So probably the most common type of pool and spa filter out there is the high rate sand filter. Usually they are round looking tanks with the multi-port attached, which allows you to choose between filter, rinse, waste, backwash ect. Inside of these filter tanks is silica sand which is the media used to filter debris and contaminants from your pool. To clean the filter you or your pool professional will backwash the sand filter which will run the filtration system in reverse loosening the debris that has been caught and sending it out the waste water line.

Some times a pool technician will come across a pool that has a well balanced chemistry as well as a low level of phosphates and yet the pool still has a tendency to go green or cloudy. This is then time to look at the media itself, The sand. Pool filter sand media needs to be changed from time to time to stop the build up of algae within the sand, a good rule of thumb is pool sand needs to be changed every 7-10 years.

Below are photos of brand new sand, and sand that is well past its change date.

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