Getting the most out of your sand filter

Every pool owner wants to know their pool water is healthy and safe to swim in. The filtration system attached to your swimming pool is vital for maintaining clean water, that you, your family and friends swim in. The job of the chemicals added to the pool are to sanitise the water to keep nasty bacteria and algae from flourishing and the job of the filter is to remove dirt and debris…

The most common filtration system that swimming pool water runs through is the standard sand filter. As the water is pumped through the filter the sand traps any small particles of dirt and debris and circulates clean water back into the pool.

Here are five hacks to make sure your system is operating at peak performance:

1.       The position of the jets:

Make sure the jets (the eyeballs that return the water to the pool) are angled to facilitate the water moving around the pool and back into the skimmer. In a swimming pool they have a completely different function than a spa pool. The spa pool’s jets create a massage on your back or bubbles in the water. The swimming pool jets are there to move the water for optimum filtration. They are best angled down and the one closest to the skimmer away from the skimmer, with the other jets angled to create a circular motion of water ending back at the skimmer. This configuration of the jets will minimise dead spots (water that doesn’t circulate) in the pool and create a full circuit of the water ensuring the filter gets all the water to do its work.

2.       How long the pump is on:

The filter requires all the water from the pool each day to remove unwanted dirt and debris, during the swimming season. The pump has to be on long enough for the full volume of the pool to move through the filter. This typically is 8 – 10 hours. In the winter it doesn’t need to be on so long and in the summer with warmer weather and higher usage it can be on longer.

3.       Filter media:

The condition of the filter media is very important. The sand in filters needs to be changed every 3-4 years, depending on pool usage, as over time the sand begins to clump together and the filtration capacity diminishes. A couple of signs that the sand needs to be changed is: the clarity of the water beginning to fade (or hard to control, like going green for no good reason), and the pressure starting to be lost, particularly noticeable when vacuuming. Manufacturers of filters and filter media have been advancing over the years and they now have a superior product in glass media. This media filters out finer particles and lasts longer. The water clarity from glass media and the longer life it gives, is well worth the change. Something to think about when your sand needs changing. I provide this service. 

A point to mention here is sometimes sand or glass from the filter may end up coming into the pool through the jets. This is usually a sign that a drain lateral (small pipes like octopuses legs at the bottom of the filter) is broken and needs replacing. We can replace the laterals for you and it is a perfect time to put new sand or glass in the filter, as it is not ideal to put dirty media back into the filter.

4.       Backwashing the filter:

Regular backwashing and rinsing of the filter is important for the filter media to stay clean and fresh, to do its job efficiently. Most filters have a gauge on them to indicate when the pressure has built up and needs backwashing. Turn the pump off and then move the multiport valve into backwash position. Observe the water passing through the looking glass bubble on the waste outlet. When it runs clear, stop the pump and rinse. For the rinse use the same method. Don’t forget to position the multiport valve back into filter position before turning the pump back on when you have finished the backwash process. How often you need to do this depends on several variables, related to how much dirt ends up in the pool. Backwashing is part of my regular valet service.

5.       Leaf removal:

Other factors that can increase the work of the filter can be related to the physical environment the pool is situated in. Somethings this is outside of your control, like the weather, but there are often things you can do to help minimise the amount of dirt that gets into the pool, e.g., the landscaping.  By removing any plants that are frequent droppers of their leaves, less work is required by you and the filtration system. Plants like bromeliads and palms (though not Phoenix palms, which can leave you with nasty scratches!) suit the pool area because they don’t lose their leaves easily. Regular leaf raking and keeping the skimmer and pump baskets clean will also help the filter’s efficiency.

In summary to maintain your pool’s filtration capacity to run at its maximum:

1.       Have the jets in your pool angled for optimum circulation,

2.       Have the pump on in summer for 8-10 hours a day to allow all the pool water to flow through the filter,

3.       Make sure the filter media is in top condition, changing regularly or converting to glass.

4.       Backwashing and rinsing the filter on a regular basis and

5.       Regularly removing leaves from the pool and keeping the baskets empty.

Swimming pools are a real asset to the family and with a few maintenance jobs being taken care of they will last for years to come. Happy swimming!