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why is sand coming out when i backwash

by Prof. Alexie Tremblay Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Why does sand come out of my filter when I backwash? Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool.

When the sand level in the filter housing or sand tank is too high, then you may notice sand coming out of the backwash lines when you backwash or use the rinse function. You may also see sand coming out of the return jets (eyeballs).

Full Answer

Why is sand coming out of my filter during backwash?

Nor should any sand be coming out during backwashing, rinsing or filtering. Why does sand come out of my filter when I backwash? Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter.

How often should you backwash a sand filter?

As a general rule of thumb, you should backwash and rinse your filter about once a fortnight. The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash once a week. How much sand should I put in my sand filter? How Much Sand to Add to Pool Filters?

Why is sand blowing back into my Spa after backwash?

It could be broken laterals but it may be as simple as running your system on "rinse" for 30 seconds after you backwash. If you only get sand blowing back into your spa after you backwash, it's not likely your laterals.

How much sand does a SD35 need?

What happens when you backwash a multiport?

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Is sand supposed to come out when backwashing?

Often, excess sand gets into the wrong places when refilling and will sand to come out into the pool or out of the backwash hose. But it should go away after a few runs. In general, you shouldn't be losing sand from your sand filter. Nor should any sand be coming out during backwashing, rinsing or filtering.

Why is sand coming out when I backwash my filter?

Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool.

Is it normal for sand to come out of a pool filter?

Finding sand in your pool means one or more parts of your sand filter have broken, and the filter is no longer functioning the way it should.

Can you backwash a sand filter too much?

Can You Backwash Too Much? If you backwash your pool too much i.e. time duration and/or close frequency then yes you can cause a lot of problems. Some problems that can arise from backwashing your sand pool filter too much are: Loss of water – 500+ litres of water can be lost in each backwashing cycle.

How do I know if my sand filter is clogged?

If you've noticed that the backwashing cycles have become shorter, then you should check to see if the sand filter is dirty or greasy. If the filter is dirty or greasy, then don't be surprised if it takes on the appearance of sandy lard. When this happens, the water doesn't flow through the sand filter media.

How long should you backwash your sand filter?

After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 – 3 minutes or until water runs clear. Shut off pump motor and push T-handle back down into locked position. Turn pump back on and note lower pressure.

Why is my sand filter blowing out sand?

If you see it blowing out into the pool, something is broken. The most common problem is a cracked lateral, which is one of the perforated pipes at the bottom of the filter that catches water that has circulated through the sand.

How long should you backwash a pool?

2 - 3 minutesAfter the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 - 3 minutes, or until water runs clear. Shut off the pump motor and push the T-handle back down into locked position. Turn your pump back on and note the lower pressure.

How often should you backwash a sand filter?

“How often should I backwash my sand filter”? Ensure you do it if there's an algae outbreak or after a significant storm. A DE( diatomaceous earth)filter system needs cleaning six or more times each year. If you have a sand filter, backwash it every month and tear it down twice every year.

At what PSI should I backwash?

8-10 PSIAnother industry standard is to backwash when your filter's pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure. For example, if your filter is running normally at 15 PSI but increases to 25 PST, you should perform a backwash.

What PSI should you backwash sand filter?

In most high-rate sand filters, it's time to backwash when the pressure differential reaches 18 to 20 psi. But if the system has only an inlet pressure gauge, you should backwash when the pressure increases by 8- to 10 psi from initial post-backwash readings.

What happens if I backwash too long?

Backwashing a pool filter rinses the sand or DE, removing excess oils and debris. If you don't backwash a pool long enough, the filter will clog, and the PSI will skyrocket. However, backwashing the pool too much can damage the filter and the pump. It can also drop the water level below the skimmer.

Why does my sand filter blowing out sand?

Bottom Line Broken laterals and snapped seals are the most common reasons your filter is blowing sand into your pool water. So the next time this happens, don't panic, you now know what to look for and how to fix it. If the provided solutions don't work, it is likely time to buy a new sand filter.

What happens if you don't rinse after backwash?

You should always perform a rinse after a backwash before going back to the regular filtration setting. If you don't, any remaining junk released from the sand that is still in the tank gets pumped directly into your pool. The rinse flushes it out first.

How do I remove sand from the bottom of my pool?

The best way to remove sand from your pool filter is by switching your vacuum settings to “Waste”. This ensures that there's no more sand getting through your filter and also pumps water through to rinse it as well.

What happens if you put too much sand in a sand filter?

