How to Tell if Your Sand Filter is Bad

Pool owners know how vital sand filters are and what it means if they stop working correctly. It is, therefore, critical to understand how to tell if your sand filter is bad.  

Here are a few problems you should watch out:

1. Your Sand Filter is Slow  

If your pool starts to look unclear or cloudy, then you might have a slow sand filter. It can happen even if the filter seems to run smoothly and looks fine. 

If that is the case, test the water chemistry to ensure it is balanced. Then check the backwash valve. 

If everything seems ok, consider changing the sand inside the filter tank. 

2. Leaking Multiport Valves 

It is not a direct problem of the sand filter, but it is linked to the filter – check it out. These valves connect to the filter on the top or the side. 

They come with spider gaskets situated inside the filter tanks to keep a consistent water flow. Sometimes they get worn down and old, becoming loose and twisted. 

That can make your pool to turn cloudy. Here you should change the valves and spider gaskets.

3. Bad or Broken Laterals 

 If the laterals on your filter are bad or broken, the sand gets into your pool. That can cause a lot of problems and require you to clean your facility. 

You need to take out all the media from the filter to inspect the laterals and change them if they are broken. Also, check the air relief tube. 

4. Dirty Sand Filter 

If you release that backwashing cycles are shorter, then you need to inspect the sand filter for grease and dirt. A dirty filter looks like sandy lard and prevents the water from flowing freely. 

You might notice a channel of water on the bottom side of the filter. The best solution is to replace the sand. 

5. Valve Failure 

It can occur because of various reasons such as tree damage, freezing, and becoming deadheaded. The valves are located on the sides or top of the filter tank (multiports). 

Here the gasket might have an issue and make the valves to malfunction. Replace the gasket. 

6. Tank Failure 

The tank can rapture when the valves are locked at the return lines or backwash lines. Thus, you should keep an eye on the pressure gauge whenever you turn the pump on. 

If the pressure starts to rise, turn the pump off. Then check whether the valves are closed.

7. Pressure Issues 

Ensure you check the pressure regularly to make sure it is in the right levels. A small filter might not handle excessive pressure in the tank.

The pressure can also increase due to dirt in the tank. Low pressure is also a problem and can be caused by disrupted water flow. 

Correct the two issues to keep your sand filter in good condition.

Final Verdict 

You should correct any issues that occur in your pool sand filter to ensure that it works properly. Other problems can occur; always checks the user’s maintenance guide.