I opened up my sand filter and now have a couple questions

I opened up my sand filter to see what condition the sand was in and to better familiarize myself with this system. I really know nothing about this stuff. Last year was my first with a pool. We moved into our house about a year and a half ago. The pool was not opened for about two summers before we moved in. We replaced the vinyl lining (big rip in it) and enjoyed the summer swimming in the pool. The water was clean and clear.
Can you take a look at the following pictures and tell me if I need to:
Add more sand, Change sand? (Where does the sand need to come up to?)
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...t=IMG_1291.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...r/IMG_1292.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...r/IMG_1291.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...r/IMG_1295.jpg
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...t=IMG_1296.jpg

What is that piece sticking up? It’s cracked and I need to change it. Is it difficult?
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...t=IMG_1292.jpg
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...t=IMG_1300.jpg
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...t=IMG_1293.jpg

Info from filter
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d3...t=IMG_1298.jpg

Pool info: 16x32 in-ground, vinyl lining

Many thanks!!
Ryan

Someone else will kick in that knows more about the Pac-Fab filters but here's my take. The thing up the center is the input feed. It sprays the water over the top of the sand bed. Below the sand there is an assembly that drains water but keeps the sand from getting out. Typically called 'laterals'. Nothing more than pipes with fine slits or holes. If the thing above is cracked like you mentioned, may or may not have to replace it depending on how bad. May be able to use PVC glue to patch it depending on the material. Sand looks yucky. You can scrape off the top layer and see what the rest looks like. Almost wonder if the prior owner used Bacquacil and did a Bacquagoo to chlorine conversion. Since you have it apart already I'd bite the bullet and dump the sand, inspect and replace all broken or questionable parts, put in new sand and then you'll have a 'new' filter.
Al

Hi, Ryan,

As usual, Al's the "go to" guy on this stuff. Since you're this far along in disassembly, I think changing the sand just to inspect the laterals (that's the fingers on the bottom) is probably worth the extra effort, as well.

I'd go to Pac-Fab's tech support for the proper level but right where you are is probably pretty close. Perhaps a little low but not enough to hurt.

Again, I think Al's on the money about perhaps gluing your top "distributor" or "sprayer" rather than buying new. It's not a precision part and can stand a little "irregularity".:)


Dave S.

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go ahead and change the sand. I'll head to the pool store over the weekend. I'm sure they will try to sell me some super-duper special sand.
I'll let you all know if I have any questions about the laterals. Hopefully they are in good shape.
I'll also throw some glue on the input feeder/distributor/sprayer or what ever it's called. JB-Weld is my favorite new toy to gluing stuff together.

Thanks again
Ryan