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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Customer Service & Phone Hours of Operation. Clean filters are a crucial part of pool maintenance. Inspect the grids and manifold for signs of damage; replace if anything looks wrong. Something went wrong. This step will usually take 3-5 minutes to remove any potential debris. Turn the valve on the filter to the backwash setting. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and youll be back to sparkling water in no time. Open filter air-relief valve to remove air from the tank. Minerals and metals are also trapped inside the filter media, buried deep in the fibers of DE grids or filter cartridges, and in sand filters, turning the sand into something resembling sand stone. Complete Steps 1-9, making sure the pump is turned off. thanks for any reply. "name": "Brett Rotelli", Attach the backwash hose to the waste line and open the valve. [3] It may not be readily available at Ace/Home Depot though. "author": { "dateModified": "6/5/2015", A slightly dirty sand filter works better at capturing and filtering stuff. Take a look at the following blog for some helpful maintenance hints when it comes to opening your pool. "keywords": "", 7) Turn off the pump once the filter cleaner and the clean water have entered the filter (approximately 10 seconds). To clean a cartridge pool filter, remove the cartridges from the tank and give it a good hosing first, to removevisible debris. { Filters that fail to trap all of the particles end up placing a heavier load on the pool sanitizer since the chemicals try to dissolve all of the unpleasant things like bits of leaves, dust, or dirt. By preparing to backwash the filter, performing a backwash, and giving the filter a final rinse, you can keep your sand filter running smoothly, thus keeping your pool clean. Like sand filters, you need to clean cartridge filters whenever the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI above its normal operating levels. Once a year, remove the filter basket during this step and pour in the sand filter cleaner. But they create the cleanest pool water, so some users find the extra time and cost well worth it. Backwashing a DE filter only removes about 70% of the DE powder and dirt that is coating the grids, and large portions of the grids are not flushed at all during a backwashing. "@type": "Person", You might need to stir up the sand a bit. Never move the backwash valve handle while the pump is running. If the slits in the laterals are a little bit large and the sand is a little bit small, then you can get some sand passing through the laterals.[6]. Pool sand that is too fine with small particles will be blown out from the laterals. Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool. Stir to dissolve and then drop in your filter cartridges for an overnight soaking. TFP recommends using pool sand. Turn the pool pump off to begin the cleaning process. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Place the clean grids and manifold back in the tank. There are a few different filters like I covered above, but the basic mechanics remain the same. If your bucket is short, flip the cartridge over halfway through, to clean the entire cartridge. "wordCount": "1032", filter cleaner if necessary. Backwash the filter using the same instructions outlined for sand filters above. Follow the manufacturers instructions to mix the D.E. Smaller, lighter debris and dirt is flushed out, but heavier minerals and oils coagulate together in clumps that fill the top few inches of filter sand. A discussion about different qualities of pool sand can be found in My findings on how not all sand is created equal. To use pool sand filter cleaner just add it through the skimmer, with the filter valve on the backwash position. To use DE filter cleaner, fill a small trash can half full of water and add the DE filter grid cleaner according to directions. 2009 - 2022 Pool Supplies Canada. If necessary, apply cartridge filter cleaner directly or soak the cartridge in the cleaner overnight in the 5-gallon bucket, depending on the type of cleaner used. With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Inspect the O-ring on the filter tank; if. Follow the steps below to clean your D.E. After your filter has run for a couple of hours, check your gauges to make sure their levels are normal. If your filter is dirty and not as effective, the chemicals need to do more work, more chemicals may need to be applied, and your pool maintenance costs both time and money can go up. 11) Turn off the pump and switch the filter dial back to the filter position. Pour sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket and replace the lid. This results inineffective filtration, and reduces the lifespan of the filter media your sand, grids or cartridges. Its also good to get in the habit of replacing your sandevery five to seven years. And, high pressure water damagesa filter cartridge, by forcing apart the fibers of the fabric, whichreduces a cartridges dirt holding capacity. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://blog.intheswim.com/how-to-use-a-swimming-pool-filter-cleaner/", If the filter is not backwashed for the proper amount of time, there may be cleaner residue left in the sand. Turn on the pump to get the water moving backward through the filter. Repeat the backwash process to remove any material dislodged by the sand filter cleaner. Open the valve at the front of the pump, if applicable. 6) It is a good idea to have a bucket of clean water to pour into the pump pot directly after the filter cleaner, to ensure that there is no residue left at the bottom of the pump pot. This should take care of the channeling but if the sand has a lot of calcium deposits you might want to follow this up with an acidic sand filter cleaner from the pool store. "@context": "https://schema.org/", You can use either the Granular filter cleaner or the sand filter cleaner. Always make sure the pump is off and you are working in safe conditions. 