is a couple broken fins on the sand filter a problem ?

[gcpint]

I have a used sand filter and noticed that one of the lateral arms has a couple broken fins on it...is this going to pose a problem, I am new at this so any help would be appreicated...Thanks
Glenn

[gcpint]

Also if its a problem any quick fixes...I have water coming tonight need to get the filter filled and going tonight lol

[aylad]

Usually the symptom that leads people to discover broken laterals is sand blowing back into the pool from the returns. I'd fix them before you refill your filter.


Janet

[gcpint]

Its just one lateral and its only a few fins...is there no other solution? maybe some sort of screen I can wrap it in or something....I love ducktape but think it will work in this situation LOL
It will take days for me to get the part in and I dont have days

[nicole12]

We had to replace a part on our sand filter this past season due to the filter dumping sand in the pool. Our problem wasn't the laterals but the part that they screw into. The crack was so tiny yet allowed about a 1/8 cup of sand into our pool each day. I personally would replace the lateral because having sand dumped into our pool drove me crazy. The filter that was supposed to clean the pool actually was the thing making our pool dirty.

If you have to keep that lateral then I would go to a hardware/auto store and get a plastic repair kit. My husband uses them to fix cracked plastic on his motorcycle. Not sure how it holds up underwater though. The screen idea might work but it would have to be a really fine screen, the sand particles are so small.

The sand in your pool won't hurt it and it you don't mind vacuuming everyday you could leave the broken lateral and change it out in the off season...that is what we did.