5 BIGGEST MISTAKES Hurting Your Pool's Sand Filter

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Video Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Mistake 1
00:57 - Mistake 2
01:20 - Mistake 3
02:13 - Mistake 4
03:25 - Mistake 5
Basic Filter Operation: • How to use your Swimmi...
In-Ground Pool Sand Change: • How to Change Sand in ...
Above Ground Pool Sand Change: • How to Change Sand in ...

[@wesmedley3771]

Excellent information! Thanks for all of your great advice in the videos.

[@tfpvo1d456]

Awesome information. So helpful. I am new to having an inground pool and trying to learn all the ins and outs of it! Thanks again!

[@chrisdavy2251]

Well done. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. God bless.

[@user-fl6eh9zc9y]

Very he lpful Mark. Thanks so much. You saved us shook much money by watching your videos.

[@michelleliddell9329]

I really enjoyed your presentation Mark it’s very clear and informative Thank you . I’m in Cyprus . Happy 2024 🎉

[@teevee1122]

Great content Mark! Thank you!

[@thomasdcunha3372]

Thanks! Mark for this brief and very informative video.

[@NJN23]

Thank you!!!

[@trumpzilla4193]

Excellent information thank-you from Winderdome Resort!

[@mikejennings4938]

Hi Mark, I'm viewing this from Australia, i have a pool and enjoy the content that you post. Easy to understand and great presentation. Thanks.

[@mela3054]

Thank you

[@BigStank5483]

To release sand filter pressure is turn pump off and hold down the handle on the sand tank and it will release the pressure.

[@PaulDziomba]

All - After having to replace the spider gasket in my multiport valve, I now only rotate the handle in a clockwise direction.

[@stephensanderson9684]

Just subscribed when will be watching videos in description. Add a 24-foot round and can't stand this black diamond silo cartridge big filter and 1.5 HP pump. Can't stand the plastic and have had nothing but issues and they're expensive. Add skimmer basket leaks air getting into the pond and poor circulation. It wasn't cheap either and the cartridges cost about $175 and I need one every year and especially have to clean the filter cartridge several times the first week of the season. Have limited use of the pool due to repeated issues and I was on top of chemicals and pH. Looking into sand filters and replacing my mouthpiece since the attachment skimmer basket leaks as well even after flex seal temp fix. Pentair Hayward I'm looking into another brand name called jacuzzi which is a couple hundred dollars cheaper. 530 in comparison to 850 +. Just prefer an old school system that seems to work better add last longer and that black diamond silo style does not have any valves so you cannot backwash you cannot do anything but discharge while vacuuming which is a race against the clock before you have to refill the pool to a proper level.

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 406!

[@rhondasimonelli3491]

Hi Mark. Enjoy your videos. Thank you. I live in North East an hour from Buffalo NY. I have 27' above ground. My pool is blue and appears clean but is cloudy. It clouded as soon as I started running it the other day. I just purchased a new pump ( went from 1 hp to 1.5 hp) . It jets out great when in the filter setting. However when I back wash the pressure of the water shooting out is not very high compared to my last pump. the glass bubble on my filter barley gets agitated. could my pump be frozen?. before I start adding chemicals to address the cloudy water how can I know the filter is doing its job. I changed the sand 3 years ago but do leave the filter out all winter. Thanks for any advice....Mike

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you put your filter on recirculate and you have good jet pressure at the pool, then your pump is good and you may need to change the filter sand or backwash and rinse the filter a little longer. If in the recirculate position your jet pressure at the pool is weak then you need to check your pump (possible clog). Thanks for watching.

[@sabrinagraves2806]

Best pool pump for above ground pool 18 inches

[@pferrara929]

Hi, I live up north where we get ice and snow during parts of the year. When I close my pool if I remove the hoses and leave the sand filter and pump outside, would either unit be damaged by snow and ice or should I move the pump, the sand filter or both into my garage until pool season comes again? Thank you.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If the equipment is drained and winterized properly it will not freeze but to be on the safe side you can cover your system as added protection. Some people will store their equipment inside but it is usually not necessary. I would ask your local pool company what they might recommend for your area. Thanks for watching.

[@chef4003]

Great and informative videos... I just installed a new filter and on the center pipe there is a clear hose about 1/8 inch...its attached on one side but have no idea where the other end goes to...I'm getting sand in the pool since I installed the filter so I'm going to empty it out and check the laterals to see if I damaged one or more during installation and replace if needed. its a xtremepowerUS 19"4500 gph sand filter with 1.5 hp pump... do you carry the laterals? thanks for your help... Jim

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, l don't carry parts for this filter. Thanks for watching.