4) With the pump lid off, turn the pump on. }, After the cleaner is sucked into the filter, shut off the pump and allow the chemical to work overnight. Open the filter tank and remove the grids and manifold. It is much easier to clean your filter media at the end of the season rather than waiting until the beginning of the season. First and foremost, cleaning a sand filter requires knowing when the filter should get cleaned. Head over to my guide on how much D.E. Join our promotional newsletter and be first to know about upcoming sales, special offers and other promotions - no spam, we promise. Interac Logo Trademark of Interac Inc, Used under Licence. Even if the pressure stays at a reasonable level, cartridge filters should be cleaned at least every six months and replaced every 3-5 years. It is best to have a visual reminder somewhere near your pool or on an electronic device to help remember when to clean your pool sand. Add DE to a Sand Filter describes how to improve filtering by adding pool grade DE to a sand filter. Drain the water from the filter tank by removing the drain plug. Turn the valve to filter and remove the pumps strainer lid. Regular pool filter maintenance is the first step to having a cleaner pool and also prolonging the life of your pool components. Check your local municipal guidelines for information on the disposal of spent D.E. If it gets into the pool water, it can cause balancing and clouding issues. Visit us online at www.parnellpoolandspa.com or take a look at our Facebook page. Cleaning a sand filter does not require much equipment, but the owners manual may come in handy if something goes wrong during the process. Stick a garden hose into the sand and turn on the water. Inspect for any signs of damage tears or very soft pleats indicate its time to replace the cartridge. Now the part that most people disregard, is to allow the cartridge to dry completelybefore replacing it in the tank, to kill any bacteria deep in the pleats. Slowly add the slurry directly to the skimmer with the pump running. The sand filter cleaner is used every time you backwash, squirt in the chemical into the skimmer (or pump basket) and backwash it in, then shut it off overnight. With regular use, it keeps filters very clean (very good reviews), I have your sand filter cleaner. Save $10 on your first order! filters are cleaned both chemically and with a backwash like a sand filter. DE filter grids are made of a fine mesh that is smaller than a diatomaceous earth particle, to keep them from passing through to the pool. All Prices in Canadian Dollars. Backwash the filter until the water runs clear (use the glass viewport on the filter). Swimming Pool Sand filters generally use #20 silica sand which is approximately .40 to .55 mm. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Do this once per year, to keep oil and scale from affecting performance. }, Run the pump for 2 minutes or until the water flowing through the sight glass turns clear. Turn the pump on for long enough to transfer the cleaner from the pump to the filter (roughly 15 seconds). You will be surprised at how much stuff this gets out of your filter that backwashing doesn't and I feel this 'deep cleaning' should be done yearly. This is why having two sets of filter cartridges is recommended, so you can continue filtering while the 24 hour process of cleaning and drying takes place. You must clean your sand filter after encountering bouts of algae. Use annually to rejuvenate your filter sand, and keep your filter operating at full effect! Please consider. The sand in a pool sand filter is #20 silica sand; 45 - 55 mm. "width": "611", Turn the valve on the filter to the rinse setting to reset the sand bed. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide" For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Minerals such as calcium and metals such as iron can clog the tiny pores of DE grids and oils and polymer clarifiers present another problem. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" The filtration system in a swimming pool is the main component that keeps your pool water looking crystal clear and contaminant-free. Open up the air relief valve on the filter. If any sand is clumped together CAREFULLY break it up with something like a broom handle but BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE LATERALS. What Is Chlorine Demand and How Does It Affect My Pool Chemistry? First, turn it off and switch it to the backwash setting. Ultimately, proper maintenance is something that will save you money in the long run. When using Zeosand, it also needs to be cleaned and refreshed (or re-ionized) every few seasons, with Bio-Dex Zeo Sand Cleaner. This step will help to protect the internal components of the sand filtration system. Hi Ron; one bottle is sufficient. 10 Steps to Winterize Your Above Ground Pool, Raising Pool Equipment for Flood Protection, Flooded Inground Pool: 10-Steps to Recovery. filters a little more time-consuming to maintain. Allow to soak overnight, or for several hours, flipping if necessary and then remove for a good cleaning with the garden hose, before replacing the grids back into the filter tank. Too little or too much DE powder can reduce your filters effectiveness. Return the cartridge to the housing and reassemble the filter. Sand filters should be cleaned at least once per season, preferably in the fall before closing. Will one bottle of this cleaner be sufficient or do I need more than one? "height": "219", GENTLY tap on the sand tank with a rubber mallot and watch the pressure gauge climb about 2 psi. Turn the valve on the filter to the filter setting. We partner with HomeAdvisor to help you find the best swimming pool maintenance and cleaning services in your area. The sand should loosen up and all the dirt and gunk should float and overflow out of the filter. "image": { }, Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter has instructions with pics of the deep cleaning process. "thumbnailUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", This page was last edited on 10 July 2022, at 12:19. To clean your sand filter, you'll need to backwash the filter and then rinse it. The filter keeps your pool healthy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply. of pea gravel & 250 lbs. "@type": "ImageObject", Pool grade DE should be used, food, pet or garden grade will not work.