Sand coming into pool from newly installed 220 hayward sand filter. It was recommended by the local pool distributor to add a 50 pound bag of gravel to the bottom and then 200 pounds of #20 sand. Should we remove the gravel??

200 pounds of sand make sure you use pool filter sand make sure not to get sand in pipe

from what i can find, it will take 350lbs of sand. there should be a chart on the actual filter housing

If you don't use the recommended amount of sand for your pool filter, it will not function and filter properly and you can also void your warranty. Here is a listing of how to figure out how much sand to use:

http://www.backyardcitypools.com/Pool-Filters/Filter-Sand-Requirements.htm

You sand should last many many years if you clean it at least yearly. You can buy a chemical from your pool supply to clean it. Normally you don't need to add any. If you ever allow your pool to get very low ph it can actually disolve sand though. A little trick if you're too cheap and lazy to change all the sand is ususally only the top of the sand gets very dirty. If you open your filter, you can scoop out about 50 lbs from the top and only replace that. Be careful not to get sand in the down tube though.

A 24" (width of tank) is 300#
A30" is 350#
A36" is 700#
All are #20 silica and you can substute 3/8" pea gravel for up to 1/3 of sand in any of them. Rock goes in first then sand on top. This will improve your flow and extend the life of your sand.

Backwash the filter, drain water from motor etc., remove the dome on the top of the filter. I usually use a shop vac and vac the sand out, not overloading the vac. When all the sand is removed, check the laterals and piping in the filter for cracks, etc. I like to spread washed pea gravel or small rock under the laterals to help support them. Then add about 6 inches of water in the filter. Be sure to get sand of the right grade for a sand filter. Fill it with the recommended amount of sand, smoothing it to keep it level and around all fittings. Do Not fill the filter all the way. There needs to be space between the sand and the top laterals. Close the filter with the dome and be sure to inspect the o-ring on the dome. Put the backwash valve in the backwash position and backwash till clear. Put the valve on "filter" and open the air release valve on the top of the filter to bleed the air and start the pump. The pool may cloud a little but don't worry about it. It will clear as the sand compacts. It is a very labor intensive job...

150 pounds or 6 bags

what type of sand make sure its for pools should only have 2 bags max in filter

if u used play sand, or any other type of sand thats NOT pool filter sand, that could be the problem. also if there is too much sand or too little sand that could also cause this.