How To Change The Pool Filter Sand

When you have a pool it's important to know how and when to change your pool filter sand. In this video Andrew Donkin will be showing you just that. You need to change your pool filter sand every 2-3 years when the water is murky, needs frequent backwashing or your pool cleaner is struggling. View products here: bit.ly/2RyXGTE and shop online with Builders. Signup here: goo.gl/vNuQ6n.

[@dshudson]

Your sand doesn't need to be replaced. I reused the old sand, I created a little sluice box with my wagon and filled it with water and all the contamination floated to the top, I just tipped it and drained it off, it took about 4 times and about 15 min. Then I scooped the sand back in. Works like a charm.

[@mikemoody9512]

Then it isn't the same sand, it's been cleaned. Most people would just buy new sand instead of straining it multiple times. Also, straining it multiple times will never get it as clean as new sand would be. $15 bucks a bag.

[@dshudson]

@@mikemoody9512 I disagree, my pool is flawless and some people don't have 15 to 24 a bag which is what is is here, near Boston. 15 min and saved 75 for sand and a trip to the store, I'll take that deal any day, to each there own though.

[@TopgunB]

Excellent--clear concise-no ambiguity. Thank you!

[@barneybotha2437]

I saw in another video that it helps to put screws back in the threaded holes otherwise the threaded holes will be filled with the sand. It can prevent the threads to be damaged. I changed my sand today and forgot to do it. But I strong force of water removed the sand from the threaded holes. I used a dry/wet vacuum cleaner to remove the sand from the filter. I removed most of it by hand first

[@zhayat]

Had the same issue with not putting the screws back into the threaded holes.the sand got lodged into some of the holes and is difficult to remove.eventually I got seal on the filter cap but it took some effort and didn’t get some of the sand out. I also tried the water with hose method but I don’t think the pressure is enough to remove the sand stuck the threads.it made it difficult to put the screws on after. I just wish I watched this video before i changed my pool sand!I guess you live and learn?! Also a great tip to put a plastic bag over the centre pipe in the filter when changing the sand instead of using duct tape which I did to cover the openings in the centre pipe.I got some sand in the pipe which then gets pumped into the pool. Just vacuum the sand out of the pool if you get some going into the centre pipe openings or use the pool gel into the weir as suggested in the video guide

[@Retverm]

Very informative and simply presented. Thank you.

[@CarlCunningham360]

Awesome video! I needed your guidance to change my old sand. This is a perfect video for that.

[@Rhotz-ix8ll]

Get activated glass media. Superior to sand in every way though it will cost about $50 more. Finer filtration, less back pressure and therefore lower electricity costs for the pump, indefinite lifespan, less backwashing and therefore lower water costs, no channelling inside the filter. You’ll get the $50 back in no time and much better pool water immediately. I’ve had the stuff for 6 years and it’s fantastic. Way better than the sand it replaced.

[@jjduplessis1942]

Great video. Just unfortunate that Builders didn’t have everything needed for this process.

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Just what the doctor ordered A big help Thank you

[@deanfinnie4701]

Thanks, this was very helpful.

[@k.d.140]

Thanks for the information I never knew there was a sand extractor.

[@clintonr4485]

Very helpful for first timers.Thanx

[@stuartvorster4911]

Lekker Boet 👍🏼.......Thanks for the info, certain to help when i climb into doing this later today!!!

[@JeremyCoppin]

These builders videos rock.

[@iainrobinson8120]

Really good tutorial

[@rivaanmanilal248]

Excellent Excellent video guys! After watching this video I went straight to my nearest builders and got everything this video asked for! Saved me a ton of money and learned something new in the process. I thank you again for these awesome and helpful videos!😄

[@barrysnyman9645]

Thank you

[@pennyminkkinen7201]

Thanks this was very informative

[@janakadissanayaka5379]

Ohh really it’s easy thank you so much.

[@deb9249]

Great job, thank you so much for the information.

[@chrisbyrne2656]

hi… great video. very helpful … where can I get the sand extractor tool. I've tried everywhere, eBay amazon etc.

[@stevenkeith6883]

Bro use a wet/dry shop vac and save yourself a Crap load of time

[@ryanhenry21]

@@stevenkeith6883 this is the truth. I’ve done literally hundreds of sand changes. Shop vac all the way.

[@melbran7068]

Good video, and plastic bag over the pipe in the middle of the filter was a good idea... except, that it makes that white pipe and circle do dad float... if you don’t add water to that pipe and it floats... it doesn’t stay on the bottom... so nightmare will accrue if you don’t fill that thing with water first to keep it on the botton

[@RP-rm7po]

Saving me a lot of hassle right now, thanks!

[@ryanhenry21]

If that pipe you referring to is moving around or as you say, floating, it means the pipe/fitting going through the filter is broken. All the pipe work within the filter should be sturdy with no movement even without filter medium in.

[@africanhistory]

I didnt buy that sand exactor, wish could show an alternative way of getting sand out. As it is the hardest part

[@jvanniekerk1]

Great vid thanks

[@scubadivinggearreviewsza927]

& the O-Ring ? Does it have to be replaced once opened ?

