Most sand filters require “pool sand,” which is traditionally silica sand #20. This sand has grains that fall into the millimeter range. Any sand labeled “Pool Sand” or “Filter Sand” should be just right. You can find this at your local pool shop or even at some hardware stores. These filters use natural sand as a filtering agent and trap debris as it passes, so only clean water is pumped into your pool.
And even if you’re pretty careful, you’ll probably spill something on your deck. Multiport valves can cost a few hundred dollars, and it can be a little tricky to turn them into a system, especially for a DO-it-yourselfer or newbie. Multiports also include a special gasket that allows them to work. That gasket can easily be damaged even during routine valve position changes. Each of us at Temperature Master loves to research and write about the science of temperature.
Of course, this depends on the use of the pool and the amount of constant debris your particular pool receives. Rewinding should be carried out as soon as the pressure drop through the bed falls below a target threshold. A standard pressure drop ranges from 3 to 7 PSI, so it should be considered before starting a backwash. We’ve partnered with HomeAdvisor to match you with the best pool contractors in your area.
We recommend taking a hose and expelling the water in the garden of an annoying neighbor, no, just kidding, really, we are joking. Drive the hose into a storm drain or throw away water according to local regulations. This is basically how you clean the sand filter out of your pool.
The manufacturer’s recommendations and the total area of the sand will help you decide which size is right for your specific application. Another difference between sand and cartridge filters is that sand filters work best when they are a little dirty. Dirt actually helps to filter out finer debris than sand can filter on its own. What happens is that fine pieces of aquarium sand filter debris fill the cavities around the sand crystals, shrinking the gaps and further filtering the finer debris. Slow sand filters produce high-quality water without the use of chemical tools. Passing through flocked water through a fast gravity sand filter filters the flake and particles trapped in it, reducing the number of bacteria and removing most of the solids.
Sand filters work by moving water from the top of the tank through the sand to the bottom of the tank through high pressure. As the water drips, the sharp edges of the grains of sand trap particles such as soil, debris and body waste materials. This is basically the “off” setting for your pool’s sand filter. NEVER operate the pump with the configured multiport closed.