Operating Your Pool's Sand Filter | Everything You Need To Know!

[@phyllisdavis1537]

Thank you. Very helpful. Best I've seen. Much appreciated. Wll continue to gollow you! 12:36

[@dianefehring5626]

Thank you. I'm a 65 year old women who has been maintaining DE pools since I was 11 years old. At 60 I purchased a home with a sand filter and have had a pool service for the last 5 years. I'm tired of paying for sub par service. I have been reluctant to service my own pool due to the sand filter which looks totally different than all the "earth" filters I've maintained. This video has helped give me the confidence to maintain the pool myself. Wish me luck!

[@andrewdillard5961]

Great video! I like to use recirculate when I'm priming a pump

[@jacksonsimon8632]

I've been trying to clean my pool for the longest as well as understanding how the valves worked. Thanks to you now I have the information. May the Lord Almighty God continue to bless your business for ever and ever.

[@danlee9049]

The value I get from your videos Is top notch sir. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@tanyaalford-365]

You explain everything so well. Thank you so very much

[@Snowspire_]

Thank you so much for these helpful videos. We were new, clueless pool owners and your videos have been a huge help.

[@steveepps5187]

I have been a certified TPO LA COUNTY POOL operator for 30 years. Before you completely fill your pool with water add your sodium carbonate ( baking soda) it will keep your PH and total alkalinity form making drastic changes and help stabilize your pool water keeping your pool water "balanced" thus using less chemicals. Water balance includes temperature, PH, total alkalinity, total calcium hardness an total dissolved solids. It has nothing to do with sanitation which is what diclor or triclor (chlorine) is for. Acid is used to keep the ph down because when you add chlorine it raises ph because it is an alkalinity factor. Chlorine will do less sanitizing when your pool water is over 90 degrees. That's why spas and hot tubes use bromine which is much stronger and harsher sanitizer.

[@beckyjones3690]

The backwash on my system doesn’t work? Why?

[@VeronicaMathibela-p9v]

Thank you for sharing My question is: WHAT ÐO I DO WHEN THE DIRT FLOWS BACK TO THE POOL WHEN I CHANGE THE FUNCTIONS THANK YOU

[@Momofboys1980]

Thank you so much for explaining everything to me. I was fixing to jest drain and take my pool down. My husband will not do the upkeep anymore. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. 60 years old. I'm not a quitter ! 😂😂

[@eddieboyd5492]

I have been trying to find out how to operate the sand filter with no good results until I came across your video, you went from A-Z over each operation. Thanks

[@LauraJ_Iago]

Thank you so much for this video! We have a Crystal Flo II but this is applicable to ours too! So good to understand the principles of operation! Very grateful to you!!!

[@Bradyr4]

A massive thanks Mark from Queensland Australia. your videos are extremely helpful and concise, pool ownership can quickly go from a dream to a nightmare but feeling more confident with my pool care now thanks to this channel. Cheers ☺️

[@thegardenrootd.o.c5880]

Thank you! Very well explained! Easy to understand and follow.

[@kathysaleeba4063]

You are very easy to understand when you are explaining the system. Thank you very much for your video. I have learned a lot.

[@shkenca-c5q]

Thank you, best video I have seen ! I had hard time to learn how water circulate, hard to find clear instructions as yours. May God Bless you !

[@stevenbullock9276]

Very helpful video- thanks. Moved to our home w/ inground pool 16 years ago, and between this and another of your videos I've learned how many things I've been doing wrong, or the hard way.

[@ganadaIf]

Bought a house with a pool and had no idea about any of this, thank you for your video!

[@yosefebarnabasdaka5413]

Very helpful information, really clear amd easy to follow.

[@claycoon_70]

Thanks!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching.

[@profi-pumpe-de]

Great video! Explained all of the settings. Thx!

[@antoniovazquez3560]

Thank you professor your videos are very helpful for me. Because I want to do this pool cleaning,and I need to learn by practices and see you videos too.Thank you,and I will be subscribed in your channel.

[@margueritedore9007]

Thanks you explained it clearer than the pool company l bought my pool from.

[@chadwickhallman7265]

Very informative and descriptive, you are an excellent teacher my friend.

[@letsdrive3943]

Best explanation on YT. Thank you Mark!

[@eliselowick5784]

Thank you for the video, first to help me understand the inside mechanics of the machine and simple instructions.

[@WallyJ2K]

Super Awesome Video! Exactly what I needed as a new pool owner!

[@AFGHANSHAUN]

Great video mark. I know now how to operate correctly the filter

[@BJCTRBC]

Thank you for this simple understanding description ❤ Still learning alot when it comes to pools.

[@ScottPacific]

You videos are excellent. I’m able to maintain, troubleshoot and do repairs to my pool without professional assistance thanks to you!

