When to change sand in filter

[Rayring]

We have not changed the sand in the filter in our pool since buying the property 5 years ago. The pool was installed in 1998 so I assume the sand has not been changed at all. What should I be looking out for to indicate that the sand needs changing?

[Baz]

There is generally no indication that the sand needs changing. The time span is also dependent on amout of usage, but I certainly would change it every 3-4 years. As the cost of changing the sand is minimal you could even change it after a couple of seasons.

Baz

[Mpprh]

Hi

I talked to a professional guy, who only does pool maintenance & repairs.

He said " the sand starts off crystalline with sharp edges, and is a very good filter. Over time it becomes rounded and doesn't filter so well. And it gets clogged with scale in hard water areas".

His advice was change it every 5 years in this area : longer if you have soft water.

Peter

 

 

 

[Rayring]

thank you both for your advice

[Poolguy]

The above postings are about right, but it depends upon usage and the amount of debris in the pool. Its a health thing, you can decide how often you change the sand. I would recommend that in addition to regular changes that you super chlorinate your filter sand every year.

I might take this opportunity however, to mention a product known as Zelbrite for your filter sand. It will increase dramatically your filtering efficiency from 35 micron with the common sand down to nearly 1 micron with Zelbrite.

In the past the only  filter medium better than common sand was diatomaceous earth but this required a great deal of work to maintain. Now Zelbrite which is a special volcanic sand will give your a better filtering performance with no more work than regular sand.

It does cost a little more however.

 

Andrew