Why Is Sand or DE Blowing Back Into My Pool?
Sand or DE powder blowing out of the return jets means something inside the filter is broken or out of place. In a sand filter, it is usually a cracked lateral or standpipe at the bottom of the tank. In a DE filter, it is usually a torn grid, a cracked manifold, or a missing O-ring. The filter has to be opened and the damaged part replaced. Top Dog Pool Supply repairs filters and stocks OEM parts.
What breaks in a sand filter?
- A cracked lateral. Laterals are the slotted fingers at the bottom of the tank that hold the sand back. When one cracks, sand goes straight to the pool.
- A cracked standpipe, the center pipe that carries clean water out.
- A worn gasket in the multiport valve, which lets water bypass the sand.
- The wrong sand. Sand that is too fine passes through the laterals.
- Skipping the rinse step after backwashing. A little sand or dirt can return to the pool.
What breaks in a DE filter?
- A torn grid. The fabric on the grids holds the DE. A tear lets the powder through.
- A cracked manifold, the part on top that the grids plug into.
- A missing or worn O-ring where the manifold meets the standpipe.
- Grids put back together wrong after a cleaning.
- A worn gasket in the multiport or backwash valve.
How do I confirm it and fix it?
- Step 1: Check what is on the pool floor. Sand is gritty and tan. DE is a fine white or gray powder.
- Step 2: Hold a white cloth or a fine net bag over a return jet for a minute to see what comes out.
- Step 3: Turn the pump off and release the pressure before opening the filter.
- Step 4: For a DE filter, take out the grids, hose them off, and check each one for tears and the manifold for cracks.
- Step 5: For a sand filter, the sand has to come out to reach the laterals. This is a bigger job, and a good time to replace old sand.
- Step 6: Replace the broken part with the right one for your filter model. Bring the part or the model number to the store.
- Step 7: Vacuum the sand or DE out of the pool.
When should I call for help?
Call us if you would rather not take the filter apart, if you cannot find the broken part, or if the tank or valve is leaking too. Top Dog repairs filters and installs new ones, including Sta-Rite modular media filters. If you'd rather have us come to you, a service visit starts with a $139 diagnostic fee. It covers our fuel and travel time, diagnosing your pool equipment, and a written work order for your approval. The fee doesn't cover any repairs.
Is DE in the pool harmful?
DE on the pool floor is not a swimming hazard, but avoid breathing the dry powder when you handle it. Vacuum it up and fix the filter so it stops coming back.
How often should pool filter sand be changed?
About every 5 to 7 years, or sooner if the water will not stay clear. Old sand packs down and lets dirt through.
Why is there sand in my pool if I do not have a sand filter?
It may be dirt or dust blown in by wind, mustard algae, or worn plaster. Brush it. If it clouds up and comes back on the walls, it is likely algae.
Can I run a DE filter with a torn grid?
Not for long. DE will keep blowing into the pool, and the filter will not clean the water properly.
Don't cry, we can help
Bring the part, a photo, or the model number to Top Dog Pool Supply, and we'll help you figure out what it needs. We repair and install pool equipment and are an authorized service center for most major brands.
Visit us at 7440 District Blvd Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93313, or call (661) 664-9000. We're open Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 4, and Sundays 10 to 4 from April through September.
Financing is available through GreenSky: 12 monthly payments on pool equipment, interest-free when paid in full within 12 months, subject to credit approval. Call (661) 664-9000 for details.