Table of Contents
Guide to choosing Sand filters for Above ground Pools
The main peculiarity for a swimming pool, classic underground or above ground pool, undoubtedly regards its hygiene and cleanliness, obviously with particular reference to the water that it contains. To ensure these fundamental characteristics, together with the pump, the sand filter is the fulcrum of the maintenance system and its mirror, both in terms of health and aesthetics.
It would be particularly risky and unsightly if the pool of a swimming pool were opaque, dirty, rich in insects and fallen leaves and never collected, as well as sediments and molds, dangerous for health.
But what is a sand filter for above ground pools in detail? We try to provide indications and clarifications to questions that are often asked by those who own a private bath, and who need to purchase a good filtration solution.
Description and composition of a sand filter for above ground pools
It is a fundamental component for the tank cleaning system, and it has the function of sanitizing the water, which is regenerated through its passage, precisely, through the sand, inside the bowl container.
The choice of the latter, in terms of size and capacity, is very important, as it must have the right size with respect to the type of pool, so as to be able to keep it in perfect efficiency, but without waste.
The sand filter system consists essentially of two parts.
- A cylindrical container, which can be in different materials, mainly polyethylene, glass fiber or laminate.
- A 4/5 or 6-way valve, which is placed laterally or at the end, which allows the various functions to be controlled.
Inside the filter, precisely, the sand must be inserted, which can have grains of variable diameter (from 0.4 to 0.8 mm) and is available in 3 types:
- Quarzifera
- Of glass
- From Diatom (or diatomaceous earth)
The operation of the sand filtration system, in private pools, is simple: inside the cylindrical bowl a “single layer” of the selected sand is inserted, with the only care to choose it all of the same grain size.
In the public ones, instead, the layer is preferable to both multiples, as well as the variable granulometry. In both cases, the sand acts as a natural insecticide for pest control, and for the treatment of infestations of various kinds.
In any filtering system of this type, whatever the origin of the sand (which we will see later in detail), there is a pressure gauge, which has the function of monitoring the operating pressure. As soon as the instrument signals that the latter increases, it is necessary to clean the sand filter, carried out through a so-called ” backwashing ” which, in full summer, it is advisable to perform at least every 15 days.
For a more thorough cleaning, the valve is used, which allows to perform other functions, such as total emptying and rinsing, operations aimed at total extraordinary washing of the system.
There are various reasons that drive owners of above ground pools to provide themselves with a sand filter system for its maintenance and hygiene. Let’s group them together in a short schematic list:
- Simple operation, even without specific skills
- Excellent filtration quality
- Long duration, obviously if the care rules of the components are respected
- A good time interval between one cleaning operation and another.
- System robustness
- Excellent value for money
Sand filtering allows the pool water to be purified up to 80% of its volume. For the remaining 20%, it is always necessary to use specific chemical products for shock treatments, such as granular chlorine and the multifunction, after adjusting the water pH values, the correct level of which falls within a narrow band between 7.4 and 7.6.
Moving on to the disinfection or sanitizing treatment, the classic chlorine comes into play, economical, effective and available for use in very practical formats, such as tablets, powder or liquid.
Shock or shock chlorination is performed, a process that uses chemical concentrations much higher than normal, at least twice that, ie 10-15 gr/m3.
With this disinfection treatment, together with the action of the sand filter, the pool regains the correct values to maintain. It is not recommended during this process, any type of bathing, at least for 2 or 3 days, and in any case until the value of free chlorine is higher than 1 PPM, (Parts Per Million).
The maintenance of the sand filter, for an excellent result, must be carried out with a certain regularity, both during the periodic use of the pool, and at the beginning and at the end of the season. Indeed, this last phase is very important, in order to avoid that the sand gets sediments, forming lumps of limestone, or that it is not sufficient for the treatment of the following period.
In the case of deposits, it is necessary to use a descaling product and, before storing it for the winter, the bowl containing the sand must be emptied, to avoid sediment and damage in general, often due to the cold of the winter season.
How the sand filter works for above ground pools
In the filters used in private tanks, both classic and above-ground, as we have said, a type of sand is generally used with a very wide grain size, from 0.4 to 0.8 mm. The operation is simple: the pump, through its upper part, sends to the filter the water which, in this way, passes through the purifying layer.
At the end of the cleaning circuit, the water is collected by ” candles “, or ” plates ” which, by means of troughs, convey it back to the pool.
During this step, the suspended particles are eliminated, resulting in clean and crystal-clear water. On the more complete filters, even if all meet the same basic principle, a pressure gauge is mounted, able to signal the working pressure.
The more this increases, the more dirt is released into the filter, resulting in water hygiene. This operation is called ” backwashing “, and normally, as we said, should be done at least once every two weeks during the bathing season.
Different types of sand for the filtration system of above ground pools
Let’s analyze immediately the difference between quartz sand and glass sand: as is obvious from the definition, these are two different types of materials, which distinguish the resulting dust. The first consists of quartz, which is crushed and mechanically ground and then sieved to obtain a perfect granulometry for the cleaning solution.
