4 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Filter Sand
Owning a pool requires some maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your investment. One element of pool care you don’t want to forget about is changing your filter sand. Because it has an important role to play in the health of your pool. Most pools benefit from a sand filter change every two-three years, but it depends on how often you use your pool and the quality of the sand. Sometimes cleaning the filter is not enough, and the sand needs to be completely replaced.
Common Signs You Need to Change Your Filter Sand
Over time, sand particles wear down and no longer catch the debris as effectively. If you’re unsure if you’re due for a change, there are certain signs you can watch for:
- Appearance. One of the most obvious signs is changes in the appearance of your water. Cloudy water can be an indication that it is time to change the sand — but there are various reasons why your water may become cloudy. It is beneficial to first check the chemical balance of your pool as well as clean all surfaces. If cloudy water continues, this could be the problem.
- Channeling. Old sand will clump together, creating gaps between the sand and the filter. This prevents your filter from working as effectively as it should because water starts to channel around the edges of the filter rather than through the sand. This means your pool water will constantly be dirty. Once channeling occurs, you might experience lingering algae regardless of your cleaning efforts. You can check for channeling by opening the pool filter and looking for ridges or gaps in the sand. If water can easily get through, it’s time for a change.
- Pressure buildup. Your pressure gauge can provide a good indication of the quality of your pool filter. This gauge tells you when to backwash your filter. The more the filter has to work to clean your water, the more the pressure builds. If your backwash and your pressure quickly return to a high rating, it is a good indication that your sand needs to be changed out completely. It is normal for your pressure to be between 3-5 pounds per square inch (psi). If that number is hovering around 20, it is time for a change.
- Excess chemical use. Chemicals are a part of proper pool maintenance. If your chemical treatments appear ineffective, or you find yourself using more chemicals than usual, your sand filter could be to blame.
Schedule a Detailed Service Today
Your sand filter keeps unwanted debris out of your pool. If it’s been a long time since your last sand filter change, or you don’t know the last time it has been changed, let us help. The professionals at Pools of Fun can provide a detailed assessment of your pool.
Pool care can be sensitive. You don’t want to change filters too often, but you also don’t want to let them go too long. We know the important role your sand filter plays in the health of your pool, so contact us to schedule your service today.