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Sand filter problems HELP!!!!

November 18th, 2003 · 1 Comment

I have a 24 ft above-ground pool with a Jacuzzi brand Laser Sand
Filter. The setup is only one year old, purchased by the prior
homeowners last summer. We use BioGuard chlorinating products.
My problem is that the filter makes a horrendous grinding noise and
is obnoxiously loud. It sounds like a very old motor on it’s last
legs even though it is brand-new. This is my first pool but I have
been around other pools before and I know that this is NOT what a
filter is supposed to sound like. I backwash as often as I can (about
once per week) without depleting the water level and having to drain
my water supply (we have well-water) to fill the pool back up.
When I DO backwash, a bunch of sand comes out and the sightglass
never, ever turns clear before the water level gets too low and I
have to shut it off and fill the pool back up. I wind up having to
unscrew the glass and dump it before allowing the pool to filter
again.

What could be wrong? The sound is what worries me the most. I’m
afraid that one day the motor will burn out or seize up.

Tags: pumps

1 response so far ↓

  • 1 janis_40 // Nov 19, 2003 at 9:31 am

    Jenn, you stated the filter is Jacuzzi and I am assuming the pump is also.
    Has the pump always made the noise? Does it make noise all the time? Is the
    system over one year or under one year? If it is under then have the Jacuzzi
    dealer look at it. But if it is not then there are some things you can
    check. 24ft round is a good size AG pool so I hope they purchased the
    correct size equipmend. If they got an LR series pump then there are a
    series of screws around the outside of the pump which can be taken off and
    the pump split in half. Be sure to plus the holes for the pump and filter or
    you will have a flood. If they were smart then they should have gotten the
    Magnum series pump. This pump has a ring around the outside which unscrews.
    If you are looking at the pump from the motor side then the ring unscrews
    counter-clockwise. In either case take the pump apart and check for rocks
    and other good stuff in the impeller and set the motor on something sturdy,
    hold it down with a rubber mallet and turn it on. Listen for the grinding
    noise and if it still makes it then it is the motor. See if you can get it

    replaced under warranty.
    When you backwash sand should not be coming out of the filter. This is an
    indication the filter has to much sand in it.Most filters are only about 1/2
    to 2/3 full with the correct amount of sand in it. You have a top mounted
    valve on your filter and this is also the opening for thr filter. Remove the
    collar and remove the valve then open the drain cap on the side and drain the
    water out. When the water is gone the sand should not be any higher than
    stated before. If it is filled all the way to the top then remove some down
    to the prescribed level. If you have the books for the equipment or also
    the info is on the side of the tank on a tag that tells you how many pounds
    of sand should be in the filter. You can always remove all the sand and
    change it.
    HELP!!!! I need somebody, not just anybody HELP!!!!

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