[1]. "url": "https://intheswim.com/", Swimming pool filters trap dirt and oils which coalesce into a gummy, goopy substance that goes by the industry technical term gunk or in a sand filter, mud-balls. For questions or comments about cleaning and rejuvenating your pool filter media, Leave a Reply below, or send us an email! If the O-Ring is in good repair, apply a layer of lubricant to keep it that way. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. But a garden hose wont remove minerals, metals or oils. Sand filters are an easy, cost-effective solution to dealing with pool maintenance and one of the most common filtration systems found in personal use swimming pools. Compare quotes for free from fully vetted pool professionals. By doing so, they reduce the amount of junk floating around in your pool. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 69,117 times. Am I understanding right, you pour it into skimmer in pool, and not in pump basket? This article has been viewed 69,117 times. https://www.swimuniversity.com/how-to-clean-a-sand-filter/, https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/73192-Deep-Cleaning-a-Sand-Filter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-3G_S0RsRA, http://www.pahlen.com/users-guide/cleaning-filter-sand/. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Turn the pump off and leave it off for at least 8 hours. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. So, it is a good idea to replacecartridgesevery few years, or after about 12-15 cleanings. Now fill a small trash can or large bucket with water and pour in the granularfilter cleaner. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. Minerals can be removed with a light acid bath and oils can be removed with a degreaser like TSP but if you do it wrong, or use acid first, it can set the oils making them impossible to remove. He also holds multiple patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years. "headline": "How to Use a Swimming Pool Filter Cleaner", Its made of cellulose paper pulp, so its environmentally friendly too! A normal pressure differential is between 3 and 5 psi. You need to clean the grid assembly annually, making D.E. Open up the filter so the sand bed is exposed. Turn the pump back on and let it rinse for 30-45 seconds. Rinse the filter for 30 seconds. 1) Backwash the filter for 3-5 minutes to ensure large organic debris is out of the sand. Our Pool and Spa Experts are there to help with everything from better understanding pool products to answering specific questions about your pool. There are sand substitutes available which offer better filtration and you use less of it than regular filter sand. If all the dirt and oil has had time to settle over the winter it can cause calcification resulting in the need to change the media. "address": "", Hi David, thats correct into the skimmer is our directions, but you could also pour it into the pump basket, which may be better to judge the travel time into the filter. If you need to replace yours or are looking for more maintenance tips, also be sure to read my guides on the best pool filters and regular pool maintenance. Remove the housing containing the cartridge. Turn the pump back on and rinse for 30-45 seconds. Today, we discuss how to use pool filter cleaners, to remove filter-clogging oils and scale. Pool filtration systems essentially force water through some type of material porous enough to allow water molecules through, but condensed enough to trap larger objects trying to pass through with the water. 3) Remove the lid and basket of the pump. Request a quote, schedule service, or just let us know what water care questions are on your mind. Hosing the cartridge with highpressure water is fairly effective at removing debris, but not so good at removing oil and mineral scale or metal stains. Cartridge filters use a pleated fabric of woven polyester. }. In order for your sand filter to run properly, it must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Pea gravel is sometimes recommended in the larger filters to help support the laterals from the tremendous weight on the sand. Click here first to search our How To Guides for answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding pool kits, pool equipment and more! Cleaning your pool filter is an essential part of your maintenance routine! Whether youre a new swimming pool owner or are just unfamiliar with the type of filter you have, Ill help you figure out how to clean it with some simple tools and a few minutes of your time. to add to your filterfor more. If your filter is dirty, it will be significantly less effective and could result in some nasty cleanup later. You are using an out of date browser. Turn off the pump and let the sand soak in the cleaner for 8 hours or more. 8) Let the filter cleaner soak in the filter for 8 12 hours. "name": "In The Swim", 2) Turn off the pool pump. 9) After the appropriate time has elapsed, turn filter dial to backwash and backwash for 3-5 minutes. After backwashing, turn the pump off again. Then, attach your backwash hose to the backwash nozzle and aim the other end at a drain or bucket. of "all sand". In some applications it can also help prevent clogging and improve filtration in the filter.[7].