Adding too much sand to your pool filter can cause the pressure in your filter tank to rise and negatively affect the performance of the sand filter. If there is too much sand in the filter, it may cause certain components to break when putting the filter back together.

BLowing sand out during backwash? - Pool Forum

I have had a heck of a year clearing the cloudiness of my pool and have posted about that issue in the algae forum. So I am fighting that. My sand filter is less than a year old and I find some sand in the backwash and was wondering if it was normal for any sand to come out in the backwash. There may or may not be sand in the pool as I don't know if I have dirt or sand because of the cloudiness.

Sand coming out during backwash... | Trouble Free Pool

Third year for me with a sand filter and I changed the sand today. 250 pounds out / 250 pounds of new sand back in. My sand was filthy. I deep cleaned the tank twice.

Sand coming out the jets after backwash HELP - Swimming Pool Help

It could be broken laterals but it may be as simple as running your system on "rinse" for 30 seconds after you backwash. If you only get sand blowing back into your spa after you backwash, it's not likely your laterals.

Sand Filter - losing sand when backwash? - Swimming Pool Help

Automatic pool cleaners, vacuum heads, pool covers, decks, fencing, pool alarms and security ....

First backwash after changing sand had lots of sand coming out of waste ...

I have a Pentair SD35 sand filter which I replaced the sand in. I used 100lbs of #20 silica sand as recommended. I also removed the standpipe and laterals and inspected, everything was fine. After putting back together and running a backwash cycle a heavy amount of sand was coming out of the...

What are the horizontal ribs on a sand filter called?

The horizontal "ribs" are called laterals and usually fold up (like an umbrella) to the central vertical pipe for removal or installation. One of these laterals may well be cracked or have the holes in them blown out.

How much does a DE filter cost?

The DE test is the easiest, fastest and cheapest test of your sand filter. Do yourself a favor and start there. 10# of DE should cost no more than $10, and you can use the rest to improve your sand's filtering capability as part of your normal routine. Most of us who have sand filters use the DE trick routinely--I'm still on the first 10# box after 4 (?) years, at 1/3 cup each backwash.

Can you see laterals buried under sand?

One of these laterals may well be cracked or have the holes in them blown out. You can't see them--they are buried under sand. So you'll have to dig out the sand and empty the tank of sand to be able to examine the laterals for damage. If you can save the sand, you can, as long as it is not gummed up.

Can you save pool sand?

If you can save the sand, you can, as long as it is not gummed up. Or you can replace it, only using pool filter sand (sorry--pool store) and only using the amount your filter is rated for, which I believe is 350# (7 bags).

Sand Filter - losing sand when backwash?

I have a sand filter that was installed last year. Whenever I backflush the filter after vacuuming - it also discharges some sand. Is it supposed to do that? And how do I know whether it has lost too much sand? Is that possible ?

Swimming pool filter problem

After filling a sand filter it is normal for the filter to expel excess sand during backwashing for a few times . If this continues you have a problem.

sand filter

sand level was low and small amounts of sand was coming out of jets, have put in new sand but water seems to be coming out of filter around the middle working ok but why is water coming out

How much sand does a SD35 need?

It is possible that you've over filled it with too much sand. If it's a model SD35 than it only needs 100lbs not 150. Anytime a sand filter has too much sand it will naturally expel the excess during backwash until it gets to around the correct filled level. When back washing all the sand is lifted and as this happens the dirt is displaced and lifted through the grid on the underside of the multiport. If theres too much sand the water pressure during back washing will force all that extra sand up higher and out to waste.#N#If it happens to be a SD40 then it does require 150lbs of sand and there is something seriously wrong with the multiport.

What happens when you backwash a multiport?

When back washing all the sand is lifted and as this happens the dirt is displaced and lifted through the grid on the underside of the multiport. If theres too much sand the water pressure during back washing will force all that extra sand up higher and out to waste.

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1.Sand coming out while backwashing | Trouble Free Pool

Url:https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/sand-coming-out-while-backwashing.134688/

28 hours ago When the sand level in the filter housing or sand tank is too high, then you may notice sand coming out of the backwash lines when you backwash or use the rinse function. Why does …

2.BLowing sand out during backwash? - Pool Forum

Url:http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php/17567-BLowing-sand-out-during-backwash

28 hours ago  · If your pump is working and you have no leaks, everything is hooked up ok and you have dirt/ sand coming in at the return I am guessing you have dirty channeled sand or …

3.Sand Filter - losing sand when backwash? - Swimming …

Url:http://www.poolhelpforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=350

17 hours ago  · Why does sand come out of my filter when I backwash? Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can …

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