• The sand used in a pool filter must be the proper size and grade or it may cause serious issues.sand image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
  
  While there are several different types of filter systems for pools, many pool owners prefer sand filter systems. These filters push water through a sand bed to remove dirt, debris and other materials that might affect water clarity. While these filters can work effectively, minor issues may arise from time to time. You can troubleshoot most of these problems without the aid of a professional if you keep a few basic tips in mind.
  
  

Short Filter Cycles

• If your pool's sand filter is experiencing short filtering cycles between each cleaning, there are several reasons for the issue. In some case, the pool has not been backwashed for an appropriate period. Typically, two to three minutes is sufficient, but keep backwashing until the water runs clear. The sand filter may also run on short cycles because the pool's pH balance is not in order. If there is not enough chlorine in the water, algae may grow, which can lead to clogs in the filter's sand bed. Check the pH regularly, and ensure that all levels are in balance. In some cases the filter may experience short filtering cycles because the wrong size or type of sand is used. Sand that is too fine or too soft may clog the filter and cut the filtering cycles short. Always use the grade of sand that the filter's manufacturer recommends.
  
  

Cloudy Water

• If the pool's water is cloudy, the sand filter may not have run long enough. Try running the filter for longer periods to see if the water clears. Cloudy water may also occur as a result of a high pH balance, and low chlorine levels may lead to algae which can turn the water a cloudy green color. Check the water's pH, chlorine and total alkalinity regularly to ensure that all chemical levels are in balance. An improperly sized filter may also cause dirty water because dirt and debris may escape the filter and flow into the pool. Using an incorrect grade of sand may cause cloudiness because sand that is too coarse may not stop fine particles of debris from flowing into the pool. Check your filter's instruction manual to ensure that you are using the proper size of sand.
  
  

Leaky Filter

• When your sand filter has a leak, the most important step is determining where the leak is coming from. During the winter, water inside the filter may expand due to freezing temperatures. As a result, both the pipes and the filter body are susceptible to cracks and other damage. If you determine that the pipes or filter parts are damaged, you must replace them to stop the leak. A professional is usually required for replacing these items.
  
  

Sand in the Pool

• If you find that sand is passing into your pool, you are probably using the wrong sand. Sand that is too fine may pass through the filter and into the pool. A pump that is too large for the pool may also break the sand particles into a size that is too small and allow them to pass into the water. Damaged parts in the filter, such as worn gaskets or cracked laterals, may also allow sand to pass into the pool. Examine the conditions of these components, and replace any that appear damaged or broken.