This filter started to have low flow in both filtering and backwashing.
Time to open it up for thorough cleaning.
The multiport valve was disconnected and removed from the top of the chamber. The stand pipe inside had to be also separated from the valve.
The chamber was still full of water and too heavy to move. With a small net, all the media was scooped out and water siphoned. As suspected, the bottom was packed with debri (sand, snailshells, sludge). Media was obviously not moving below the backwash nozzles and blocking the laterals causing flow restriction. I had to clear the lateral slots with a knife from sand.
The entire chamber was flipped over and hosed out. Hardest part of the task was separating the media from the sand. About a cup of media ended up on the ground and was left to save time. From the photo you can see the sand on top of the media.
Everything was put back together and runs like normal now. I'm guessing this needs to be done again in three years.
Time to open it up for thorough cleaning.
The multiport valve was disconnected and removed from the top of the chamber. The stand pipe inside had to be also separated from the valve.
The chamber was still full of water and too heavy to move. With a small net, all the media was scooped out and water siphoned. As suspected, the bottom was packed with debri (sand, snailshells, sludge). Media was obviously not moving below the backwash nozzles and blocking the laterals causing flow restriction. I had to clear the lateral slots with a knife from sand.
The entire chamber was flipped over and hosed out. Hardest part of the task was separating the media from the sand. About a cup of media ended up on the ground and was left to save time. From the photo you can see the sand on top of the media.
Everything was put back together and runs like normal now. I'm guessing this needs to be done again in three years.
