Filters
- Why is the filter short cycling (builds pressure quickly after backwashing)?
- Why is there sand at the bottom of my pool?
- Why is dirt/sand passing through my sand filter?
- When do I need to replace my sand?
- How do I change the sand in my filter?
- How do I backwash my filter?
- Cartridge Filters
- Why will my cartridge filter not clear algae from my pool?
- How do I clean my cartridges?
Why is the filter short cycling (builds pressure quickly after backwashing)?
- Refer to Hayward’s owners guide for proper backwashing procedures. It may be that you are not backwashing long enough. Always backwash until the water is clear in the multiport valve sight glass.
- You may have live algae causing the filter to clog. You may also have mineral deposits building in the sand bed.
- It is highly recommended that you have your water tested at your local Hayward dealer. Compare those results with your own. You may need to update your test kit or replace the testing solutions.
Why is there sand at the bottom of my pool?
- The sand you are using could be too small. Sand that is too small can travel through the laterals in the bottom of your filter and back to the pool. #20 silica sand, .45-.55mm in size, is required. This can be obtained at your local Hayward dealer.
- Prior to adding sand, remember to always remove a lateral (it unthreads) from the lateral assembly at the bottom of the filter. Try putting some of the sand you are going to add inside the lateral. Other than debris sand (fines), 99% of the sand should stay inside the lateral. If most of the sand comes through the holes of the lateral, the sand is too small.Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool. Refer to the Hayward owners guide or the filter label for the correct amount of sand for your filter.
Why is dirt/sand passing through my sand filter?
- A lateral could be cracked or broken, the multiport valve may need servicing, or air may be passing through the filter, causing a channeling effect, which permits dirt to get by the filter.
- There may be a broken or cracked lateral located on the manifold of your filter. You will need to inspect these laterals and replace them if necessary.
When do I need to replace my sand?
- On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages. When this happens the sand can no longer trap debris particles and dirt can pass through the sand and back into the pool.
- If the pool is chemically balanced, the system is running the proper length of time and the bather load is normal, but the water will not clear, even using a flocculant or clarifier, then the sand needs changing.
- As the sand ages, it may start to clump and the water flow can form channels in the sand, allowing the debris to pass through. Channeling is often seen when the pump horsepower is too large and wants to move too much water through the filter.
How do I change the sand in my filter?
- For our top mount filter, you must first disconnect the pipes leading into the valve and open the drain plug on the filter. Next, remove the clamp holding the multiport valve to the tank body. Once the valve has been removed, you will be able to see the sand bed. The best way to remove the sand is to either use a portable wet/dry vacuum or just scoop it out with a small can. Once the old sand has been removed, hose out the inside of the tank to clean the filter out. Once this water is drained, replace the drain cap and fill the tank 2/3 full of water. This is to protect the lateral assembly while the new sand is added. Add the sand slowly till the laterals are fully covered, then just pour in the remaining sand. DO NOT get sand in the vertical pipe sticking up from the bottom of the filter tank. The standpipe may be covered with a paper cup to prevent sand going into the pipe.
- For a side mount tank, rotate the multi-port valve to the closed position and open the filter’s drain plug. Remove the tank closure dome and expose the top diffuser. The top diffuser lifts off and the old sand can be removed. The best way to remove the sand is to either use a portable wet/dry vacuum or just scoop it out with a small can. Once the old sand has been removed, hose out the inside of the tank to clean the filter out. Once this water is drained, replace the drain cap and fill the tank 2/3 full of water. This is to protect the lateral assembly while the new sand is added. Add the sand slowly till the laterals are fully covered, then just pour in the remaining sand. DO NOT get sand in the internal piping.
How do I backwash my filter?
- When the filter pressure rise 8-10 PSI over the clean starting pressure it is time to backwash. Turn the pump off and rotate the multiport valve to backwash. Turn on the pump and the dirty water will flow out the waste line. Once the water runs clear in the valve’s sight glass, turn off the pump. Rotate the valve to rinse. Turn on the pump for 20-30 seconds. This will clean out the plumbing lines and reset the sand bed. Turn off the pump, rotate the valve to filter position and begin to filter. Take a reading of this new clean starting pressure, so you have a reference point for the next backwash cycle. Water may need to be added to the pool to replace the backwashed water.
Cartridge Filters
- In a cartridge filter, the water flows into the filter that contains one or more filter elements. These elements have a fine mesh material. The tight mesh fabric is able to strain out the impurities. Cleaning the cartridge is simple because all you need to do is remove the cartridge, wash it and put it back in the filter.
Why will my cartridge filter not clear algae from my pool?
- When a cartridge filter is clean it is possible for algae to pass through the filter element. Cartridge filters filter smaller particles as the filter becomes dirty. The dirt or debris on the element’s surface helps to catch smaller particles. It may be necessary to add certain chemicals to the pool so smaller particles can be picked up by the filter element. Consult your Hayward dealer for the proper chemicals to accomplish this task.
How do I clean my cartridges?
- The cartridges should be cleaned once a season with a degreaser or acid bath.
- Body oils are the first thing to clog a cartridge element. A degreasing solution should be used to remove oils. If an acid bath is used to remove oils, it will embed these oils into the fabric and make the element less effective. You local Hayward dealer should have a cartridge cleaner or you can use a mixture of laundry detergent and water.
1-cup detergent to 5 gallons of water. Dissolve the detergent in a bucket of water and soak the element(s) for 24 hours. YOU MUST THOROUGHLY RINSE THE ELEMENTS PRIOR TO REINSTALLING THEM INTO THE FILTER. IF YOU DON’T THE POOL WILL FILL WITH SOAP BUBBLES. - An acid bath is for mineral deposits on the elements. If an acid bath is needed, do a degreasing wash first, then the acid treatment. Start off with a mixture of 1 part acid to 5 parts water in a bucket. ALWAYS add acid to water, never water to acid. If the mixture does not clean the elements effectively, increase the mixture to 2 parts acid to 5 parts water. Follow the proper disposal of the acid mixture, as per the acid manufacturer’s instructions.
Most Hayward dealers offer a filter cleaning service.