table of contents
- What is a sand filter system?
- Cleaning the sand filter system
- Backwashing the pool - instructions
- frequently asked Questions
The sand filter system is very popular in swimming pools and has a simple function. However, it must be serviced regularly. Our pool backwash guide shows you how.
In a nutshell
- a sand filter system is cheap to buy
- offers efficient filter performance
- regular cleaning required
- the right pressure is crucial
- Backwashing is also necessary with cloudy or milky water
What is a sand filter system?
A sand filter system is a Pump that draws water from the pool. This is passed through filter media made of sand. Dirt and foreign bodies get caught in the filter. The purified water is then returned to the swimming pool.
Advantages of the sand filter systems
- simple use
- no chemical agents necessary
- inexpensive to buy
- simple maintenance
- environmentally friendly
However, this only applies if you backwash the pool at regular intervals. Because over time the filter medium is clogged with foreign matter, so that the pressure in the filter increases and no longer enough water can get through the sand.
Cleaning the sand filter system
When it is necessary to clean the pool filter differs from device to device. The following criteria are decisive:
- Difference in pressure values
- Priming and dispensing pump pressures
- lack of suction of water
- Turbidity of the water
- increasingly low expenditure
If, despite covering, manual cleaning and filtration, a film forms on the water surface or it appears milky, you should also check the sand filter system. It may then be advisable to clean the filter medium.
Note: If the problem is not in the sand, you will need to check the plumbing as well. Because even here, dirt can accumulate and thereby find blockages.
Backwashing the pool - instructions
These instructions will help you carry out a comprehensive cleaning step by step:
-
Disconnect from power: Before you make changes and make the necessary changes, the device does not just have to be switched off. Instead, the filter should no longer have any power supply. Otherwise dangerous conditions and injuries as well as damage to the system can occur.
-
Adjust valve: A conversion is necessary so that the sand filter system no longer filters the water out of the pool, but rather requires backwashing. To do this, it is usually sufficient to flip a switch. The operating instructions provide information. Usually the labels “Backwash” or “Backwash” are visible.
-
Connect hose: A garden hose must be connected to prevent the dirty water from being flushed back into the pool and meaningful cleaning.
-
Open valve: The process takes place by opening a valve. Depending on how much water has to drain off and whether it has been treated with chemicals beforehand, it may be necessary to collect it or to drain it off in a targeted manner. Of course, the proximity to wastewater also plays a role.
-
Turn on: As soon as you have made the above preparations to allow the pool to backwash, you can reconnect to the electricity. The water must flow through until it is no longer cloudy. Depending on the capacity of the pool, this can take a few minutes or significantly longer.
-
Change the rinsing direction: After these preparations, the valve must be switched back to normal filter operation.
-
Subsequent rinsing: Even if the water appears clear, soiling and foreign bodies can still escape if you change the direction of washing again. It is for this reason that it is important to derive the first few liters. The filter operation can only be resumed when the water emerges without contamination.
- Changeover and filtering: If the result is not as desired, lines and all other parts of the filter system should also be checked.
Note: It is essential to pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions. Because the different models of a sand filter system can have different requirements. If cleaning takes an unusually long time, you should also consider replacing the filter medium.
frequently asked Questions
Cleaning is recommended when the difference between the suction pressure and the discharge of the water is 5 PSI or more. At higher values, there is not only a risk of clogging the filter medium. The hoses can also get blocked.
Because the sand is clogged by the foreign bodies. As with a sieve that is getting narrower and narrower, the passage becomes smaller and the pressure increases. This increases the cleaning performance. However, this only applies up to the point where the filter medium clogs.
There is no general answer to this. A covered pool will rarely need this measure if it is not used much. However, a frequently used pool can quickly need a backwash due to hair, flakes of skin, sunscreen and dirt.