[@chef4003]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies do you know where I can find these laterals? Please help

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Unfortunately, some of these aftermarket type systems do not have parts available or are hard to find. You can try contacting the manufacturer or google it.

[@veritas7265]

Do you not consider the pressure gauge when determining when backwash is needed?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Using the pressure gauge will help to determine when to backwash the filter, your jet pressure in the pool can also be used as another visual reference. Thanks for watching.

[@pferrara929]

You mentioned not to enclose your sand filter system, but leave it out in the weather. I live up north and get snow when ice during the winter. Is it OK to leave it outside during the winter time under those conditions?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You can enclose your system as long as you have ventilation. As far as winterizing your system, covering the system in the winter where you live is a good idea for added protection. Thanks for watching.

[@biglon74]

Will heyward folding laterals work in my pentair ta60

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, thanks for watching.

[@MichaelWeglarz-rj1lx]

Hi Mark. I moved into a house with a Hayward SP710XR50 except for filter and backwash all the positions have worn off. the filter position is away from the filter. the Backwash position is near the filter. The pump is working fine in those positions. My question is what position is rinse? If you could tell me the correct labeling so I can write them on the decal that would be great. I looked for a new decal they only come with the new labeling. Regards, M.Weglarz

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you are standing in front of the filter and the filter position is away from the tank, then think of a clock. Filter is at 6 o’clock and rinse is 4 o’clock. Thanks for watching.

[@pambaker4792]

How to clean filter next to the hayward pump? Thank you

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

What type of filter do you have?

[@hdhaddon]

I have a question about the pressure for my inground pool system. My pressure will go up, high, quickly after I backwash the system. I am trying to clean my pool and get it ready for the system and I am having to backwash alot to keep the pressure less than 20 psi. i did not have this problem last year. welcome any help. Hal

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you have a sand filter you may need to change the sand. Sand should be replaced on average every 3 to 5 years. However if you are cleaning a really dirty pool then you can vacuum in the waste position. Vacuuming in waste will bypass the filter but you will have to add water to the pool. Thanks for watching.

[@michelleliddell9329]

Why is the pressure down on my pool ? What do I need to do to increase the pressure ? Thank you

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Low pressure usually indicates a flow problem, the first thing that l would check is your pool pump. Make sure that the pump housing is cleaned and that the pump’s impeller is not clogged. You may also want to make sure that your skimmer(s) are cleaned and that the weir door(s) are not stuck. Thanks for watching.

[@grayscaleservices4501]

Hi Mark i am using a 24 inch sand filter. How much 50 lbs Sand do i need to add in my filter to get started. ??

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

24” is 300 lbs which is 6 bags at 50 lbs per bag. Thanks for watching.

[@cliffpurdy5970]

Hey Mark, I’ve got an intex sand filter 2800 GPH that we just bought. I’ve been having to backwash a lot more than what I thought I would have to. When I filled it with sand it’s at the max level and I’m wondering if that might have something to do with it. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

The filter systems on Intex pools are under sized so you will have to work a little bit more to maintain the pool. Thanks for watching.

[@janjaf844]

We just bought a house and they have a pool with hayward pool pump. I'm getting ready to open it but it seems they never set it for winterizing. Still set on filter mode. The water was low so I'm currently emptying it to start fresh but i see green throught that little window in pump. They said they just put new sand in it last summer. Should i just fill pool and back wash? Maybe do few times to wash through and before i set the pump to filter water. Theres no trees around us so no weird debree in sand im sure. Or should i just change sand?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Yes, if sand was changed you will be fine. Thanks for watching.

[@Haywardpowerflolx]

Can I use a Intex sand filter pump on inground pool?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

I would not recommend, an intex system is not powerful enough. Thanks for watching.

[@KRONIK2800]

Do I need to fill my filter 1/3 with water before adding sand so I don’t damage any of the fingers at the bottom?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If the sand is dry and you fill slowly you will be fine, however it is recommended to add water first to be on the safe side. I have made a few videos on changing sand and l talk about this. Thanks for watching.

