Change pool filter sand every 5–7 years (or when it stops filtering)

About every 5–7 years, but don’t set a calendar — change it when the filter starts underperforming.

Sand doesn’t wear out like a cartridge. It’s just rocks. Over time, though, the particles get coated with oils and calcium, and the sand bed develops channels — paths where water flows through without catching dirt. That’s when your filter pressure stays low and your pool stays cloudy. You can try a sand cleaner (degreaser) first, but if that doesn’t fix it, new sand is cheap insurance.

If you’ve had a major algae bloom or run the pump 24/7 in a hot summer, you might need to replace it sooner. But for a normal residential pool, 5–7 years is a good rule.

Your pool will tell you when it’s time.