Scottsdale, Arizona swimming pool service contractors explain sand filters
Sand filters are the filter of choice for many pool owners. The way a sand filter works is that the device is filled with sand that has been ground to .45 to .55 mm in diameter and added to the filter. This sand is very rough when you first start using is but it loses its roughness over time and will need to be changed. Some swimming pool service contractors in Scottsdale, Arizona recommend changing the sand every five years, but some pool owners can go as long as a decade without needing to change it.
Once the sand loses its roughness it will not filter as thoroughly as it should and can allow dirt and debris to filter back into the pool water. Your pool contractor will be the best judge of when the sand needs to be changed and here are the steps he will take when that time comes:
- Remove the old sand from the swimming pool filter. He will pull the drain plug and let the water drain out.
- He will remove the sand and expose the laterals and move the stand pipe out of the way.
- Once the sand is removed, he will clean and examine the laterals. Most laterals will unscrew allowing for easy removal from the tank.
- The tank will be rinsed, the laterals cleaned and then re-installed.
- The underdrain assembly will be replaced and water added until the tank is half full to cushion the laterals
- A bag of sand will be added one at a time and he will make certain the sand is level before adding more. Once the proper amount of sand has been added, reassemble the filter tank and multi-port valve.
- The filter system will be started in backwash mode to flush dust from the sand and to allow the sand to settle completely around the laterals.
Because cleaning a sand filter is not something that is done with any regularity, you may find it easier to contact a swimming pool professional when the time comes to replace the sand in your filter.
