How To Install An Above Ground Pool Pump & Filter - above ground pool sand filters

When, Why and How to replace the sand of a sand above ground pool filter?

The is the central element of the filtration system . It is thanks to him that the water can be clear and crystalline. It above ground pool filters the water retaining the finest impurities before it returns to the pond via the discharge nozzles.

Sand or silica retains impurities larger than 30 to 40 microns (0.03 to 0.04 millimeters) .

Given its good price / quality ratio, the sand is the most common filtration system. But the more it works, the more it gets dirty . It is nice to wash / rinse, there comes a time when the sand must be replaced because the above ground pool filter is too crowded and no longer works properly

Why change the sand of the above ground pool filter?

The sand naturally wears out as the water passes through the above ground pool filter. Its retention power loses efficiency.

1 - Water "works" sand and reduces its ability to retain impurities

You have already noticed these pebbles that are found by the sea or river? By being swept by the water and rubbing against each other, their edges wear out, taking a rounded shape. We speak of "polite" stone.

Sand is like these pebbles, but on a smaller scale. He suffers the same type of pressure and stress. By dint of being polished by water and rubbing against each other, the grains lose matter on their periphery . They round out, lose density and let more impurities pass.

2 - Despite the washing best filter for above ground pool / rinsing operations, some impurities remain in the above ground pool filter

The backwash and rinse operations do not remove all impurities. It's impossible to remove them all. In some cases, these impurities eventually form a biofilm in the above ground pool filter . Even if the sand for swimming pool is a special sand, it remains an organic matter. Associated with algae residues and other deposits removed from the basin (leaf tips, sunscreen, textile fibers, sweat, urine, etc.), fatally it creates chemical and organic interactions that can be viscous, with an unpleasant odor.

3 - The limestone can end up forming blocks

The limestone present in the water clings to the grains of sand . In regions where the filling water is very calcareous, it can quickly lead to the formation of blocks in the above ground pool filter. They can be bigger or smaller. The water is no longer filtered properly. It does not pass in the blocks. It circulates around. In some above ground pool filters, it can lead to the formation of tunnels or even a single and compact block. For this reason, it is recommended to descale the above ground pool filter at least once a year. .

At least, you have to open the above ground pool filter once a year to check the condition of the sand. Simply dip your hand in the above ground pool filter to catch a handful of sand and see its consistency. If you see hard clumps or small pebbles, you can start by making an anti-lime bath before changing the sand. It's easier and less restrictive to do. Pay attention to this, because if the sand does not form more than a big block, it may be the whole above ground pool filter that will have to be replaced.

4 - Poor maintenance accelerates the natural degradation of sand

Negligence in the disinfectant treatment (chlorine, etc.) or in the monitoring of the water (pH level, TAC, TH) can cause precipitation of calcium salts. When pH is allowed to fall outside the recommended upper limits, there may be abnormal scale formation. The direct consequence can be a blockage of the above ground pool filter. In this case, it becomes imperative to replace the sand.

Similarly, if the washing and rinsing of the above ground pool filter are not done properly (not long enough, too infrequently), the quality of the sand and filtration are impacted.