[@keanuabboy731]

Very useful 🔥🔥🔥

[@EtimEssangArtstudio]

please can you share me with a video on how to refiled water on Swimming pool through filter media pump house

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

I’ll go buy the stuff tomorrow

[@aldoafrica8403]

hi does one select closed before opening filter lid I see water is dispersing quite a lot should I wait till it stops.i unscrewed the lid theirs quite a bit of water builders video does not show how they select correct option and how do I make the water disperse ,I use a superflow 3 bag filter

[@davidlaw1850]

Nice prawn pump

[@suleimanshaik]

Thanks a million Guys

[@harveydodd8803]

For an above ground pool, is there anything that needs to be done to keep the water from flooding back into the filter while it’s open? Do I just set the filter to Close or should the outlets all be plugged somehow?

[@Mlavovo]

Dankie Builders!

[@tugiranto999]

I am from Indonesia and i am pool man too. I want to learn by you about maintenance it.....

[@leeoschman2099]

I replace my sand with HP glass beads. 7 years later and still working. Will never use sand again.

[@otiliam2306]

hi, thank you. What can you do with the old sand, is it ok to mix it in garden bed ?

[@BuildersFan]

Hi Otilia, The old sand may still contain a considerable chemical residue which can negatively effect the beneficial microbial life in the soil. Rather dispose of the old sand than use it in the garden or flower beds. :) NM

[@otiliam2306]

thank you

[@samramada88]

BuildersFan hi mate how do you get the top of on the older filters with no o rings I have a photo can I send it to you

[@barrydiggins3195]

Hi, great video. We are in Spain and can’t locate the sand extractor tool that you used here? What is it called? How much are they in SA. We don’t seem to have much access to the sand in our filter, so would be a long process with a small ladle! Thanks

[@PaulOxborrow]

Hi Barry, they are R500-R600 in SA. I’m currently scooping the old sand out with buckets, a hand spade and by hand.

[@reinobrowne9597]

Sooo what happens when you got sand into the breather and top of the filter?

[@Deeninsights-g8s]

Hi I am based in uitenhage (eastern cape). Do you guys refurbish pools?

[@oomsoutie14]

This video should have been about ten seconds and one line long: "fokken pay someone else to do it!" I kid. Great video 👍🏻 but next time I'll be paying someone else xD

[@Glenn-i8i]

I tipped it upside down to get the sand out was that a bad mistake

[@rayward3335]

What s the cost of DIY filter cha nge

[@extreme_MOTO]

What to do when sand gets into the breathers of the filter?

[@etienneswart8700]

I have a super-flow 120 sand filter. Don’t seem to find the bag info. Please assist 😊 Thanks for the simple explication 👍🏻 Didn’t go 🧨😁

[@auto-funatics7147]

120 means 120kg's of sand. 1 bag is 40kg. Add them up

[@pauloconde]

In the video you mention you can see how many bags you need by looking at the filter. The only markings on mine are by the lid and it says '102kd'. Not sure what that means. Am I supposed to be looking somewhere else perhaps?

[@BuildersFan]

Hi Paulo. You should see a number 2, 3, or 4 on the side of the round filter body. This is normally near the brand logo. Regards. Andrew

[@pauloconde]

@@BuildersFan Thanks Andrew - mine seems to be a fairly old filter - it doesn't have any other writing on it, but I did figure out it was a 2 bag filter eventually based on the size of the pool. Thanks for the informative video - it came in really handy :)

[@edmoremuzavazi5897]

Thanks

[@reneknight3394]

Thank you for your video which I found very informative. ..please could you let me know who the pool company to contact? My pool is running at very high pressure. .a few pool people have not solved the problem.

[@emileconradie6540]

Where are you located?

[@warken1985]

lekker this is excellent thanks guys - subbed!

[@allrock1238]

inspect all the laterals (filter fingers)for any cracks or damage and replace any that are before you fill with water and add new sand (they unscrew with a wrench at there root do not try and twist them by hand they will break off) ,, otherwise your in for the , mysterious "why is this sand ending up in my pool experience.

[@mellocapital]

I just bought a home with a pool with a sand filter at an unknown age. What signs do I need to lookout for before needing to change the entire filter system versus just the sand?

[@jasonh8890]

I had the same issue, it’s time to change the filter system when it is not cleaning the pool as it should

[@ryanhenry21]

Just change it then you can start from scratch as the new owner. I’ve found changing sand maximum every 2 years works best.

