Pool Sand Changes

A clean pool needs a working filter. When your filter media is worn out, no amount of cleaning keeps your water clear. We often discover bad sand while troubleshooting persistent cloudiness that won’t respond to chemicals or shocking.

Signs your sand needs changing: water that won’t clear even with proper chemistry, short backwash cycles that don’t clean the filter effectively, sand or grit appearing in your pool, filter pressure that stays high even after backwashing, or it’s been more than five years since the last change. Any of these mean it’s time for fresh media.

Weatherford’s hard water accelerates sand breakdown. Calcium deposits cement sand particles together, creating channels where water flows through without filtering. This happens faster here than in areas with softer water. We see filters that should last five years needing replacement at three years because of mineral buildup.

DE filters work differently but still need media replacement. DE powder coats grids inside the filter and does the actual filtering. The grids themselves last years, but they need cleaning annually and replacement every five to seven years when the fabric tears or the frames crack. We handle DE filter maintenance the same way we do sand—complete disassembly, inspection, cleaning, and proper reassembly.

Cartridge filters don’t use sand, but they need replacement too. Cartridge pleats collapse, fabric tears, and end caps crack with age. We stock common cartridge sizes and replace them on the spot. A new cartridge immediately improves water clarity and reduces how often you need to clean it.

During sand changes, we inspect your entire filter system. Multiport valves wear out and develop leaks. Tank shells crack from freeze damage or age. Pressure gauges stop working accurately. Unions crack and need replacing. We catch these problems while the filter is already apart instead of discovering them later when they cause bigger issues.

Backwashing frequency affects sand life. Filters that never get backwashed properly accumulate oils and debris that cement the sand together. Filters that get backwashed too often or too aggressively break down sand faster. We set up proper backwash schedules based on your pool’s needs—usually once a week during summer, less often in cooler months.

Pool chemistry affects filter media too. Low pH dissolves sand over time. High calcium cements it together. Oils from lotions and sunscreen coat sand particles and reduce filtering effectiveness. Maintaining balanced water protects your filter investment and extends media life.

The mess of changing sand is why most pool owners don’t do it themselves. Draining a filter tank, scooping out hundreds of pounds of wet sand, carrying it away, cleaning the inside of the tank, and refilling it properly takes equipment and experience. We bring a pump to drain the tank quickly, containers to haul away old sand, and the tools to do the job without flooding your equipment pad or leaving sand everywhere.

Timing sand changes during spring works best. Your filter gets fresh media right before heavy summer use when it works hardest. Water quality improves immediately, your pump runs more efficiently, and you start the swimming season with a filter operating at full capacity.

Some filters are too old to justify sand replacement. A 20-year-old tank with a cracked shell, corroded hardware, and a failing valve might cost more to service than replace entirely. We assess the overall condition and give honest recommendations about repair versus replacement.

We serve Parker County families who want their pool filters working right without the hassle of doing the heavy work themselves. Whether you’re in Weatherford, Aledo, Brock, or nearby areas, we bring the equipment and expertise to change your filter sand properly and get your filtration back to peak performance.