Filter Sand in Your Swimming Pool? | Dealing With Broken Laterals 

Absolutely brilliant videos for maintaining pool equipment. The best coverage by far. A huge thank you from me.

Thank you for your great videos, very professional and easy to follow.

Thanks, this is exactly what my pool is doing. Sand everywhere on the bottom. I was able to resolve this based on your video👍

Thank you for your video, I've learned alot from you. Your a life saver 👍

very very helpful. Thank you Mark!

Valuable information Sr thanks.

Thanks, very helpful !!

Great info!

I have a 16 foot, 42 inches deep round, above ground pool and it turned green a week ago. Today, I added two gallons of Wamart's Chlorine from the pool area at $5.69, and 6 hours later, it turned baby blue! I removed bugs and leaves and other small debri and now my pool is now clean. Easy. Tomorrow, I will clean the filter and go swimming!

Thanks for the excellent video & for pointing out the older style of lateral screws in & doesn’t fold up like the newer model of lateral valves.

Very helpful thank you

GREAT INFORMATION THANK YOU!!!!!

Really helpful

Great video, I was kind of hoping to see some video or pictures for what this issue looks like though.

Good helpful video

Thank you

When I pulled up my valve assembly, like you suggested in your video; the central pipe and and lateral assembly also came up with it a few inches. Getting it back down without damaging the laterals seems impossible without some kind of vibrating device (maybe an oscillating saw without a blade on the outside of the filter?) to liquefy the sandy water and reseat the assembly on the base, so unless there’s a trick you know of, I imagine I have to wet dry vac the sand out and resettle the lateral assembly. Before I went down that path I thought I’d confirm my observation?

good sir thank you

Thanks!

Hi Mark, thank you so much for your very precised and well explained videos. Just got my first pool and it helps a lot. I have a Jaccuzi sand filter. I watched your video where you show each position of the level. When I'm doing a backwash for 1 minute than a rinse for 30 seconds and put it back to filter switching off the pump in between each steps and turning the level clockwise, I'm always having some water continuing to leak down the waste drain when back to filter. What could be the cause? Thank you in advance!

hi Mark like your comment inground pool jets work fine only when i connect the hose in the skimmer to vacuum the pool jets stop working thank you

👍 Thank you 👍

Liked the video just wished there had been some example pics of the sand vs dead algea.

Very informative video. We have been getting sand in our new pool pretty much since day one. Is it possible to have a broken lateral in a new filter?

Love your tutorials. Used this video to change my on sand about a month ago because I was getting sand in pool. I inspected laterals and saw no cracking or breaks but I’m still getting sand. Any suggestions. I might mention that I’m having to manually vac to waste because vacuum is broke at the moment and just vacuumed yesterday and today theres noticeable sand. Thanks

Thank for your videos. I just got the same filter for my salt pool. Is brand new and it blows about a cup of sand after each backwash. I open the filter and the laterals are in perfect condition and the multi port valve gasket looks good. Any other reasons to why my filter is doing this...?

Thank You excellent video, I have an INTEX2800 SAND FILTER brand new, Im getting very little sand and little Debree back into the pool , size of a pea but i didnt think I should be getting anything , what am I doing wrong ? brand new sand #20 LIGHTHOUSE from NAMCO , ITS FRUSTRATING, I have emptied the tank, INSPECTED EACH LATERAL I couldnt see any damage, they all have slits in them so its hard anyway

Great video! Do you have a video for a side mount system? I got all my sand vacuumed out, but how can you inspect the laterals (fold up style)?

Great video thank you! My lateral from top to bottom is 28", please tell me what model of hayward filter I have? Thank you! No stickers left on it.

Thanks for the excellent video. I'm in the middle of replacing my filter sand and noticed two hairline cracks at the top edge of the standpipe running about an inch down from the top. Never had any problems to this point, so I'm wondering if I should let alone. Is the standpipe replaceable, or do I need to purchase the entire assembly? Would a little PVC glue along the cracks (on the inside of the pipe) offer some stability?

