How to Reduce TDS With a Sand Filter

A pool filter helps keep the water clear.

Sand filters are just one of several types of filters that you can employ to keep undesirable substances out of your swimming pool water. The other types are cartridge filters and D.E., or diatomaceous earth, filters. While each type has drawbacks, the sand filter requires the longest operation time, has the lowest efficiency, needs more chlorine and uses the most water. Nonetheless, sand filters can help you reduce your pool's TDS, or incidence of dissolved, solid substances.

Instructions

1. Circulate your pool's water through the filter. The silica sand in the filter will catch any impurities, including dissolved solids, as well as oils.

2. Backwash your filter once a week. This sends water through the filter in the reverse direction and sends the substances the sand has trapped down the backwash line and into the wastewater system.

3. Change the sand every three to five years -- more often if your entire pool is painted. The sand catches some of the acids that will etch away at paint, but not as efficiently after a year or so, so you may want to change the sand annually for a painted pool. If you don't change the sand, it will get more compacted, allowing less water through it. This will make the pump run harder and can cloud up the water.

References

• Leslie's Pool: Pool Care Tips
• Pelican Pool Service: Filters
• Custom Pool Care: Pool Care Tips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish