Pool Equipment

Dale KreviazukFebruary 3, 2014Liner Replacements

There is algae in my pool, and my filter is not cleaning it. Why?

Your sand filter will not clean live algae. The pool water will need to be shocked or flocked to bring algae to the pool bottom to be vacuumed up. Ensure that you follow the flock chemical manufacturer’s directions on the container.

How often should I backwash my pool sand filter?

Your sand filter should be backwashed once the pressure reaches above 20-25 psi. Pressure is different for every pool, filter, pipe size, plumbing arrangement, and heating combination, and depends on your particular combination.

The psi can range from 15-30 before it requires backwashing. Start with a baseline pressure, which is the pressure your filter runs at right after it has been backwashed. Once that pressure increases 7-10 psi, it is best to backwash it for 2 minutes, or until the clear sight glass bulb is clean. Then, rinse for 1 minute.

Backwashing sand filters too frequently is counter-productive, as the accumulated dirt trapped in the sand actually aids in trapping the finer particles in the pool water.

How do I clean my pool filter?

Sand Filter: To clean a sand filter, use a sand filter cleaning solution. This solution can be poured into your pump basket when it is turned off. The valve on the front of the pump must be closed before you can start the pump again, for about 10 seconds. Then, you can open the lid of the pump basket, and dilute the remnants of the solution with water.

This process will pump the solution into the filter, where it should sit overnight to cleanse the sane. After 12 hours, turn on the pump with the filter handle in the backwash position for 2 minutes, then switch the handle to rinse for 1 minute.

Always remember to turn the pump off in between filter handle position changes.

Cartridge Filter: Remove the filter cartridges, and soak in a cleaning solution. Hose or off the filters, using low pressure so that the filter pleats do not tear. The goal is to clean between the pleats of the cartridge filter paper elements.

Before you clean either type of filter, ensure that you shut off the heater and pump, drain the water, and close all valves before removing the filter head.

How often should I change the sand in my pool filter?

This depends on how much dirt is going through your filter. Sand filters can work for a few years, up to 20 years with the same sand.
This usually depends on maintaining a balanced pool chemistry, and opening up the waste valve when vacuuming up debris and algae.
Some say that the sands sharp edges wear down over time, and cease to work as effectively, meaning that it should be replaced sooner rather than later.
Ensure that you use filter cleanser to make sure the sand is not clumped together. Clumped sand causes the water to channel through the sand, and not actually be filtered.

Why is my pool sand filter pressure so high?

There are various reasons that a sand filter pressure is high, such as:

Your filter may need to be backwashed.
The drains in your filter could be heat damaged from turning off the pump while the gas heater is running.
The gauge might be frost damaged from not being removed during Winnipeg winters. This frost damage may cause the gauge to max out and be permanently damaged. Luckily, new gauges are under $10, and can be replaced in less than 5 minutes.

What do the handle positions on my pool sand filter do?

Your sand filter dial head has the following positions:

Filter position: Used when you are running your pool, and need the pool water to be filtered. This is the most commonly used position.

Backwash position: This position is only used when your filter is dirty and you want to clean the sand in the filter. Water is reversed through the sand, and lifts out any dirt. It is then discharged out of the waste pipe.

Rinse Position: Used only after backwashing. Does same thing as the "filter" position, only water goes out of the waste pipe instead of back into pool.

Winterize position: Used in winter to relieve pressure off the seals, so they don't flatten and leak over time. This position also lets air into the filter, to help drain the water out of your filter during winterizing.

Whirlpool position: Used when you want the water to bypass your filter. It is most handy when you’re diagnosing pressure problems, or checking how dirty your sand is.

Drain position: Use this position when you want the water from your pool to not get filtered, but go directly out your backwash waste hose. This position is also handy if you are vacuuming up debris that you don't want in your pool or filter.

How much power does my pool pump burn? How much does it cost to run?

Depending on the size of your pool pump, it will burn between 1,000 and 1,600 watts per day. This equates to $2.50-$3.50 per day in Winnipeg if ran 24/7, with our current hydro utility rate.

Our recommendation is to use the smallest pump possible for your pool, or to invest in a variable speed pump. These pumps only cost about $0.50-$0.75 per day to run.

Why is my pool pump making noises?

When your pool pump is making loud noises, the seals are most likely shot, or the motor bearings are rusted and pitted.

Replace the bearing and seals if possible, but it is usually better to buy a new pool pump if your existing pump is an older model.

Should I get a bigger pool pump?

This is a common question, and it has a common answer. 95% of the time, the answer is no.

New pool pumps are more efficient, and have better designs, allowing more water to flow per horsepower than older pumps. Providing that your pump was originally sized properly, replacing with the same amount of horse power is usually sufficient.

When a larger pool pump is installed with the same piping and filter used, the pressure in the pump will increase, along with the electrical bill. The filter is put into overdrive, but does not clean any better or faster.

For the same price as a larger pump, you can purchase the same size pump as your existing pump.

The motor on my pool pump buzzes and hums when it is turned on. What does this mean?

Most often, a pool pump will buzz or hum from sitting still over winter, or if the motor capacitor is failing.

Usually, pool pumps contain a cap on the end of the motor that can be popped off, allowing users to manually rotate the motor while the power is off to free up stuck facets from the winter.

When the motor takes longer to start and makes continuous buzzing noises, the capacitor probably needs replacing. If your pump is new, ensure that the correct voltage is being applied to the motor. The voltage will be either 120v or 240v, and the wiring diagram will be displayed on the motor.

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