[@PhillipJoynson]

Couldn’t ask for a better video on use of a sand filter ! ❤

[@federicomarino9295]

Great tutorial by a true professional

[@ngonangebryan6438]

Thanks alot. Well simplified explanation. It will help me alot. Just started leaning how to clean pools

[@lissetterozon5782]

Thanks Mark this was a very helpful video

[@vicfrom47]

A++ video. Thank you for explaining everything so well

[@keypoolequipment000]

Everything you have said is correct. Keep up the good work.

[@teamarmstrong_ca]

That tip about starting the pump at the same time you crack the skimmer/drain line was gold for me. I was having trouble to get it primed and now what I do is a) Open the Skimmer Line. b) put a hose in the basket and run it for a good long while c) close skimmer line valve d) when basket fills up with water I e ) Turn on pump and crack the skimmer valve at the same time. VOILA!

[@arielsanchez5587]

thank you it is great Mark

[@tez983]

very awesome and efficient video

[@LaVila-apartment]

Thanks. Great what a good clear videos. We have had a swimming pool for a week and I am therefore completely inexperienced. These videos have helped me very well. I only have one question about when I am away from home for a long time and the water evaporates so that the water level is below the skimmer, does the skimmer then suck in air? How do you deal with such a situation? Perhaps there is also a video of this and I am asking this question too early. Sorry for that.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@LaVila-apartment Yes, you can always raise the water level in the pool to help compensate for this, or you can have someone monitor the pool while you’re gone. Thanks for watching.

[@LaVila-apartment]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies So if you forget to refill the pool and no one is watching the pool, the skimmer will eventually suck in air with all the consequences that entails, right?

[@Zaeiouy_dB]

Outstanding instruction. Thank you!

[@robertvarela3345]

Very helpful, thank you so much

[@tumelopeter8397]

This helped me so much as a new swimming pool owner. All the way from South Africa

[@happaflapp7212]

Great video! Just bought a home with an inground pool. Has a similar setup. Thanks!

[@Harry-jj6qw]

Wow, so well explained, thank you! Just one question, how do you turn on off filter pump? I have sand filter connected to chlorinator called PureSilk

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Harry-jj6qw Your pool pump should have its own switch so you can turn it on or off. Thanks for watching.

[@cathernhazelwood1590]

Thank you .. this was so helpful.

[@DagunroJohn]

Very interesting sir. I'm a pool maintenance..

[@FeaturedBusiness]

Excellent advice and training!

[@beckygrimes5448]

11:36 in Indiana jets start to work and then stop, seasalt pool, filled pool with new water,10,000 gal filled 3/4 full

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like you might need to clean your filter. Thanks for watching.

[@johnjenkinsmusic1]

Thank you! 🙌🏾 So helpful.

[@yannilee1220]

Very clear! Very informative! ❤

[@michaelstrzalka7672]

Most helpful video ever.

[@diegomardi]

Fantastic video, thanks for the help!

[@isaacntiamoah6248]

Very informative!!

[@teresaguziak7218]

A very good explanation

[@debrabrown7153]

Thanks this was so helpful, as new pool owner. Now I just need to learn to set up a automatic pool vac, as not having any luck.

[@Eddie_-_]

Very helpful.

[@moondarck]

Excellent explanation, I recently got a new pool that came with a sand filter and didn't really understand the instructions, but this made everything clear. I got one question if I can ask - is it needed to replace the sand in the filter and when? Nvm, just saw that you have a video for that as well. 😅 Thanks for that as well.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@moondarck Filter sand is changed about every 3 to 5 years on average. Thanks for watching.

[@noahchingaipe]

Thanks for helping sir!

[@miguelsolis5059]

Thank you very much this video was very helpful to me.

[@abiodunadeyeye4663]

Hey mark the Best video and swimming pool trainers I have ever watched very helpful and understandable kudos to you, am going to subscribe to your channel 👍👍

[@abelcainefiji]

Excellent (refresher) video

[@steves048]

Another great tutorial! I have the same setup with the sand filter you displayed. Any videos on opening and closing salt water pools?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

I don’t have any videos pertaining to salt water pools at this time, however the procedure for open and closing the pool is pretty much the same. I have made videos on opening and closing above ground and inground pools. Thanks for watching.

[@steves048]

Thanks!

[@steves048]

​@HallmarkPoolSupplies Mark, I just realized that when the company closed my pool for the winter, he left the control on CLOSED position. Is that going to cause a problem?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, you will be fine. In the winter position the diverter inside the valve is raised, allowing the water to drain out of the valve much easier. In the closed position water will eventually drain but takes a little longer. Closed is used more for servicing the system. Never run the pump in the closed or winter positions.

