Pool Filter Sand

The importance of pool filter sand.

 

Granules of sand are irregularly shaped and make an efficient filtering medium, as evidence by the many freshwater creeks that are naturally filtered by sand.

 

Sand filters contain a deep layer of sand that traps dirt and debris as water flows through it. The trapped particles fill the spaces between granules of sand and actually help the filter collect even smaller particles. Over time, the accumulation of trapped particles will restrict water flow, the pressure inside the filter will increase, and it will be time to backwash, or clean the filter.

 

When the sand in the filter is clean, water passes through easily. When pool water is unbalanced and the filter isn’t cleaned properly, mud balls can form and impede the filtering process. As the situation worsens, the water forces channels through the sand, allowing unfiltered water to pass back into the pool.

 

This is why it is important to get your Filter sand change every SECOND year!

pool water levels

Pool water levels

Pool Water Levels – Does it matter?

The level of your pool’s water is constantly rising and falling – depending on how much it rains and how much water is lost by evaporation. In Gauteng this is especially relevant in the warmer seasons when it is both hot and raining.

When the pool water level is higher than half way up, the water moving into the skimmer is going so slow that debris may pass by the opening without being sucked in. If the pool water completely covers the skimmer opening, floating debris can’t get in at all.

When the pool water level is too low the pool skimmer can bottom out, thereby sucking air into the pump system which can result in losing the prime (water moving through the system) .This can result in burning up your swimming pool filter pump motor.

Ideally you should keep your swimming pool water levels between one third and one half the way up the opening of the swimming pool skimmer. This is the level at which your swimming pool skimmers operate most effectively.

Feel free to Contact us for any advice or a Quote for any pool maintenance or repair services.

We offer pool Service Randburg, Boskruin, Bromhof, Northcliff, Randpark, Randpark Ridge, Morningside, Craighall Park, Rosebank, Parkhurts, Darrenwood, Olivedale, Northgate, Linden, Fairlands, Melrose, Illovo, Greenside, Sandhurst, Bryanston, Rivonia, surrounding Johannesburg Northern Suburbs and the East Rand.

pool leak detection bucket test

Pool leak detection bucket test

Pool leak detection bucket test

To do the pool leak detection bucket test, fill the pool water to its normal level. Shut off the pump so that the pool water don’t move.
Fill a 20 Liter bucket with pool water to approximately 5cm’s from the top.
Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. Make sure the bucket is immersed in the pool at least 13cm’s.
Mark the water level inside the bucket.
Mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
Resume the normal pool pump operation.

Compare the two water levels after 24 hours. If the pool water (market outside) went down more than the bucket’s water level, there is probably a leak. If the water levels are the same, its due to evaporation.

In case of rain, you will need to repeat the Pool leak detection bucket test. Water loss from normal evaporation can be expected.

Read more about our pool repairs services.

If you suspect that you have a pool leak, please contact us.