Howdy Mark, I sure do need your help. I purchased a pool package from a seller on EBay but it didn't come with a Hayward filtration system, and I'm having a real big problem with the Lateral system. It's made very cheap and there are open sections where the laterals attach to the hub, and the filter sand is being sucked through and pumped into the pool. I want to get rid of the entire lateral system that came with the pool filter and up-grade it. I'm wondering if it's possible to replace the lateral system that I have with a better system? my system is 26" tall, and laterals are 13" across. Is it possible that one of the lateral systems from Harward will fit my tank? The tank itself is 16" round. I will try to ad to add the description on my filtration system to this post. Have a look and let me know what you think. Thanks for your time, and great videos. Thanks for sharing them with all of us. Rx Clear® 16" Patriot Above Ground Swimming Pool Sand Filter w/ Valve Item Number: 481610 The Rx Clear® Patriot Sand Filter is perfect for your above ground pool! This made in the USA sand filter has a molded corrosion-proof body for all-weather performance and extended system life. Set-up is easy with hoses included. And each filter is individually tested to ensure quality and reliability. Molded corrosion-proof body for all-weather performance and extended system life Accurate and visible pressure gauge Universal filter base Hoses included Deluxe 7-position backwash valve with 1.5" connections Drain cap with strainer for easy maintenance and winterizing Each tank is individually tested to ensure quality and reliability Specifications: Model #: PT16 Tank Volume: 15 gallons Diameter: 15" Connection Size: 1.5" Carton Weight: 22 lbs Carton Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 36" Sand Requirements: 125 lbs. Replace sand with 3 boxes of our Luster Filter Media Features: ABOVE GROUND POOL FILTER - The Rx Clear Patriot Sand Filter for above ground swimming pools. Excel in hydraulic engineering that provides an elusive combination of high efficiency, quiet operation, and longevity. All components designed for maximum performance and economy in an above ground swimming pool filter. CLEAN AND SAFE WATER - This filter is designed to handle the filtration needs of many of today's pools. It provides an efficient, easy-to-use operating system that will assist in keeping your above-ground pool water crystal clean and safe for swimming. EASY TO INSTALL - Includes a 7-way backwash valve with 1.50 connections which provides simple control of water flow. It comes with a universal filter base and user’s manual along with a 3-year warranty. This filter tank is only intended to be used with Rx Clear brand pumps. Do Not Use with high pressure (full rated) pumps or pumps not specifically designed for this sand filter. Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Thank you so much!! What was the name of the lube you used, I couldn't catch the name?

Nice of you to gonto the trouble and time in prepping this video. I hate sand filters. Whenever I get the chance, I replace them with cartridge filters. I just don't see any reason to have a sand filter. If you are paying for electricity to circulate water, why run it through a filter that let's algae and other particles straight back into your pool? Surr cartridges are a little more work to clean, but waste WAY less water to clean, they need cleaning less often due to their much larger filter area, and don't have a MPV that gives trouble. I just don't see why sand filters are so popular. Worst of all, they are hard work to commission and decommission.

Bought new Hayward S180T model last summer, worked great! This year not sure what happened but found sand in our new pump skimmer. Replacing sand, checked lateral assembly all looks good but my husband seems to think the assembly pipe is too short?? Should it be jammed into the top or space between pipe and valve??

I have old s240 Hayward which new lateral assembly do I need? Like your videos very thorough

I have a sand filter that says Millennium. It’s only marked as 27in. The laterals do not twist on or lift up. I measured the lateral from top to bottom and its 30in. What lateral assembly do you suggest I need?

I am just about ready to change my sand, should I change the letterals at the same time? My letterals are original from 8 years ago.

Hey Mark. I love your channel. I was changing out my sand yesterday and when I loosened the multiport, the pipe on the lateral assembly did not disengage. I sprayed some lubricant on it but it's not budging. I have a Pentair SD40. I was still able to vacuum most of the sand out except for right at the center floor, where the assemble is supposed to sit. Do you have any tricks or recommendations for this? Thanks. Paul

i have a new sand filter with no lables it is larger than my 16 inch hayward need to know what size lateral or if i can use old lateral

​@Hallmark Pool Supplies I been having what I thought to be sand or dirt at the bottom of my pool. when try to clean it out with water hose vaccum it dissipate or it goes straight through the net. So I use pools vaccum pump and filter it though the waste. I don't know what it is. I guess it's algae. once I vaccum it out of the pool through the waste it stays clear long as filter is off but when it's on the dirt/algae gets back into the pool. I tried back washing and rinsing before turning filter back on. I'm still having this issue. Any solutions?

