Sand Filter dumped all the sand in my pool

[ib_gman]

.....twice. Not kidding.

The first time I was told to replace the laterals which I did and filled back with sand (being careful not to break my new laterals) and fired it up. Great....wait a day or so and I see more sand! Ut oh. Open filter and.....no sand! Turns out it wasn't the laterals but the "hub" and it isn't made anymore.

Wow.....pressure is on now to open by the June 16th!

Anyway...I replace the filter with a DE so it is up and running, but here is the problem. How do I get all that sand out? Vacuuming to the DE filter means it has to be cleaned every 15 minutes or so. Will take days in my estimation. Not ideal.

So....anyone have any suggestions on how to get the sand out in a somewhat easier manner?

Thanks in advance.

-John

[PoolDoc]

Three options:

1. A new sand filter (I'm mentioning this, just because it is an option, not because I think it's what you want.)

2. A Pentair (Rainbow) Leaf Eater with a sand/silt bag

Leaf Eater @ Amazon
Sand/silt replacement bag @ Amazon

3. A Pentair (Rainbow) Leaf Trap with sand/silt bag

Pentair Snap-Open Leaf Trap R211084 @ Amazon
Pentair Model 186 Leaf Trap Sand / Silt Bag R211518 @ Amazon

Info pages:
http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-pro/...-eaters-85.htm
http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-pro/...180-186-92.htm

[ib_gman]

Ben,

Thanks so much for the reply, I had no idea these even existed. Do you have a preference?

Thanks again.

-John

[PoolDoc]

I like the leaf eater. The leaf trap is heavy and awkward, but it does have more capacity.

[ib_gman]

Ordered the Leaf Eater and Fine bag. I was able to get it for Monday delivery so I'll post back with the results. In the mean time I am making some headway with a vacuum but it is tedious to say the least.

Thanks again.

-John

[PoolDoc]

Let us know how it goes.