[@LightWarrior_Artist]

Thank you but Yeah, your information and instructions aren't as precise and complete as that of the "The Pool Team" video (ie: how full must the filter be ? ). . . . however I do like the idea of the sand extractor that The Pool Team don't even mention - it took me hours to remove the sand with a small cup 🤕😵 - but I also wanted it squeaky clean inside as my sand was very-very-very filthy indeed - looked like concrete mix 😅🤢

[@felaandries5165]

2-3 year I dnt believe that because it depends how the pool is being used or how it exposed to dirt . I change me filter sand every year because after putting the new sand it takes 10 mnths the pool start to be milkey nd cloudy no matter how hard o try to backwash or adding cloudy to clear chemicals, they only work for a day then it becomes cloudy again, whn I open the tank I find a lot of muddy staff

[@dawhoda1]

Ever since I've changed my sand I've had sand escaping little by little with the water.you can see it on the pool floor and I even started using my skimmer to sort of swoop back and under and catch the sand. Is it possible the center tube when reassembling wasn't lined up correctly or I forgot to backwash? Also this is a smaller above ground pool. Any answers welcome

[@emileconradie6540]

Your laterals (thank you @45windsor) could be damaged. At the bottom of your filter, you have laterals that allow water to pass back to the pool but als acts as a sieve for the sand.

[@sofijaantzaras4970]

I have a question - I had taken the top off my Hayward sand filter last week simply to replace the sand (pool has been OPEN for a month, opened by our pool guy), and there was no water inside, just sand. I was told this was an issue. That there should be water inside while running, otherwise the filter is broken. Any tips on this??

[@hardushelm6268]

Get rid of your pool guy😂

[@sofijaantzaras4970]

@@hardushelm6268 lol yeah, I Did 2 years ago after I posted this, thanks

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

I gotta be honest it seems easier to just fill the bloody pool with sand,and we're done :)

[@dawhoda1]

And it's like a pumice for your feet... *_WIN WIN!_*

[@sherryfaye0818]

I agree!

[@davidlaw1850]

😂

[@Glenn-i8i]

What happen if you come in and you tipped it upside down to get

[@45windsor]

the filter fingers are called laterals :)

[@BuildersFan]

Hi, we'll pass that on to Andrew. Thank you :) NM

[@ryanhenry21]

Laterals are commonly referred to as filter fingers in South Africa. They are also known as filter spider.

[@pieterjacobs5416]

Why are poolcleaner close when star cleaning

[@robertkrakowitzer6455]

builders warehouse only sells the lid with the o-ring- very disappointing (Rivonia)

[@JeffreySmallwood]

your awesome

[@mikerusso5481]

Boarders outlet?

[@greggmax3551]

Have you ever heard of people putting pebbles the size of pees for the first 6 inches then coarse sand about 4.75mm for the next 6 inches then medium sand 2.0 mm for the last 6 inches in your pool filter? Does this have any benefits?

[@happyamerican3235]

No. You’re not messing with iron or calcium or sulfur that would cause the sand to bind/clump up and that’s what bigger stone/pebble is for in filtration like iron filter systems. Just use filter sand and follow the backwash/rinse steps and times correctly.

[@lawrencewinter]

Hi guys, Great video. I have a question. I have recently started helping my old man with his pool. We have come to change the sand as there are no records of when the pool sand was last changed. I closed the valves for the leaftrap, the baracuda side hole and the bottom hole pipes. I set the multi-valve by the filter to 'closed'. I unplugged the pump. Now when I unscrew the top lid, water just flows freely and indefinitely. I don't know why this is happening! Could it be that the multi-port valve is in fact broken? Nowhere on the internet mentions this problem. I struggled to get the lid back on and seal it to stop losing any further water before my pump was submerged in water in the pumproom! Any ideas please?

[@BuildersFan]

Hi Lawrence, that’s quite normal. It’s actually quite common as the line between the filter returning to the pool is open (no valve closing) irrelevant of the multi-valve position. If your filter is above the pool level then the water will flow for a short while back into the pool. If your filter is below the pool water level then the pool water will siphon out of the pool. The easiest fix is to block your pool outlet jets with a plastic bag or similar. I hope this works. Be sure to make use of the pool sand extractor tool. You may also want to use the Eco Fiber instead of pool sand, no more backwashing is needed. I use it in my pool, really great stuff. The video clip is coming soon….. Check out the two links below in the meantime. Regards. Andrew. www.builders.co.za/search/?text=669496 www.builders.co.za/search/?text=583454

[@lawrencewinter]

@@BuildersFan thanks guys, I'll be sure to give those ideas a try

[@Jose-cp1ov]

Lawrence Winter where did you get your sand filter

[@tomelifeisjustonebig]

Anyone know if you can buy that sand extractor in Australia???

[@hameedy94]

@@shesbitchingimfishing5302 hahahaha

[@Skahtie]

Just use a wet/dry vac

[@pravesh9744]

The pool sand extractor doesn’t work, it get sand stuck in it don’t waste your time buying one

[@xMohJeex]

Is a price of 290USD charged by a pool maintenance company reasonable to change pool filter sand?

[@dawhoda1]

Yes when it's extremely easy to do yourself.

[@happyamerican3235]

Pool filter sand is around 10$ for 50 pounds. Just do the math. For most pools less than 50$ for the sand the rest is labor.

[@dshudson]

Also don't use that stupid extractor, use your shop vac.

[@tugiranto999]

I am from Indonesia and i am pool man too. I want to learn by you about maintenance it.....

[@nareshndc2725]

thank you