what type of unions are those? Need some 2" ones so I can maintain without having to cut. Thanks

I gotta say that Leslies told me the sand was due to my sand being too old. So i changed all the sand, inspected my laterals, and they didnt seem damaged, so put in new sand and rehooked everything up. Pretty sure im still getting sand through the jets. So perhaps i need to take the laterals out again and to Leslies for inspection? Such a massive pain in the ass. What's the best way to get the sand out of the pool once it's on the bottom? An external vacuum?

Do all lat assemblies either unscrew or fold up? I have a Blue Torrent sand filter and it seems that they do neither.

I am getting algea blowback right out of the blue..was working fine. Can algae just get through? Ive replaced the sand , backwash and rinse for a minimum of 1 min. I dont know how its getting through...thank you

I have a S244 top mount older Hayward filter. I replaced the laterals and the center tube and refilled with sand.I am now getting sand in the pool. I noticed the old center pipe had an adhesive that was on the pipe where I goes into the lateral assembly but I was told I did not need to cement the pipe to the assembly. The pipe does not fit snuggly on the lateral assembly. Could this cause sand to get in the pool?

Here in the UK we mostly have Lacron filters. I have a 24 inch Lacron and want to try and change the laterals. Do you know how as I don’t think it is the same?! Thanks! Dave

How do u get the laterals assembly out when the 2 water flows pipes r separate and L shape?

Okay question, I just bought a house that came with a pool. Hayward sand filter. I was fighting algae growth for a month and it’s FINALLY gone. However, what I thought was dead algae after lots of scrubbing and treatment (because there are streaks of it all across the pool) looks, and feels like sand. So I was going to order a new lateral piece. Could this be a different issue since it’s not only piling up under the return!?

When I back wash the filter I get sand in the pool. Do I haft to wait awhile to continue filtering to avoid the sane in pool? Or is the problem covered in this video. Much thanks

Hello, I have a Hayward S180T. I recently purchased a new lateral,( Sorry I am just seeing your site), however, sand is still coming into the pool. Any suggestions? BTW, I put 150 pounds of sand inside.

Thanks for another great video. If you change sand to Glass media like Dr Dryden or Filter Balls would a broken assembly be as much of an issues since there is no sand? Also can you use Glass media and Filter balls together?

I have a Hayward model S244S. An older model I assume. I can’t seem to find an exact match for lateral replacement. Can you help?

Is it normal to have some sand in the bottom of a pool after sand change? I had none last year, and changed the sand at the beginning of the season this year (about 2 weeks ago), and there's a little building up in spots at the bottom. I have no sightglass, backwash to a storm drain, and my laterals are fixed, not hinged- so I couldn't get the assembly out for a thorough inspection. Everything seemed ok, as far as I could tell. Thanks

Good evening Mark, I recently swapped out the sand in my sand filter. My sand filter takes six bags; however, I put in seven bags. I'm unsure if this is the reason, but I have since found sand in the pool's slimmer basket. Also, my Pool Pump keeps overflowing; the lid loosens and causes water to spill out. Please reply when you can regarding what could be causing this issue. Thank you, and stay safe!

Good content. Plan on changing my sand out soon and this is good information. Question? What cause back pressure that when you turn off the pump it cause water to blow up through the screen basket.

After replacing the laterals because of crack, and the head because of other damage and a flattened gasket. Is it normal to still have some sand in the pool while it works its way out of the lines or should it disappear pretty quickly?

Hi, we had our assembly just replaced and new sand added but we are still getting sand. Any ideas what could be causing it? Also, we have the exact same filter. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

How much sand is too much? I always see sand on my step under the return jet in the pool. I vacuum in the morning and by afternoon, I see gritty material on the step. If that coming from the return jet or could it be small pieces of concrete coming off the bottom of the feet as people enter?

My sand filter shows about 10 psi after backwashing. When it gets to about 13-14 psi it needs to be backwashed again (low flow shuts off pool heater and vacuum doesn't work). This filter is about 25 years old and never had sand changed. Do you think this is the problem?