[@steves048]

Thanks, Mark

[@drntombela880]

Thank you all the way from 🇿🇦

[@katrinweise8595]

Hi, thanks so much. Watching your video is so very helpful. One question... vacuum cleaning in the filter position would mean to shut down the floor drainage in order to have stronger suction, right? But what about the jets. They are on in filter mode and whirl up the clouds I actually want to vacuum. Would it be an idea to 1/2 close the wall valve, or even 3/4?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@katrinweise8595 Yes, when vacuuming close the drain down for more suction but leave your return jets open. Do not close down the jets, however you can redirect them when vacuuming. Thanks for watching.

[@debtaylor5881]

Excellent video!! Can I add DE earth to my sand filter?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@debtaylor5881 Yes, 1 to 2 cups will usually do the trick. Thanks for watching.

[@buffieshaw6874]

This was very helpful and I still have issues with my lines leaking. I'm trying to switch from paper filter to sand.

[@jacobjordan6626]

Hey mark! Love the info. Still enjoying my free flow spa btw! If you remember me :)

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Hope you are doing well, thanks for watching.

[@steves048]

​@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Mark, do you have tutorials on opening and closing a salt water pool with Hayward sand filter and Hayward VS pump? Thank you!

[@ohu8one221]

Mark what is the smallest sand filter by size out on the market that is setup the same as the others internally? I have two a Hayward and another off brand and I am running one to two 1/2 horse powered pumps when back washing. My sub straight material is simply bio-balls and when backwashing I need them to really move like a bingo ball juggler to knock out the debris. I have modified it with 45's moving in one direction and it has been used now for over 2 decades on my koi pond and working well.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@ohu8one221 I believe the smallest sand filter is 10” and uses about 20 lbs of sand. Thanks for watching.

[@Ademola-tp2ko]

On what settings should I rotate to if I want to vacuum out the chemicals in the pool

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Ademola-tp2ko Vacuum in waste, thanks for watching.

[@luisbravo5797]

Really good video. Thank you for posting. Random question, do you think sand filters are more sanitary than cartridge cells?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@luisbravo5797 Both filters are fine, your sanitation comes from the chemicals. Thanks for watching.

[@girishsaini6632]

You are awesome very informative thank a lot

[@zaidahnazol]

Nice one

[@ApacheVillageRV]

Thank you.

[@phoeurn]

Nice ❤ Thank you

[@wayneburton3744]

Great video, thanks

[@jaygood9858]

Thanks for the info lookin to buy my 1st sand filter

[@jaygossage2380]

I have a 1000 gallon pond with a water fall and a filter. The filter has some kind of pellets in the bottom and some spongy looking stuff on top. I back flush the filter straight to the lawn once a day for about a minute and the water is clear. But the pond has green moss/algae that grows in it. The water really looks bad. I use no chemicals. Don't have fish or plants yet. I was thinking about getting a DE Filter. What do you think?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@jaygossage2380 The filter you have should be fine, as long as it is size properly with the pond. A pond will get algae regardless of filter you have. If you end up with plants and fish, having algae is normal. You can use pond dyes to help keep the algae under control, there are also certain fish that can help as well. Thanks for watching.

[@waynemccullough8966]

Thanks Mark the label has deteriorated on my Heyward Mixing valve...........Anyway I can get a new label.........great video

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Yes, here are two links for the new label. If your valve is on top of the filter it will be the first link. If your valve is on the side of the filter it will be the second link. Thanks for watching. www.hallmarkpoolsupplies.com/p-16290-sp0714t-mpv-valve-position-label.aspx www.hallmarkpoolsupplies.com/p-1848-sp0710-15-valve-position-label.aspx

[@pamanderson4967]

I have a leak around the top of my pump,I’ve bought seals but it still leaks.

[@MrBlurgh]

Hey Mark, Im running a waterco medium/sand top mounter I need to clean out the medium and replace it but Im unsure how to drain the reservoir itself How can i drain all the water out of the filter so I can replace the sand ? Thanks from South Australia

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@MrBlurgh Removing the drain cap at the bottom of the filter will drain the tank. Thanks for watching.

[@Entonces]

I am confused about the valves. I have skimmer and drain valves (intakes?) and then I have the 2 things where the filtered water reenters the pool. If I am in filter should both of those should be on, right? But when i was filling my pool up (it's summer in South America) and had the pump in filter mode some water was being drained out?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Entonces You want to make sure that your return line back to the pool is open. If you have a sand filter system and water is draining while in the filter position then you need to check your multiport valve. If the gasket in the valve is damaged water can leak out of the backwash/waste line. I do have several videos on multiport repair that should help, just make sure you watch the video that pertains to the valve you have. Thanks for watching.

[@Entonces]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies thanks, i will check them out. I appreciate it.

