How to Build a Homemade Above Ground Pool Sand Filter

Make sure to use only sand approved for pool filter usage.

Of all the components to an above-ground pool's mechanics, the one that anyone can build himself is a filter. Anyone with basic plumbing skills and access to pool sand can accomplish this in a matter of hours. A pool's sand filter works by trapping contaminants and particles between the grains of sand as the water enters the filter and then preventing their release into the swimming pool. As more particles get trapped in the filtering sand, the less space is available between the sand particles and the sand filter traps even more unwanted debris.

Things You'll Need

• 10-gallon plastic container with lid (or larger if necessary)
• Woven mesh or woman's nylons
• Pool sand
• Drill and drill bit of the same diameter as incoming water supply line
• Silicone or water-proof caulk
• Caulk gun
• Plumber's tape or stainless steel clamps
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Many different plastic containers can be repurposed as a pool filter if thoroughly cleaned.

   Place the plastic container next to the pool's pump. Make sure that it is in a convenient location for both filling it and eventually cleaning it when necessary. Make sure it is out of the way of passers-by who may accidentally knock it over.

2. 

   If you lack a drill bit of sufficient size, you can use a hole-saw bit.

   Drill holes in the container for both the incoming and outgoing water. One hole should be drilled in the center of the lid and the other about half an inch up from the bottom of the container.

3. 

   Tighten steel clamps with a screwdriver.

   Attach the mesh or nylons to the ends of the incoming and outgoing water supply hoses. Make a tight seal with the plumber's tape or stainless steel clamps to hold the mesh to the hoses.

4. 

   Caulk guns can be obtained inexpensively at home improvement stores.

   Insert outgoing water supply line hose into the bottom hole of the container. Apply silicone or other waterproof caulk to the space between the container and the hose to create a seal.

5. 

   Leave enough space at the top for water to collect before percolating through the sand.

   Fill the container three-fourths of the way with the pool sand.

6. Place the lid atop the container and insert the supply line into the top. Use the silicone or waterproof caulk again to create a watertight seal.

7. Test your pool's filter. Turn on the pump to see if there are any leaks in your sand filter. Use caulk as necessary to repair.

8. Check the sand in your filter regularly. Change it when it is green to black in color.

Tips & Warnings

• keep the sand filter lower than the pool outlet so that gravity can assit the small "A" filter pump and keep it from working harder

• Backwashing can be accomplished by reversing the hoses on the sand filter

• Attempting to use sand that is too coarse or too fine will impede the effectiveness of the filter. Use only pool sand available at a pool supply store.

References

• Centers for Disease Control: Healthy Housing Reference Manual; Chapter 14: Residential Swimming Pools and Spas
• Popular Mechanics: 6 Steps to the Perfect Inground Pool
• Virginia Community College: Types of Filters