Troubleshooting a Cloudy, Leaking Pool Filter

Understanding the Issue with Your Pool Water and Filter

Initially, your water was clear and inviting. Now, it has turned a murky brown and appears significantly cloudy. Additionally, you noticed that your sand filter was leaking at the backwash valve. To address this, you replaced the seal on the multi-port valve. However, a peculiar problem persists: when you attempt to backwash, the return jet remains active, and even in filter mode, it seems as if sand is being expelled from the filter.

The fact that the return jet continues to operate during backwash suggests there might be an internal issue with the filter. Despite replacing the seal, the leak and abnormal water flow could indicate damage or misassembly inside the filter, such as a damaged lateral or downpipe.

Possible Causes and Recommendations

• Incorrect Assembly: It’s surprisingly common for the multi-port valve to be reassembled incorrectly, especially after maintenance. Double-check that all components are correctly aligned and seated.
• Internal Damage: Damage to the lateral or downpipe inside the filter could cause water to bypass proper flow paths, leading to leaks and sand expulsion.
• Backwashing into the Pool: When the multi-port valve is misassembled, backwashing might lead to contaminated water returning to the pool, causing cloudiness.

Next Steps to Resolve the Issue

Firstly, verify the correct assembly of the multi-port valve. Ensure that it is oriented properly and that all seals are intact and correctly positioned. If the valve was assembled incorrectly, correcting this should stop the leak and prevent sand from being expelled.

After reassembling, allow the pool to sit undisturbed for a while. Then, perform a thorough vacuum to waste to remove the cloudiness. This process should help clear the water and restore its clarity. If problems persist after these steps, inspecting internal components like the lateral and downpipe for damage may be necessary.