Sand filter question

[AndieP]

I noticed today that when I turned the filter back on after being off for about 5 hrs that a big cloud of dirty/tannish stuff shot out of the return jet. I also have been noticing sand on the floor of the pool every morning.

I know this shouldn't be happening....can anyone tell me what to do or what to check first. Do I need to unload the sand and check the laterals? They were all just replaced 2 summers ago. It's an old filter...Pac Fab Triton T-60.
I am pretty sure our pump is too big for the filter too (pump was replaced last year). Could that be the problem?

Thanks!
Andrea

[Poconos]

Andrea,
Is this a one time event that the stuff shot out the returns or is it a recurring event? When you say the pump may be too big, how about some numbers like the pump info. Personally I don't know what size the T-60 is. Info on that would be helpful too, simply to not require looking it up. The sand on the floor does indicate an oversized pump as a possibility. Is there anything you did or changed that may be related to the incident?
Best for now.
Al

[AndieP]

The pump is a 1 1/2 hsp Sta-Rite Dyna Glass.

The filter is old...the tag on the outside says

Max pressure-50 psi
Flow Rate-60 GPM
Filter Area-3.1 Sq Ft
Veritcal clearance-40
Horizontal-45

I have noticed it before when turning the back on so it has been doing it for a bit but I'm not sure for how long. I haven't been turning the pump on/off alot lately because I've been trying to clear the water so it's been running alot.

Between trying to clear up the water and keep it clear, finding a leak, and now having sand blowing out of the return I think I'm going to go crazy.

Thanks for you help!

[kevincad]

Andrea,
Is this a one time event that the stuff shot out the returns or is it a recurring event? When you say the pump may be too big, how about some numbers like the pump info. Personally I don't know what size the T-60 is. Info on that would be helpful too, simply to not require looking it up. The sand on the floor does indicate an oversized pump as a possibility. Is there anything you did or changed that may be related to the incident?
Best for now.
Al

I've heard that you don't need to backwash your sand filter until you raise the pressure 5 PSI, is that correct? I just installed a new gauge, and I've been a week without backwashing, and it's only risen 1psi. Let me know what you think! Also, anyone know of a website with decent prices on replacement pump motors?

[Poconos]

Nothing sacred about the pressure rise for backwashing. I gather from reading here that some manufacturers state something for their filters. In fact, the more it plugs the better it filters, to a point. Not unusual with a clean pool to go a real long time without backwashing. Sorry...can't assist on a website for pumps.
Al