[@JJ-fg4wp]

I have glass instead of sand. How often should I be changing glass vs. sand? My local pool stores sell glass but do not know enough as not many people buy glass. I opened my pool 7 days ago and I made the mistake of algaecide going in my skimmer. I knocked the bottle over and about 4-5 ounces fell into my skimmer. Pool size 32,000 gallons. I waited 3 days to vacuum, backwash and rinse. I noticed bubbles exiting backwash hose and didn't think much of it. I put it back on filter and noticed large bubbles in my pool. The bubbles are still present after I use my net to remove most it. What do I need to do to remove the bubbles, drain the water in the filter and start over? or will the bubbles go away over time? The more I remove with a net, the less I see bubbles, but still enough for me to net 2-3 times a day.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Sand is much finer than the glass, l prefer sand over glass because it is cheaper and filters better. Sand is normally changed about every 3 to 5 years, glass is supposed to last longer but some say it has the same life as sand. If your pump is running air tight and you are not sucking air then you will be fine. Eventually this will go away, if not you may have a suction leak. Here is a link to a video “air bubbles in your pump” that may help. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZqogHyujtV9a8ksi=G89uVHc4-Y40wwzT

[@cwc8979]

Yesterday I noticed my pool pump stopped working, so I went out and turned the switch to my pool pump off and turned it back on and I hear a clicking noise then turned the switch back off and heard another clicking noise….I just bought this Hayward Super Pump replacement motor in 2020 and I’m wondering what the problem is and if you know? Could it be the Capacitor or did the outside Breaker Switch to my pool pump go out? Thanks need your help

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like a capacitor but it's hard to say what the issue is, take your motor to a local motor repair shop and have it checked. Thanks for watching.

[@johnjanolino7426]

Is it a mistake to put some DE powder sir. Thanks

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It is okay to coat the sand with DE powder to help clear a pool, once the pool is clear you will want to backwash and rinse the filter. Thanks for watching.

[@dakmycat3688]

How much sand should I have in my tank?? Should it be 3/4 filled??

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

As a rule your tank should be about 2/3 full. You can also look at the label on the filter this will tell you how much sand you need. Thanks for watching.

[@KarenFreemankvfreeman]

How do you know when you should backwash?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

When your pressure goes up about 10 psi over the start pressure, or your jets get weak. I have made a video on basic filter operation which explains all of this. Here is the link to that video, hopefully this will help. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqK2gaiboNSbp7M

[@ten2510]

We just installed a sand filter to our above ground pool. The psi only reads 3 while running. Water shoot out fast in the pool, so not a pressure problem. Should I be concerned about the 3psi?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If the system is fully primed and running you might need to replace the pressure gauge. Thanks for watching.

[@mikiokchung]

❤

[@1cineva]

what is better, filtering sand, filtering glass or polyspherical balls?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Sand, thanks for watching.

[@terryboylstein472]

Hello I have a bestway sand filter system and it runs good when I first turn it in then after an hour psi goes up a little and it stops blowing as good. I cleaned it and changed sand...backwashed...any ideas?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

These systems are weak and under sized, you will just have to work with it. Once the pool is clean and clear they work ok but you will have to stay on top of it. The only thing you can do is upgrade the pump and filter. Thanks for watching.

[@lawren5424]

You mentioned that the average pool should be backwashed about every 7-10 days. However, since I got the robotic cleaner and use it about every four days, I’ve noticed that the pressure at the filter increases at a much slower rate. Does this mean that the filter does not need to be backwashed as often?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Yes, Thanks for watching.

[@eduardoledezma7509]

When utilizing the robot operated pool cleaner. Do you check and clean both pool skimmer and pump strainer basket? And if you have a cartridge filter you clean periodically as you utilize the pool. Usually the water flow pressure both in pump and pool jets have more water flow pressure.

[@lutherwalton]

I drain and empty my sand at the end of every season. And, move the tank pump into a clean dry area.

[@LizAlexy]

I got an annoying drain plug issue and leak on my s244T (bought used - now 4 years old Hayward sand filter.) the white gasket in this part appears to not come out…I ordered a replacement but it seems like I can’t fix it

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

I have a video on changing sand in your inground pool filter. The S244T is the filter in the video, hopefully this will help. Thanks for watching.

[@AimeeBarden-vj5cv]

Before I changed my sand when i vacuumed my sand wasn't filtering the debri off my pool floor. So I put in 5 new bags of pool sand , backwashed, rinsed. Let it run a few hours last night. (2 hrs) came home this morning tried to vacuum my floor again and its still blowing green water back into my pool. Any suggestions???? Everything inside the pump looked good. Not sure what else to do. Pump & pool both brand new in July.2020. 1st time changing sand.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

For normal cleaning you vacuum in the filter position. However it sounds like you have mustard algae and if you vacuum in filter it is so fine that it will go through the filter back into the pool. When this occurs you need to vacuum in the waste position. When vacuuming in waste, you will bypass the filter but you will have to add water to the pool. Thanks for watching.