Can I replace my vevor 19 inch sand filter laterals with a Hayward?

I replaced my lateral assembly, as well as the sand - it didn’t seem to solve my problem. I can vacuum the pool clean, and after running my filter for just a few hours I’ve got dark spots at the bottom of my pool again. Any suggestions?

What if you changed the entire lateral system with a new kit and sand is still going into the pool? Could there be a problem with the multiport?

I cant find the whole assembly to purchase. What do you suggest?

How do I know what size laterals to get I can’t read the label on the tank it’s faded so bad

So if when you backwash and sand is evident does that mean u have a broken or cracked lateral??

I'm only seeing sand coming out of my floor returns after a backwash. No other time. Could it be from a bad multiport? How to troubleshoot?

Maybe I missed something in this video, but how do you fold up the laterals without cutting a hole in the side of your filter?

How long is the PCV pipe on the lateral on a S166T92s

Mine only dose this when I backwash. Laterals are good. Maybe a valve?

Hi Mark, your video is right on time; thank you! I have a Hayward s310s with side mount variety-flow control valve. I have emptied and pulled the lateral(s) and they're folding properly. I can't see any crack, holes or broken areas when I inspected it throughly but still wouldn't mind replacing it for just purposes of being old and not knowing where the sand is escaping from. I am going to replace the rubber spider gasket on the multi-valve and have found the lateral component that replaces the one in the s310s with Hayward SX310DA2 31-Inch Lateral Assembly with Center Pipe Replacement for Hayward S310S Pro Series Sand Filter from Amazon...but mine is a side mount, not a top mount. My question for you; is the center pipe removable? I cannot find the lateral assembly with the part I need which is SX310CD2FW* Thank you in advance if you can help me with any knowledge.

Could there be Channeling in the sand ??? If so how do i correct that

What if you get sand at the bottom of the pool near the returns only after backwashing.

If you get sand in the center tube, will it eventually get flushed out?

What are your thoughts about using pea gravel 1st about just above the lateral assemblies? Then put sand above the pea gravel level. I've even heard of a layer of fine small glass. Which can serve as an algae repellent.

We accidentally pulled the lateral assembly out of the sand and water when trying to put it together. Do we need so start over or is it safe to push the lateral assembly back down to the bottom?

If the centerpiece of the lateral support and the filter is the filter

I have the Hayward pool and spa sand filter. They didn’t mark it when they put it up it either carries 100 pound of sand or 150 pounds of sand. How can I find out

What about the return water looks murky while vacuuming. It's an above ground pool. We have a ton of dead algae at the bottom of the pool. We think. It's too cold to get in and try to grab it to see if it's sand. We can't keep it clear. Nothing works.bought two laterals in one year because the company will not honor a warranty. Anyway I'm about ready to get rid of the pool.

I have a brand new sand filter and i used two different brands of sand. One said 20/49 now i have sand in my pool. Did i get the wrong sand?

What about after you backwash and rinse it then turn it back to filter and it spits out sand ..?

PCV pipe is stuck to the top part of the assembly. How do I take it out using a heat gun

I had a broken lateral. How do i now get the sand out of the pool.

My laterals and pipe is good no cracks but when my pump is on high it puts sand in pool it doesnt do it on low

Mine doesn’t have legs on it

Are u located in Florida

Is it normal to have sand stuck in the slots of the laterals?

How much sand should I have in my tank??

My lateral stem measure measures 21

What if sand is filtering in pool yet?

It is faster, cheaper and a smart decision to replace the sand filter entirely with a cartridge or DE filter. Problem solved, and superior filtration from these replacements. Save water and chemical costs too.

If we're my lateral support attaches to the pool to filter is the filter broken

You are saying do but You are not actually showing getting the laterals outnof the tank

My lateral pipe breaks every year!!!

Gave you a thumbs down because you asked us to like and subscribe. If your videos are worth a damn then you should not need to ask us,

Thanks!

I have a Hayward model S244S. An older model I assume. I can’t seem to find an exact match for lateral replacement. Can you help?

I replaced my lateral assembly, as well as the sand - it didn’t seem to solve my problem. I can vacuum the pool clean, and after running my filter for just a few hours I’ve got dark spots at the bottom of my pool again. Any suggestions?

Thanks!