How to Change Sand in a Sand Pump for an Above-Ground Pool

Replacing sand in an above-ground pool filter makes the water clearer.

Some above-ground pools come with a sand filter. The sand filter uses pool sand to catch and trap dirt and debris as it runs through the filter. Most pool manufacturers recommend changing the sand every three to five years. As the sand filter becomes littered with debris, its trapping capacity becomes overloaded and it can no longer function correctly. Changing the sand in a sand filter is not hard as long as you understand how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers or wrench
• Plastic scoop
• Trash can or wheelbarrow
• Garden hose
• Bags of pool sand
• Old rag

Instructions

1. Turn off the sand filter pump. Turn off the electricity to the sand filter at the circuit breaker.

2. Unscrew the bolts on the top of the filter tank with pliers or a wrench. For a multi-valve top, unlock the band that holds the tank top in place. After removing the top, set it out of your way.

3. Scoop the old sand out of the filter with a large plastic scoop. Do not use a hard metal type of scoop as you may damage the inner workings of the filter.

4. Scoop the old sand into a trash can or wheelbarrow. If you have a small sand filter, you may be able to lift and set the sand filter on its side and pour the old sand out. Or, after taking out most of the sand from a larger filter, you can lift and pour the rest of the sand out.

5. Inspect the laterals in the sand filter for damage. Damage of the laterals would include cracks or breaks.

6. Spray the filter with a garden hose, rinsing all the old sand out.

7. Set the tank back into place if you had tipped it over to get the old sand out.

8. Fill the tank up with 4 inches of water. This protects the laterals as you pour the new sand back into the filter.

9. Cover the manifold pipe hole that sticks straight up in the filter with an old rag so no sand goes into the pipe as you refill the filter.

10. Pour the pool sand from your sand bags carefully into the filter. The filter should be close to 3/4 full or however much the pool manufacturer recommends.

11. Reattach the cover on the sand filter after pouring in the correct amount of sand.

12. Turn the circuit breaker back on. Turn the sand filter on to start filtering your pool water.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a shovel to remove the old sand from the filter. You risk damaging the fragile laterals in the sand filter.

References

• Wet Head Media: Sand Pool Filter