How to build a Sand Filter
Sand filters are easy to make using only a couple of materials and will last for many years. Generally, it doesn't need to be cleaned more than once a year, and it can replace or supplement your cartridge filter. Take a look at these steps below to learn how to keep your water clean by using a Homemade filter.
Step 1 - Obtain the Materials for Your Filter
You should buy a clear plastic (2) 10-gallon storage container with a tight-fitting lid that is tall, rectangular, and clear. The best filter sand has specially shaped small grains that trap rain barrel waste material, so don't pick up any old sand for your filter; buy it from any of the popular stores.
For this project, recycled nylon stockings can also be used, but make sure they are woven thread counted, so the water will be thoroughly filtered. A nylon fabric that is ultra-sheer will not withstand the pressure put out by a pool pump or abrasion caused by the sand grains.
Step 2 - Assemble the Sand Filter
One hole should be drilled near the middle of the lid, while the second should be punched half an inch above the bottom of the container by using a drill. Make sure to do the same size of the hole on the rain barrel. After that, connect the sand filter container to the rain barrel with the help of a tube.
Putting the sand filter closer to the rain barrel is the best thing. The filtered water will be returned to the Second rain barrel through a second tube installed at the bottom of the sand filter container. For watertight seals, use silicone caulk around both openings around the tubes. You will need to fasten a section of a nylon stocking over the opening of the bottom tube, seal it with silicone sealant, and tape it firmly with black waterproof plumbing tape.
Step 3 - Add the Sand to the Filter
In the container, remove the lid of the filter and add 10 pounds of pool sand. Fill the container 3/4 of the way with it so it is level. In the sand filter medium, water should spread evenly as it enters. You can release the lid again when cleaning the sand by tying it down with strap clamps once the container is full. The sand should be cleaned when it turns greenish-black
Step 4 - Now you can Test the Water
If you have a leak at either the entry or exit port of your filter, you may need to add more caulking, or you may need to make a new tube and attach it. Ensure that your sand filter is functioning properly every week. The sand filter should reduce the frequency with which you need to clean your cartridge filter. It is possible to remove the cartridge filter entirely from the system if your sand filter is performing well by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cotton balls good for filtering water?
You can prevent your water from polluting your water by adding a cotton ball layer to your filter. Activated charcoal or clay particles cannot enter the cleaned water via the sand layer, so it acts as a coarse filter.
Will a sand filter catch algae?
Owners of sand filters must vacuum on the waste setting since dead algae will not fit through their sand filter. Dead algae can be vacuumed up from cartridge filters, but they must be thoroughly cleaned afterward.