Sand in pool

[ThaSatelliteGuy]

I just changed over to a sand filter two weeks ago. I have been getting sand in my pool now. Is this normal? Is it forever or will it stop eventually? It's really starting to get a little annoying since I am trying to make the pool as self-sufficient as possible, and the sand is messing up my robot and causing me to have to vacuum the pool by hand every other day.

[PoolDoc]

Most likely, something's wrong with the filter.

Could be something minor, like a mislocated bleed line.

Or something more major, like a cracked lateral.

Ben
"PoolDoc"

[Poconos]

Since you just changed to sand I assume that means a new filter and new sand. It seems normal to get a little sand out the returns from new sand but that should stop. When you backwash you should also do a quick rinse before switching to filter mode. The rinse position will keep anything that was stirred up during backwash from going into the pool. Only need to do it for 10 seconds or so. Of course the obvious question, you did use pool filter sand, right? When the sand was loaded the filter should have been maybe 1/3 filled with water first to keep the heavy sand from stressing the laterals at the bottom. Water will let the sand fill all the nooks and crannies as it is loaded and become evenly distributed.

Al

[ThaSatelliteGuy]

Yes pool filter sand.

When I filled it I accidently got alot of sand in the center pipe at first. So I pulled it up and made sure I cleared it. then in order to get it back down into the first half bag of sand, I had to then spray with a hose to move the sand out of the way. Then I covered the pipe with a sock before continuing to fill. I have not tried the rinse thing before going back to filter. I'll try that and see how it works. Thanks!

[ThaSatelliteGuy]

OK SUPER DUMB QUESTION!!

I do not turn off the pump to change valve positions.... that's bad right?? I assume could be causing sand in pool?

[Poconos]

Not turning pump off when changing valve positions.....bad dog. Just got done typing a response to Mbar about replacing that spider gasket that causes so many problems. You may have caused one or more of the spokes to lift out of its channel and get crunched, thus leaking between ports. But, since it is new you may have lucked out because they are stuck in pretty well but loosen up with age. Try the rinse and see if that cures the problem. One clue to a bad gasket is water coming out the waste line when it shouldn't or when you kill the pump, air leaking back into the system from the waste line and draining water out of the filter and pump. But, that depends on what part of the gasket crunched.
Al

[ThaSatelliteGuy]

ya, and mine is a no-name, off-brand filter from ebay so I bet i'll have all kinds of good luck finding one when it does go out. I am doing the pump-off, and rinse as well. Seems to help not blow as much back into the pool. Before, when I went back to filter, I could actually feel sand if I put my hand over the return. Also during rinse, I see a few seconds of crap go by in the waste sightglass then it clears. I run for a few seconds more, then shut off the pump and go to filter. If it'll just do it LESS, I'll be happy. :-)