How to Clean a Sand Filter

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 6, 2021

Sand filters are compact, affordable, and effective mechanisms for keeping your swimming pool clean. In order for your sand filter to run properly, it must be regularly cleaned and maintained. By preparing to backwash the filter, performing a backwash, and giving the filter a final rinse, you can keep your sand filter running smoothly, thus keeping your pool clean.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Backwash

1
Check your pressure gauges. The pressure gauge (or gauges) on your filter will let you know it's time for a cleaning. If your sand filter has both an "inlet pressure gauge" and an "outlet pressure gauge," a pressure differential of 16 and 20 psi means it is time to clean your filter. However, if your sand filter has just an inlet pressure gauge, a rise in pressure of 8 to 10 psi indicates that it is time for a cleaning.^{[1]
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- Most sand filters will need to be cleaned every 2-4 weeks.
- You can also clean your sand filter anytime your pool seems cloudy, or after a period of very heavy use (such as a party).
2
Turn off the pump. Before you take any action to clean the sand filter, it is important to turn off the pump. To ensure your safety (and the longevity of your pump), you should also switch off the pump's power at the circuit breaker.^{[2]
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3
Change the setting on your pool filter valve. Once the pump has been turned off (and the circuit breaker switched off), you are free to change the setting on the filter. Switch the filter valve to the "backwash" setting.^{[3]
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4
Position your waste hose. Take your backwash hose and position it over the backwash nozzle. Secure the hose with a metal hose clamp and tighten it using a screwdriver. Point the other end of the hose to where you would like to discharge.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Backwashing the Filter

1
Run the pump for two minutes. Once your waste hose is properly positioned, it is time to turn the pump back on (remember to turn on the circuit breaker as well). Allow the pump to run on the backwash setting for at least two minutes.^{[5]
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2
Watch the sight glass. Although two minutes is a general guideline, the best way to determine whether or not you have adequately back washed your sand filter is by keeping an eye on the sight glass. When the water flowing through the sight glass runs clear, you know that your filter is clean.^{[6]
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3
Turn the pump back off. After you have completed your backwash cycle, you will need to change to a new setting. Once again, before changing the settings on your valve, you must turn the filter completely off. ^{[7]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Performing a Final Rinse

1
Switch to the "rinse" setting. With the filter switched off, turn your valve to the "rinse" setting. After backwashing, the sand in your filter will need resetting. Additionally, any dirty water remaining in the filter needs to be rinsed out, otherwise it could reenter the pool. Turn the pump back on and run the filter on "rinse" for 1-2 minutes to clear out dirty water and reset the sand.^{[8]
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2
Return to the "filter" setting. After rinsing is complete, turn the pump off once again, and switch your valve to the standard "filter" setting. Turn you pump back on and allow it to run normally.^{[9]
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3
Check your gauges again. After allowing your pump to run for 1-2 hours, be sure to check your pressure gauges again. Your gauges should have returned to normal, indicating that your filter is clean.^{[10]
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- A normal pressure differential is between 3 and 5 psi.