fgd pump equipment

5 Common Swimming Pool Sand Filter Problems

Loose or damaged multi-port valve handle

A multi-port valve on a sand filter is a powerful pool piece of equipment. As the name suggests, multi-port valves have many internal ports or channels for the flow of pool water. These valves have a lever handle that you can turn to set one of seven filtering functions. By changing the position of the handle, you can activate the filter, backwash, recirculation, waste, rinse, winter, or off settings. Depending on the settings you choose, the pool water will be delivered in a certain way. This feature allows your pool filter to perform several maintenance operations efficiently. Still, if your multi-port valve handle is loose or damaged, you won't be able to use all the functions the valve has to offer.

Loose handle

If you notice your multiport valve handle wobbling, it may be due to a loose or damaged spring within the key seal assembly. Thankfully, replacing the spring is fairly straightforward.

Broken handle

A damaged multi-port valve handle may seem like a bigger problem than a loose one, but it's actually easier to fix.

Leakage waste line

After backwashing the filter, it is normal for a little water to drip from the waste pipe of the sand filter. However, if the drip persists for a long time and/or the drip becomes more intense, you may experience problems with your hands. Oftentimes, old or damaged star washers are the culprit behind leaking waste lines.

Replace spider gasket

Sand pool

After changing the sand in the filter or running a backwash cycle, it is common to see a small buildup of sand on the bottom of the pool. However, if the amount of sand in the pool increases, you may be dealing with side or riser damage inside the filter. On the sides are the plastic parts at the bottom of the sand filter with small slits to keep the sand out. It could also be a broken riser or diffuser - if it breaks, all the internals will leak sand into the pool.

While broken side pipes or risers are often the cause of sand leaks, here are some other potential issues that could turn your pool into a beach:

Worn sand:Over time, the sand becomes smooth and unable to trap dirt and debris.

Calcified sand: Very hard water minerals will turn sand into sandstone.

"Mudball":Oil collects in the sand tank, forming a gooey ball in the top third of the sand.

Bypass:If the pump is too powerful, dirt may be bypassed directly through the filter without proper treatment.

Filter pressure low or high

For most pools, the ideal sand filter pressure range is 10 to 25psi. Blockages or incorrect sand levels in the system are often the cause of pressure increases or decreases. If the sand filter pressure drops below 10psi, first check for blockages in front of the filter. Clean your pool skimmer and check the impeller in the pump. If your pump is fine, the problem may be due to a low pool level or insufficient sand in the filter. Top up the pool or add more sand to the filter. If your sand filter pressure is too high, the first step is to backflush the filter. Dirty sand can cause filter pressure to rise. If that doesn't fix the problem, there may be too much sand or clogging in the filter. Check your sand levels and remove excess sand if needed. If you suspect an obstruction and are unsure how to clear it, contact a professional for help.

Cracked tank

Sand filters are high-pressure equipment. So if the tank breaks, it needs to be replaced. Replacing an entire sand filter is usually cheaper than repairing a cracked tank.