments rarely
fix. This usually requires replacement
of a Teflon washer and sometimes the
spring as well.
You may have a push pull valve or slide
valve as it is sometimes called instead
of a multiport valve. Leaks can
occur through the top of the index
plate, or out of the backwash line. This
is a easy inspection to determine what
o-rings need to be replaced. Leaks
can also occur at the bulkhead unions
where the valve attaches to the side of
the filter, or around the threads on a
top-mounted multiport. The drain plug
can leak if not secured tightly or
properly sealed.
Leaking valve repair. Usually a one hour
job, plus internal valve components;
gaskets or springs. You can find
replacement parts for filters on our
filter parts page,
just find out the make and model of your
filter, go to our
filter parts page,
and click on the filter you have.
Filter replacement?
Well, they don't last forever. But
almost. A new filter may be in order if
your current filter is outdated (15-20
yrs old) and difficult to use or get
parts for. If the filter tank has
cracked, usually from freeze damage or
possibly from closing off return valves
while the pump is running, a
new filter is in order. Replacement
is usually fairly simple, with just a
few plumbing fittings needed.
Sand filter replacement: Price is size
dependent, however, as an example, we
sell the
Pac Fab Tagelus TA-60 filter for
$282.00. |
