Things You'll Need:
- filter sand
- lots of patience
- cup or ziploc bag
- water hose
- shop vac (optional)
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Step 1
Determine how the plumbing is attached. If it is glued, then you will have to cut the pipe and re-plumb when finished. Most filters have unions that can be unscrewed so that they can be reattached with no cutting or re-plumbing. Take off all the plumbing going into your top valve for top-mount filter. If your valve is on the side, then just remove the dome shaped top on the filter.
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Step 2
Take the top valve off of the filter. The valve may be attached to the filter in one of many ways. You may have a metal band to remove, maybe a black 2 part band with 2 bolts to remove or the top valve (the one with the handle),or it may be threaded to the tank itself. Once removed, you should see a 1 1/2 inch pvc pipe sticking out from the sand with an open top.
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Step 3
Place a cup or zip loc bag over this pipe to prevent any sand from entering. If sand gets down this pipe, it will end up in your pool and you'll have to get that out. Remove the drain plug on the bottom to drain the water out of the tank.
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Step 4
Start to remove the sand. Most of the time, you can use a shop-vac to remove the sand slowly. You may have to use a cup to scoop some out as well. Be careful not to damage the "fingers" (laterals) in the bottom that come out horizontally from the bottom of that pvc pipe.
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Step 5
Once all the sand is removed, put the drain cap back on and fill the tank half way with water. Determine how much sand your tank holds. Begin to pour the sand in slowly (the cup or bag is still on the top pvc pipe). Once the tank is about 3/4 full, that's enough. Don't forget to take the cup or bag off the pipe before putting the valve back on. Fill completely with water to prime the system and attach the top valve and plumbing back where it went. You are then ready to prime and start your pump. Clean sand will make a world of difference when it comes to filtration and a sparkling, clean pool.
