It is very important that you properly store your filter system for the winter to avoid any damage that could be caused by the freezing temperatures. Proper maintenance of your pool’s equipment is essential to keep it running correctly. Follow these steps and essential rules to winterize your sand filter system.
Sand Filter System Winterizing Tips
The first thing you should do when winterizing your sand filter system is to perform a backwash. After the water is running clear from the nozzle, turn off the power. After you backwash, move the valve to the “rinse” position and let it run for 30 seconds.
After a backwash and rinse, place the valve to the “winterize” setting on the top mount valve. This will allow water to drain from the valve.
Next, you’re going to have to completely drain all the water from the filter tank. To do this simply unscrew and remove the drain cap on the bottom of the filter barrel. Put the cap away in a safe place until the next time you open the pool. You do not need to remove any sand from the filter. Your sand filter system‘s sand is good for about 4-5 years.
Finally you are going to disconnect all of the hoses from the filter. Place the sand filter, pump, hoses, and the drain cap in a dry, safe place until the pool is ready to be used again.
This Winter Closing Kit contains everything you need to close your pool this fall. It will condition the pool water and prevent algae growth throughout freezing winter months to ensure a sparkling clean pool.
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Do we really have to move the sand filter and pump inside? The filter must weigh close to 200 pounds without water, but with wet sand.
Hi Rich,
To winterize your sand filter, remove the drain cap at the bottom of the filter tank to let the entire filter drain and leave the drain cap off until Spring. Move the valve handle at the top of the filter to the “Winter” position. You can now remove both hoses that connect the filter to the pool. Make sure all water is drained from the pump by removing the pump from the filter base, remove the clear strainer lid and turn the pump upside down to let all of the water out. If storing the pump outside for the winter be sure to put the strainer lid back on to avoid rain or snow from entering the strainer. Otherwise, store the pump in a warm, dry place for the winter.
Why is sand draining with the water from my filter? I do not want to change the sand as this was its first summer.