Changing the sand in the pool filter: essential guide

Why the sand in your filter is essential to water quality

The sand in your filter acts a bit like the kidneys of your pool. It retains debris, impurities, and suspended particles in the water, so that it remains clear, healthy, and pleasant for swimming. This is called the filter media.

Worn or clogged sand directly compromises the filter's effectiveness. Result: cloudy water, less effective chemical treatment, abnormal pressure... and much more maintenance for you.

The water drawn by your pool's pump passes through the filter filled with sand. Each grain of sand, with its jagged edges, acts like a mini particle trap. It then comes out clean before returning to the pool.

But over time, natural erosion makes these grains smoother. As a result, they hold contaminants less effectively. Filtration then becomes ineffective, even if the filter still operates mechanically.

When should you change the sand in your filter?

As a general rule, it is recommended to replace the sand every 3 to 5 years, depending on:

1. The swimming volume

2. The quality of the filled water (hard water, iron, manganese…)

3. The level of maintenance of the pool

4. The use of cleaning or degreasing products

Signs that it's time to change:

1. The water remains cloudy despite treatments

2. The pressure in the filter increases abnormally

3. The backwash is no longer sufficient to restore clarity

4. The filter is channeling (forming tunnels in the sand)

1. Silica sand #20

1. The most common and economical

2. Angular grains, good for retaining debris

3. Better micron filtration than regular glass

4. Lifespan of 3 to 5 years

5. Disadvantage: rapid clogging, conducive to bacterial growth

2. Recycled filtration glass

1. Made from 100% recycled glass

2. Electrostatic charge useful for capturing iron and manganese

3. Reduction of channel formation

4. More environmentally friendly, but slightly more expensive

5. Filtration slightly less fine than silica sand

What if you did better than sand?

🟢 Wink Pool Seahorse: For discerning owners, a new generation of filter media exists: AFM ng

.

🔍 Derived from 35 years of research, AFM ng filters down to 1 micron, prevents bacterial growth, and does not need to be replaced every 5 years. It directly replaces sand or glass, without modification to your filter .

👉 Learn more here: AFM ng, the revolution in filter media 

How to change the sand in a pool filter? Step by step

Necessary materials:

• New filter media (sand, glass, or AFM ng)

• Screwdriver and wrenches

• Hose

• Water vacuum (optional)

• Lubricant for O-rings

Steps:

1. Stop the pump and close the valves

2. Purge the filter and remove the top cover

3. Empty the used sand (with a shovel or with a water vacuum)

4. Clean the inside of the filter

5. Carefully pour in the new filter media

6. Close and lubricate the seals

7. Backwash for 2-3 minutes

8. Restore circulation and check the pressure

💡 Tip: note the replacement date to track the maintenance cycle!

Backwashing involves reversing the water flow in the filter to flush out debris accumulated in the sand. It should be done when:

1. The pressure increases by 10 psi or more

2. The water becomes slightly cloudy

3. Every week during peak season

However, backwashing does not renew the filtering capacity of the sand. It helps, but never replaces a media change.

The sand is the heart of your pool's filtration. Old or clogged sand no longer does its job, even with frequent backwashing. Consider replacing it every 3 to 5 years.

💧 For maximum performance, reduced maintenance, and crystal clear water, consider consulting our in-store technicians.

🔄 What if it was time to switch to AFM ng so you never have to change your sand again?