Life of Sand Filter?

[chuck9997]

I have a 24ft (round) AG pool.. Not sure of the sand filter size.. it came with the whole set up.

Anyway.. do you think there is a normal life span for the sand filter? Mine is about 6 years old.. I run it all year. Much less in winter... but it is still in operation 12 months every year. Over the years the pressure guage has busted and is useless. Also I notice water comes out of the guage area when I backwash. The lever/handle on top works ok.. but seems a little loose.. and at times I have to mess with it a little to get it in just the right position.. or water dribbles out the backwash/waste port.. even when in "closed" or "filter" position.

The filter seems to work ok.. and I am not concerned about having the pressure guage. I have pretty much "learned my pool".. and I can put my hand in front of the return and know when I need more or less pressure.

Would my pool operation be anyh better with a new sand filter.. or do I need to spend that money on beer, instead?

[jeanne38654]

Interesting thread. We are in the same boat! We've had ours 6 years as well. The gauge is busted as well, but like you, I know my pool and when to backwash, etc...

My problem is this: Last year my husband changed the sand in the filter - he's done that before (we've been AG pool owners for over a decade), but for some reason something wasn't right and sand was being injected *into* the pool. Not much - you couldn't really *see* it or feel it coming out, but I knew it was there because it would settle on the bottom and was VERY difficult to clean up (maybe too heavy or dense to be be picked up by the vacuum well?)...drove me nuts all year!! So I asked him today to take it apart and see what's up - he responded that it's a pretty simply operation and he can't imagine what caused that and maybe we need a new filter? (I don't want to buy one if there's something we can do to fix this). Anyone else have this issue?

[CarlD]

What you are describing are not problems with the filter itself but with the multivalve, which is usually a repairable item.
Gauges are usually easily replaced as long as its threaded nipple is a standard size. Shouldn't cost much.

The leaking of the valve is most likely caused by a worn-out or damaged "spider gasket", a large rubber O-ring that looks like a spider web. There could be other problems with the multivalve, such as damaged springs or internal chamber walls.

Carl

[chuck9997]

thanks CardD.. keeping in mind that I am not a pool expert.. and not a mechanic.. is this an easy repair? Can you point me towards a thread (maybe with pics) of what I might see when I remove those screws at the top,.. etc.

Or.. is it really a repiar that I need not be too concerned about?

[CarlD]

OK, I'd let Poconos, aylad or WaterMom direct you on that--they are GREAT at such things--explaining it to the non-mechanical. Since I've only had my MV apart once, and that was years ago, I might lead you wrong (I'm very mechanical, and if I really know something, I can guide a beginner through the steps, but not if it's vague).

At worst, you'll have to replace the MV, but I doubt that's necessary. What you WILL need is a replacement spider gasket for the make and model.
You'll have to disconnect the MV from the pool's plumbing and remove it from the filter, making sure all the pool's drains and returns are plugged.
If it was installed with quick-connect junctions, it's easy. If it's all glued in, it's tougher.

Carl

[SalemCastles]

Sand getting into the pool is caused by a broken (cracked) lateral which could easily be done when changing the sand. Laterals are plastic mesh tubes in a spoked pattern that keep the sand in and let the water through. For my Hayward 22" it cost $80.00 CDN a few years ago.

Glenn

[aylad]

Here's a picture-driven guide to changing the spider gasket. Believe me when I say that I'm NOT very mechanically inclined, but it's really easy... I end up going through about a gasket per seaon...http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?10989-Photo-resurrection-2006-multiport-gasket-install

Janet

[Mwil3]

I would think that as long as your tank isn't cracked it would last forever. You will need to replace gaskets from time to time and they say that the sand should be replaced about every 3 years or so. Replacement parts are much cheaper than a new unit (especially if you "know" your system already.) You can even get a new gauge and you will feel like a you have a brand new filter.

[madwil]

the gauge isn't needed, if you know your pool like you do- but also only $10 at Home Depot/Lowes- screw old one out, put some teflon tape on new one and screw in, your done!
the MV isn't hard to rebuild usually, either- but worst case is replace the valve, not the whole filter...

[CarlD]

I would think that as long as your tank isn't cracked it would last forever. You will need to replace gaskets from time to time and they say that the sand should be replaced about every 3 years or so. Replacement parts are much cheaper than a new unit (especially if you "know" your system already.) You can even get a new gauge and you will feel like a you have a brand new filter.

Your sand NEVER needs to be replaced unless you've gunked it up with Bacquacil or something equally bad. I've been using the same sand for 9 years, and my fellow moderators have been using theirs for longer and shorter amounts. As the sand gets older and dirtier, it filters better than it does when "new" (remember: your sand is far older than you are or will ever be).

[Watermom]

Ummm ....... you really need the pressure gauge. I know my pool quite well, but still say you need it.

[Mwil3]

Your sand NEVER needs to be replaced unless you've gunked it up with Bacquacil or something equally bad. I've been using the same sand for 9 years, and my fellow moderators have been using theirs for longer and shorter amounts. As the sand gets older and dirtier, it filters better than it does when "new" (remember: your sand is far older than you are or will ever be).

Thanks Carl....I guess that was just another way for "the man" to get my money. :)

[CarlD]

He may actually believe that. Lots of people in pool stores are honest people who have been "educated" by the pool chem& equip companies to believe a pile of barnyard slush. They aren't "crooks" because they've been trained that this is really what needs to be done. It's wrong. They don't necessarily know it. The corporate heads do, of course. Look at Leslie's campaign against high phosphates. They even off a phosphate remover "plan" of selling you the stuff on regular basis. Yet I only know of ONE member who has had an issue with phosphates, and HE got around it by raising his Borate level (using Borax) to 50ppm. So, despite have phsophate levels 6x higher than the level Leslie's says is "too high", he has no algae.
But the clerk doesn't know this. Maybe. Probably.

Carl