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How To Reduce Sand in Your Pool

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You just changed the sand in your sand filter and, after running the pump for a short time, you notice that there is sand at the bottom of the pool. This guide lists some of the possible causes for this sand and discusses ways of avoiding or reducing the sand collecting at the bottom of your pool.

Click Here to Find Filter Replacement Parts (Laterals, Standpipes, Valves, & More)

Click Here to Find Multiport Valve Replacement Parts (Spider Gaskets, Diverters, Covers, & More) 



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Step 1

LONGER RINSE CYCLE - When you change your sand, you should BACKWASH it to eliminate the fine sand that exits in most new sand and tends to cycle through the filter and end up at the bottom of your pool. Than you will want to set the filter to "RINSE" to pack the new sand down and reduce loose sand. Remember to turn off the pump before switching valve setting so that you don't damage the valve's spider gasket.


Click Here to Find Filter Replacement Parts (Laterals, Standpipes, Valves, & More)

Click Here to Find Multiport Valve Replacement Parts (Spider Gaskets, Diverters, Covers, & More) 

Step 2

TOO MUCH SAND IN TANK - If you have too much sand in your filter tank, your backwash and rinse cycles will not be as effective. Leave at least 6" of space between the top of the sand and the top of the filter tank.

Step 3

BROKEN LATERALS - If any of the laterals at the bottom of your filter are broken or cracked, they will allow sand to feed back into your pool.

Step 4

FAULTY VALVE GASKET - A faulty multiport spider gasket will allow debris and loose sand to leak into the return post during the "WASTE" or "RINSE" settings. Make sure you turn the pump off before changing the valve setting, or you will damage the spider gasket.

Click Here to Find Multiport Valve Replacement Parts (Spider Gaskets, Diverters, Covers, & More) 

Step 5

MINIMAL EQUIPMENT - Some of the less expensive sand filters, like many used on above ground pools, do not isolate the sand well during filtering and this allows sand to pass into the pool.

Step 6

WRONG SAND - You must use only high rate No. 20 Silica Sand to fill your filter tank. Other regular sand, like kids play sand will have debris in it and will not pack and unpack like pool sand.


Click Here to Find Filter Replacement Parts (Laterals, Standpipes, Valves, & More)

Click Here to Find Multiport Valve Replacement Parts (Spider Gaskets, Diverters, Covers, & More) 

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(1 to 4 of 4)

 Posted: 5/15/2022 

Just replaced all 6 laterals and sand in my Pentair SD40, backwashed for 10 minutes, rinsed for 5. Vacuumed the pool this afternoon and already have more sand in the pool. What else could be wrong?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/25/2022 

It could be a standpipe issue of a lateral break pouring in new sand. I would run a cycle of clarifier to see if that tempers the flow of sand getting through the filter.
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 Posted: 5/28/2019 

How much sand do you put in the sand filter? All the way up or just to the line?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/28/2019 

If there is a fill-line, then you would fill the filter to that line. But generally, filters have a set amount in pounds of sand required for your tank. This amount is listed on the tank sticker or the manual.
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