[@KellyGrace-q2v]

I have a leak at the bottom of the tank coming from the plug to drain the sand. Which position should I place the system in to drain the water from the tank so I can seal around the plug from the outside without having to drain all the sand?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@KellyGrace-q2v Turn off the pump and put the valve in the closed position. Thanks for watching.

[@KellyGrace-q2v]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Thank you! That’s what I thought, but first time pool owner here and didn’t want to cause a bigger issue if it was more involved than that. Your videos have been SO informative for me!

[@vincearroyo1757]

Mark how often should the sand be changed? I was told that the whole sand unit should be replaced.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@vincearroyo1757 On average, filter sand should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Thanks for watching.

[@jorgeguerrero478]

My 2 cents; I use the "close" position while servicing my pump as the filter and the pump are located below the water's level and if not in "close" the water leaks from the filter to the pump

[@danielpivirotto9408]

After 30 years of pool ownership, I finally know how the hell the pump works😂

[@uncletacosupreme7023]

Lol here here!

[@Sbrer]

Super video Mark!

[@kevinmcconville462]

Great Video

[@Jimandaprilsadventure]

I might need your help. Just got a new house and it has a pool. I’m lost on what to do

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Jimandaprilsadventure If you need help, check out my Patreon page. I do phone sessions, virtual service calls and I will be glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@ADiaz.38]

When does the air relief valve come into play with the backwash/rinse setting?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@ADiaz.38 You can bleed the air from the filter at anytime. When you are done backwashing or rinsing the system you can bleed the air from the filter but it is not necessary. In fact some filter systems do not even have an air relief valve (like the one in the video). Thanks for watching.

[@ADiaz.38]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Thank you so much Mark! Your videos are very helpful while looking after my grandparents' pool

[@CarmineMileo]

Do all bottom drain lines to the pump have valves? If not, how to vacuum with skimmers and bottom drain?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@CarmineMileo I have seen systems without a valve on the drain line or the skimmer line or both. It is nice to have a valve on both lines so you can regulate the suction, especially when you are vacuuming the pool. If you don’t have a valve you can always add one. Thanks for watching.

[@RAULGARCIA-jo6wv]

Are you supposed to close the return valve that goes back into the pool while on backwash or rinse??

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@RAULGARCIA-jo6wv No, thanks for watching.

[@racer83l]

When changing settings on the multiport valve, are you supposed to wait before turning on the pump? I have a brand new Hayward filter and pump, I’m getting sand coming out of the backwash hose and a tiny bit in the pool, I have already emptied the sand out of the filter, inspected the laterals and pipe (they are perfect) and put the same sand back in. But I’m still getting a small amount of sand in the sight glass on backwash and in the pool. It’s a very small amount, but it’s there.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Always turn off the pump before rotating the handle. Make sure that the sand is # 20 silica filter sand and that you put the right amount of sand in the filter. If you put too much sand in the filter it will eventually self level. Keep an eye on the filter and if you keep getting sand in the pool or it gets worse than you will have to inspect the laterals in the filter. Thanks for watching.

[@RocklingJnrff]

so if you want to vacuum the pool .which valve will you put it at

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@RocklingJnrff For normal vacuuming and cleaning you will be in the filter position. Thanks for watching.

[@steves048]

Mark, quick question about pump operation. I have a VS Hayward pump. I usually run it at night 8 -12 at 100% speed then the next 4 hours at 85%... can I drop it lower or is that ok the way I have it? Thanks!

[@brandonharris3186]

What position should the filter be in when you’re about to prime the pump?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

When priming the pump you will be in the filter position. Thanks for watching.

[@thusharasanjeewa9312]

Yes it s very helpful to me thank to you in my hard ❤

[@beautifulsrilankaisland7987]

Very important

[@Chris-ho5zb]

Mark what’s your thoughts on Pool Balls vs Sand?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Filter sand is finer, better and cheaper. Thanks for watching.

[@pataurhoads1523]

First time pool owner here. What kind of bleach do I use???

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@pataurhoads1523 Bleach is not an approved pool sanitizer, use chlorine. Thanks for watching.

[@pataurhoads1523]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies what kind of chlorine?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@pataurhoads1523 Poolife is a good brand, there are many out there. Take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store and have it tested. Then you can get the proper chemicals to treat your pool.

[@PaulRichardson-i3t]

Do you have the water filter on full Skimmer or 1/2 bottom and 1/2 skimmer ?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@PaulRichardson-i3t When the system is filtering l have both the skimmer and the drain open all the way. Thanks for watching.

[@jhoth405]

I back washed a couple times without turning the pump off . Its a brand new system. Am i screwed ? How will i know ?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@jhoth405 If the valve is running properly and there are no leaks you may be fine. Always turn off the pump when changing positions, if not you can damage the valve. Thanks for watching.