The second one, instead, is realized through an innovative filtering material, coming from recycled glass. Through a particular procedure, the surface of the granules of this sand is activated, so as to allow the filtering of the smallest organic particles and impurities.
It is often preferred to quartz sand also because it uses less water for backwashing and has a longer life. On the other hand, also for these characteristics, on the market it has a higher cost.
Even the quartz sand has a good filtering capacity, and is mostly used, as well as in the cleaning of the baths for bathing, also and above all in the aquariums and in the waste water and drinking water. It is a cheaper and more economical powder, perfectly capable of retaining debris, algae and organic and inorganic material, guaranteed over time.
Nothing to do with silica sand (glass), undoubtedly of a higher level, so as to last on average 40% more, requiring 50% less washing. The latter has been excellent filtering characteristics, is more easily cleaned during filter rinsing and makes the water more transparent, for a longer duration. It is sold in packs of 25 kg and has no wear over time, always remaining at its full potential. It is the most used in common filtering systems.
As regards, the Diatomaceous sand, less known than the previous ones, are fossil residues of microscopic algae, belonging to the Diatom family. They represent one of the most important classes of microalgae present in the marine environment, and in high percentage even in fresh water.
The diatomaceous earth used as a pesticide, in filtering systems, is predominantly derived from the fossil residues of seawater algae, and its dust is exploited in many areas.
Impalpable and light, this sand is comparable to talc, due to its extraordinary consistency. Crushed to obtain a very thin powder, it is used as a natural insecticide, also thanks to its mineral composition with a high percentage of silicon, magnesium, sodium, iron and calcium.
Among the types of sand on the market, the latter is the one with the longest duration, we could say almost infinite: if it is not eliminated and replaced, it practically always remains active. Its cost ranges from $10 to $25 per kg.
Inexorable to fight fleas and ticks, but also to control infestations with ants, cockroaches, bedbugs and scissors. On the market, moreover, it is also possible to find, as a last generation product, a substitute for sand relief. This is Aqualoon, an innovative filtering charge, perfect for cleaning large pools, public swimming pools and spas, both underground and above ground.
It is compatible with sand filters, does not require special specific installations, is easily transported and, as a strength, simplifies maintenance operations thanks to its negligible weight. Just think, that 700 gr of Aqualoon is equivalent to 25 kg of sand!
Sand function in the filter for above ground pools
The filtration systems have the function of preventing the impurities that are sucked by the pump from spreading in the pool water. With the sand filter, this operation is particularly constant, especially for large tanks. It requires little maintenance, also because the solution is less delicate than others, but it is always good to be advised by an expert retailer, since they are niche products, not consumer goods and not general knowledge.
For example : it is also important to know when it is time to replace the sand in the system, considering that, dirty or worn, it would no longer perform its task of sanitizing filter. With the passage of time, the dust risks becoming saturated with organic debris rather than hair and grease (in this regard, it is always suggested to use bath caps for every bathing).
Not only : over time, the sand almost completely loses its granularity, becoming smooth and no longer able to retain debris or micro-organisms, compromising water values. It is recommended to change the sand at least every 2 years, possibly even before if the use is very frequent and if the tank, by habit, is always rather crowded.
It is also possible to make periodic top-ups, without possibly completely replacing the contents of the cylindrical bowl. The amount of sand to be added obviously depends on the size of the filter, as well as on the use that is normally made of it.
But when the need is total substitution, it is better to follow simple but fundamental, very precise steps, to operate correctly. The first thing to do is turn off the pump, as in all actions where the operation is electric. After that, it is necessary to remove the drain plug from the bottom of the tank, letting out all the water, in an operation that could take some time.
The next step is to remove the tubes connected to the selector valve, and then proceed with the removal of the clamp that connects the valve to the tank, to allow the latter to be disconnected. When carrying out this operation, it is advisable not to twist or bend the pipes with too much force, as they could break under the weight of the sand.
Inside the tank, there will be the amount of dirty and old sand to be removed. Simply by removing it, with a vacuum cleaner or if you wish, also manually, and replacing it with the new one, the system will be ready again to restart the filter.
Before inserting the new powder, it is advisable to rinse the rest of the debris and dirt with a garden hose. It is worthwhile taking advantage of the moment to take a look also at the various tubes, and check that they are always intact and efficient. Once these operations are completed, it is essential to tighten the cap well to avoid unpleasant falls of sand in the tank.
Since, the new full bags are very heavy, the advice is to put one at a time on the upper part of the tank, cut a lower corner, and let the sand pour slowly, alone, into the filter. Depending on the size of the tank, it may be necessary to repeat the operation several times.
When all the sand has been replaced in the filter, the selector valve and the pipes can be replaced, making sure that the closures are carried out in a firm manner. As a last step, before restarting the pump, it is suggested to do a short backwash test, turning on the filter.
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