[@grayscaleservices4501]

What size is your sand filter. If you don't mine me asking??

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

500 lbs.

[@jadegiacometti7993]

What happens if I forgot to backwash after my initial set up ??

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You will be fine, thanks for watching.

[@Eferrari34]

What about in Texas when we run it all year but don’t use it for 6 months?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

In the off season you will not have to backwash as much. You can go by your pressure gauge or use the jet pressure in the pool as a visual reference to tell you when it’s time to backwash and rinse the system.

[@stacyacosta7017]

So, just recently, my pool started acting up when the pump was on without the vacuum. The pressure is so low, and it has lots of bubbles. We've done all your steps, checked the skimmer, checked for leaks, and made sure everything is cleaned out, but the only good pressure is still with just the vacuum on. But the vacuum can't be connected because then we're back to barely any pressure and lots of bubbles

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Try vacuuming to waste, if the suction is good you may need to backwash the filter. Make sure that your pump’s impeller isn’t clogged. If you are still sucking air and have weak pressure you may have an air leak (suction leak). Here is a link to a Video called air bubbles in your pump. Hopefully this will help. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZqogHyujtV9a8ksi=lbuxoW69NH5OIY5O

[@stacyacosta7017]

Thank you

[@nicholasherriot6472]

Could you help.my daughter bought a new pool filter with glass beads.the men who fitted it did not fill me with confidence.I thought that they fitted the inlet and outlet to the valve the wrong way round.but I wasn't sure....they left it running for 2 weeks before I was proved right ! the inlet from pump to variable valve and the exit from the valve to the pool were the wrong way round .they came and changed it. Now the entrance and exit are correct..but it doesn't seem to clean properly......could something be broken inside filter tank eg. Latterals..?

[@nicholasherriot6472]

Meant to write .....changed it to the correct positions!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If everything is hooked up properly you should be fine, try backwashing and rinsing the filter. Thanks for watching.

[@deew4586]

How can i get the mutli port off if it's stuck? Trying to check the laterals.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

I have made several videos on multiport repair and lateral repair that should help. Thanks for watching.

[@roseluddy3972]

How much does that whole system cost that you show on this video. Sand filter by Hayward. Pump and all. Would like to know total cost. New motor and all. Rose L

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you would like information or pricing on the complete system, email your contact info and l will be glad to help. My email is on my KZbin channel. Thanks for watching.

[@nirmalatommy6307]

Hey sir am just having some trouble with my pool I open it last week and fit all the pumps and the sand filter up but when I turn on the pump the water gushing out of the jet for and hour and then stop slowly what can be the cause

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like you need to backwash and rinse the filter really good. If you continue to have this problem you may need to change the sand in the filter. Thanks for watching.

[@nirmalatommy6307]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Tk u sir I did back wash it and it the same slow pressures but I so change the sand tomorrow I will let u know if all is well Tk u i appreciate ur kindness 🙏

[@steves048]

Hi Mark, I commented a few days ago about using clorox salt in my pool and I ended up vacuuming a bunch of pebbles and rocks. Apparently there was a recall on this salt and BJ never removed it from the floor. My question to you is do you think this damaged my filter? I was vacuuming to waste so I hope not. I have contacted Clorox. Awaiting a reply. Thanks for listening.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, you should be fine.

[@steves048]

Thanks, Mark!

[@JuanAlvarado-sp6bp]

I changed the head on my sand filter and now it's sending sand into my pool. Any help on that issue?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You need to check the laterals inside the filter. I have a video on this issue, hopefully this will help. Here is the link for that video. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aamVloSPppd-Z6csi=sP_agUyAuaL6jAfe

[@user-qp8if2wq9u]

I have a question,,.. ho bout when you dont have the multiple postion handle,? On my pump i have the handle the goes up and down. Old 244s pump.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Same thing with a push pull valve, always turn off the pump before you operate. Thanks for watching.

[@user-qp8if2wq9u]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies hi, but my push pull handle, dont said filterwash,rinse, or back wash..

[@user-qp8if2wq9u]

Can you do a video. 🙂

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Push pull valves only have 2 positions, filter and backwash.

[@user-qp8if2wq9u]

Thank you so much.

