Swimming pool filters are essential because they work toward keeping the water in your pool clean and free of contaminants. However, to ensure that they are in optimum working condition you need to catch any problems before they get worse. If a minor issue is left unchecked with your sand filter, it could progressively become a major problem that affects your swimming pool in its entirety. By noticing the signs early, you can call in the professional pool contractors to repair the problem. Here some of the common problems to look out for with sand pool filters.

Dirt making its way into the swimming pool

The first obvious sign of trouble is if the filter is not doing its job of keeping dirt away from the pool. Before you panic, it should be noted that sand filters might let in a little silt and fine sediment back into the swimming pool. Vacuuming your swimming pool can easily eliminate this debris. However, there are other signs of dirt that you should be wary of and call in a professional pool contractor to fix. These include:

• Old sand from the filter making its way into the pool.
• Calcified sand deposits in the pool.
• Mud balls in the pool formed from oil and sand mixing in the filter.
• Excessive pressure that forces dirty water back into the swimming pool before it is adequately filtered

A broken filter lateral

If excessive sand is incessantly making its way into the swimming pool, this may not be caused by backwashing, but rather by a broken lateral. The lateral refers to the plastic component located at the underside of the filter. It comprises of minute slits, which work toward keeping any grains from making their way into your pool water. When this lateral cracks, it can no longer function toward keeping the sand grains out, and you would need to have it replaced by a professional pool technician. Other components in the sand filter that could cause sand to accumulate in your pool include a broken diffuser or a malfunctioning standpipe.

Excessive pressure from the sand filter

Your filter needs pressure to effectively filter dirt from your swimming pool. However, if the pressure stays high, then the filter can become overwhelmed, leading to sand being pushed out into the pool rather than it being used to filter the water. If your swimming pool filter is experiencing this, it is best to enlist the services of a professional to limit the contamination to your pool water.

For more information about your swimming pool filter, contact a local pool company like Leisure Coast Pool Centre.