AZkid - Hayward Sp 711 filter pours dirt back into pool

Hey all
I am using a Hayward SP 711 filter - our pool is a smaller in-ground one
why would my filter put dirt back into the pool? We've not been using the pool all winter, although the filter runs every night and we keep it chlorinated. I just dug out the vacuum and started trying to clean the bottom of dirt. this works until I lose suction and go run backwash and rinse. then when I run the regular filter, dirt just pours out of the jets on the side and in minutes the whole pool is so cloudy it takes days to settle. repeat in two days...I'm slowly going crazy. My dad insists that the sand was replaced within the last 5 years so do i have to tear it apart to find out some other problem? also - we don't have the owners manual and I cant find any schematics on the web and I don't really want to go in blind.
Another thing - my dad removed the pressure gauge because it kept breaking (or getting full of water or something) so I have no idea if the filter is even functioning properly. Should I get a new one?
Which brings me to my next question - are there even parts available for this model?
Thank you in advance!

I don't know about parts available for the model filter you have--you would need to research that, and I think I would start with the Hayward website.

As for the filter spitting dirt into the pool, there are several reasons why this could happen (by the way has it always done this,or is this a new problem?)

Your filter could be overpowered by your pump--what size pool, what size pump do you have?

Is this a sand, or a cartridge filter? If sand, then the most suspect reason for sand shooting into the pool would be a broken lateral. It's fairly easily replaced, but you have to open up the filter and remove all the sand to get the laterals out and inspect them.

It could just be badly in need of a backwash, if sand filter, or new cartridges if a cart filter.

These are just a few things to check, I'm sure the equipment gurus will be along soon to give more useable info, but that's where I would start!

Janet