[@josephgood1835]

I'm new at the above ground pools also I just stuck a new pump but have a used sand filter

[@sunedz6544]

We have had our pool for about 24 years. It has always leaked sand into the pool and no one can figure out why. We have had 4 filters, 4 liners and wasted money replacing the laterals twice, when we knew that was not the problem. Our filter was not placed level if that has any possible connection. We had pipes pressure checked for leaks too. 4 different pool companies can’t figure it out.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

In order to help with this problem there are several questions that l have. If you would like to check out my patreon page l can work with you one on one. l can then go into more detail on this issue and l will be glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@Leo9ine]

I'd just switch to a cartridge filter at that point. Is it possible the sand is coming from somewhere else? Sandy soil getting into underground pipes? Just a hunch. Could it be sand grains too small for your filter? Has the media been replaced?

[@sunedz6544]

@@Leo9ine Hi, the sand only comes from the jets. If I vacuum n the pool , then leave the pump off, it stays completely clean. When I turn the pump back on, it has sand all over in less than an hour. Roto rooter checked the pipes twice and said no leaks. I don’t know what “the media” is. Never heard of that.

[@sunedz6544]

I have always ran a Polaris all day everyday to keep up with it, but I have gone through 3 of those, plus they wear on the liner using it so much.

[@dshudson]

I'm beyond annoyed I know my pool well let me start by saying that. This is the first year I can't get my water blue. I just replaced the sand because my chemicals are spot on.. but what I've noticed is I run the backwash and looking at the water it's not dirty enough, something is wrong.. I'm guessing it has to be the valve because there is literally nothing left to try. Any recommendations I've been at this for 3 weeks now. Thanks

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

The valve has nothing to do with the clarity of the pool. What type of chemicals are you using? If you are using chlorine, what is your CYA level and what type of chlorine are you using?

[@dshudson]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies I'm using a salt chlorinator.. My salt is at 3250

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There are a lot of unknowns, salt has nothing to do with the clarity of the water. What are some of the other levels in your pool? Do you run your system consistently?

[@dawnmccleary1782]

Baffled about my unground pool. The filter works great without the filter in the housing but when I put it in. Why do you think that is ?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You need to clean the filter cartridge or replace it. Thanks for watching.

[@garyclinton3496]

If my multiport is broken can I change just the part or do I have to change the whole system? Thanks

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You can rebuild the multiport, l do carry the parts as well as the whole valve. If you email your contact info l will be glad to help. My email is on my KZbin channel. Thanks for watching.

[@nnnnn8173]

I have just converted my sand to cartridge filter. Flow is better, takes up less space. Never going back to sand.

[@lettybastien4624]

Cost please.

[@nnnnn8173]

Buying direct from China a cartridge filter with housing (about 50cm height) costs less than usd 100 before shipping. Add piping costs.

[@fperri302]

Enjoy spraying out the cartridges every other day .. I just switched from cartridges to sand and would never go back to that pos

[@audreybrown8116]

Cartridge filter system too much work... I will never go back to filter system....

[@michaelgrate6219]

If you know how to use sand correctly. It's great

[@scottalford7159]

This was alot of information to questions no one cares about !

[@jennpeterson1964]

Then why you here 😂 I wanted to know

[@Blayze1017]

Usually only the people that care about sand filter info click on videos about sand filter info.

[@Eferrari34]

Backwash every 7-10 days?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Through the swimming season you will backwash your filter every 7-10 days on average. Thanks for watching.

[@ghostflier520]

Ive spoken with several pool techs and i was told changing the sand is a money making scam. The arm wears out before the sand will and the sand gets changed then.

[@Lillyofthevalley222]

Sand is so inexpensive though! It’s like $40 or less to replace the sand where I am. That’s not much of a money making scam! 😂😂😂

[@jaywalker5920]

Right I’m a pool tech and I change my own every season

[@PawPawGreg]

​@@Lillyofthevalley222not with one person changing it but you get several hundred customers or even several thousand and it adds up quick.

[@jgould30]

We replaced our sand with the charged glass media. I keep the chemicals good. Haven't even thought about replacing it.

[@SportFunnyMemes]

WHO ELSE WATCHES THIS FOR OVER 1 minute thinking 2 people were in this video 😂😂😂😂

[@briangeffert7628]

I am here because I broke rule no.1. I left the pump running and tried to turn it to backwash. My hand slipped off and it landed on “Closed”. Water came blasting out of the pump and I lost prime. After I re-primed the pump, my pressure gauge was reading 2psi higher than normal. Anyone know why?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Your gauge should be fine, when you turn off the system your gauge should go to zero. If not you may have to replace the gauge. Thanks for watching.

[@briangeffert7628]

Thanks for the reply.