Pool Sand Filter Maintenance: When to Backwash and When to Change the Sand
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*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These are products we genuinely recommend for pool sand filter maintenance.*
HTH Pool Care Sand Filter Sand 50 lbs (~$18) — #20 silica sand, the right size and grade for pool filters. Most residential sand filters need 4-6 bags.
Swim Clear Filter Cleaner (~$20) — Deep-cleaning formula that dissolves oils, lotions, and organic buildup from sand. Use 1-2 times per year for better filtration between sand changes.
Pentair 154713 Multiport Valve (~$150) — Replacement multiport valve for common Pentair sand filters. If your valve is leaking or the handle is stuck, this is a solid upgrade.
Waterway 5-Port 2″ Valve Gasket Kit (~$12) — Spider gasket replacement for multiport valves. If you’re losing pressure or seeing leaks at the valve, swap this before replacing the whole valve.
Hayward Echostar Sand Filter Replacement Laterals (~$35) — Set of 8 laterals for Hayward sand filters. Fixes the “sand in pool” problem caused by cracked laterals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sand in a pool filter last?
Pool filter sand lasts 5-7 years under normal conditions. If you have high calcium hardness, lots of sunscreen/oils entering the pool, or you rarely backwash, it may need replacement sooner. Once backwashing stops restoring normal pressure, or you’re backwashing more than twice a week, it’s time to change the sand.
Do you need special sand for pool filters?
Yes. Use #20 silica sand designed for pool filters. Play sand contains fine dust that will cloud your water. Construction sand has inconsistent grain size. Pool filter sand is graded to trap particles between 20-40 microns for optimal filtration.
Can I use glass instead of sand in my pool filter?
Yes. Filter glass (crushed recycled glass) is an alternative to sand. It filters finer particles (down to 5 microns), lasts longer (7-10 years), and requires less backwashing. It costs about 2-3x more upfront but many pool owners find it worth it for clearer water.
How do I know if my pool filter sand is bad?
Signs your sand needs replacement: water stays cloudy despite balanced chemistry, pressure doesn’t drop after backwashing, you’re backwashing more than twice a week, or sand is coming back into the pool through the return jets. If the sand is older than 5-7 years, assume it’s bad and plan a change.
Should you backwash or rinse first?
Always backwash first, then rinse. Backwashing reverses water flow to flush out trapped debris. Rinsing (after backwashing) runs water forward through the filter for 30-60 seconds to settle the sand bed and flush out any remaining debris before returning to normal filter mode.
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Social Posts:
X/Twitter:
Think backwashing is all your sand filter needs?
Most pool owners don’t realize the sand itself wears out every 5-7 years. Here’s how to tell when backwashing isn’t cutting it anymore (and how to actually change the sand)
Pool Sand Filter Maintenance: When to Backwash and When to Change the Sand
Facebook:
Your sand filter is probably the most reliable piece of pool equipment you own — until suddenly it’s not.
Cloudy water that won’t clear up no matter what you do with the chemicals? Backwashing twice a week just to keep water flowing? Sand showing up in your pool?
These are all signs your filter sand is past its prime. The good news: changing it is a straightforward DIY job that only needs doing every 5-7 years.
We put together a complete maintenance guide covering when to backwash, how to deep clean between sand changes, and a step-by-step walkthrough of changing the sand yourself.
When’s the last time you changed your sand?
Pool Sand Filter Maintenance: When to Backwash and When to Change the Sand
