Sand filter not collecting dirt

Hi All,

I haven't found any posts describing all of my symptoms and I'm hoping someone can offer assitance. I have a Tagelus TA 40 sand filter on an IG Vinyl 13k gallon pool. The problem is the filter passes most of the debris when I vacuum. As evidence, I see the jets turn cloudy when vacuuming dirty spots on the bottom. I also know the filter is collecting some debris since pressure does build and backwash water is cloudy. I've read where sand can become packed and channels form, passing water back into the pool. So, I've replaced the sand, twice! I also have suspected sand blowing into the pool and have closely inspected the lateral lines for cracks or other damage, but nothing there. This is opposed to wind and rain depositing sand/dirt. I can't ascertain if it's the filter or weather putting sand in my pool. Adding DE does help, but that only "face-loads" the filter and frequent backwashing is required.

Does anyone have any suggestions to try? Thanks!

Any chance your pump is too big for your filter? That's a possible cause. Post the model numbers of both and someone can advise you.

You seem to have eliminated the sand and laterals as possibilities, but make sure you are using pool filter sand and are adding the right amount.

Those are all possibilities. The pump and motor are both branded STA-RITE.
The pump model number is P2RA5C-119L. Ironically, there is no discharge rating on the label nor could I find it online or in the manual.
The Filter is Tagelus TA 40D, which is rated for 40 gpm.

You mentioned using pool sand. Although I purchased sand from a local pool dealership, I recall it said nothing about for swimming pool use. Also, the labeling did not offer grain size. I made the assumption it was correct coming from this dealer. Should I shop around for sand labeled for pool filter use?

Thanks all.

You should be okay with that pump/filter combo, and I can't imagine a pool store not selling the right sand. Your filter calls for 175lbs of sand. If there is enough sand in the filter, I'm out of ideas.

Thank you John, your suggestion was right on target. I checked the sand level and it was below the requirements listed in the manual. Thank you!

As a sidebar, I bought sand from another pool dealer who was also selling "general purpose" sand as pool sand. The salesman was adamant that is was specifically formulated for filter use, contrary to the large font letters on the bag not supporting his claim. I didn't believe the poor guy, but took it anyway because the trip to Lowe's would have costed me more in gasoline than the high margins they had on their sand.

Thanks again John for your help!

If you don't find any other answers, here's a thread I started last summer while having similar problems with mine...

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=7857

Maybe it'll help.

Janet