Quote Originally Posted by chemstick
thanks, everyone! I guess I was hoping there would be an "easy" button for this!
Chemstick, welcome to the forum, the shop-vac is the easy button. If you have one, remove the filters and start vac-ing. If you're doing this by yourself keep an eye on the weight of the cannister, no need to herniate yourself . When it's empty, check the latterals for cracks and breaks, replace as necessary.
I would strongly advise to get 50 lbs of 'pea gravel' for around the latterals (get 50 lbs pea gravel and 250 lbs filter sand), it helps the filter in a few ways and doesn't hurt anything. When you go to refill the filter, make sure the laterals are correctly positioned, cover the pipe so that nothing goes down it. Fill the tank 1/2 way with water and add the gravel, then start dumping the sand. Top off the tank with water and 'smooth out' the sand. Put on the lid and backwash for 1 minute. ... TA-DA, you're set for another 10 years or so!! Good luck with the project, if you need any more help -- just ask!