Swimming pool sand filters are designed to clean the water through a sand filtration process. The filter connects to the pool pump, which supplies the filter with pool water. As water passes through the filter, the sand catches debris such as algae and leaf particles. Water is then back-washed through the filter to clean the debris out of the sand. Without a filter, dirty water would recirculate into the pool, requiring more chemicals to clear the water. Sand filter sizes vary depending on the size of the pool, so choose a filter that is large enough for your pool.
Designate a spot for the filter as close to the pool as possible.
Place the filter on a solid pad such as concrete, brick or concrete block. The pad should be level and no more than 6 feet above the water level of the pool.
Pour the sand into the filter. Refer to the manufacturer's directions for sand quantity in the filter housing, which varies depending on the filter model and size.
Wrap the threads of a PVC male adapter counterclockwise with Teflon tape and thread it into the inlet port of the filter. Tighten the male adapter with a pair of slip-groove pliers; do not overtighten the adapter because this will cause the fitting to crack and break. Refer to the filter manufacturer's instructions for proper pipe sizing for the new filter.
Connect the pump pipe to the filter using the fewest number of PVC elbows as possible to prevent restrictive flow of water to the filter. Prime the fittings with PVC primer, and then glue them together with heavy-duty PVC cement.
Apply Teflon tape to a PVC male adapter and screw the adapter into the discharge side of the filter housing. Tighten the male adapter with a pair of slip-groove pliers.
Install PVC unions to the filter, pump port and discharge piping for future maintenance on the pool sand filter.
Connect the return port PVC piping to the PVC piping returning to the pool. Prime and glue the fittings and pipe with PVC primer and heavy-duty PVC cement. Push the piping all the way to the fittings to ensure a proper seal.
Connect the waste port PVC piping to a waste-water hose. Apply Teflon tape to the threaded joints of a PVC male adapter, thread it into the waste port of the filter housing and tighten with a pair of slip-groove pliers.
Prime and start the pool pump, start the filter in the filter cycle and filter the water on this setting for a few hours to prevent clogging the lateral piping.
Turn the filter handle to the backwash position and set the pump so that one suction pipe and all discharge pipes are open. Run the pump for two minutes to flush the debris from the filter sand.
Turn the pool pump off and turn the filter handle to the rinse position.
Turn on the pool pump and run until the water in the filter sight glass is clear.
Turn off the pool pump and turn the filter handle to the filter position.
Turn on the pool pump. The sand filter is clean and ready for use.