How to Clean a Sand Filter

Sand filters should be cleaned at least once per season, preferably in the fall before closing. You must clean your sand filter after encountering bouts of algae.

1) Backwash the filter for 3-5 minutes to ensure large organic debris is out of the sand.
2) Turn off the pool pump. If there is a valve in front of the pump, make sure it is closed.
3) Remove the lid and basket of the pump.
4) With the pump lid off, turn the pump on. The pump will push water into the filter but it will not pull water from the pool.
5) Empty the contents of Filter Cleaner into the pump pot.
6) It is a good idea to have a bucket of clean water to pour into the pump pot directly after the filter cleaner, to ensure that there is no residue left at the bottom of the pump pot.
7) Turn off the pump once the filter cleaner and the clean water have entered the filter (approximately 10 seconds).
8) Let the filter cleaner soak in the filter for 8 – 12 hours. Open the valve at the front of the pump, if applicable.
9) After the appropriate time has elapsed, turn filter dial to backwash and backwash for 3-5 minutes. The backwash time depends on the size of the filter. If the filter is not backwashed for the proper amount of time, there may be cleaner residue left in the sand. If it gets into the pool water, it can cause balancing and clouding issues.
10) After the filter has been backwashed, turn pump off and switch filter dial to the rinse position. Rinse the filter for 30 seconds.
11) Turn off the pump and switch the filter dial back to the filter position.
12) Turn pump back on.

It is much easier to clean your filter media at the end of the season rather than waiting until the beginning of the season. If all the dirt and oil has had time to settle over the winter it can cause calcification resulting in the need to change the media. Cleaning your sand should be done at least 24 hours before closing the pool.