Pool filter: glass iso sand?

[Garp]

I just started up our pool after the winter. One of the issues I had was sand being blown back into the pool from the filter (Pentair 22").
Since the sand is now 5 years old I'm contemplating the idea of replacing the sand with glass beads, hoping to get rid of the mentioned issue at the same time.
Any ideas?

[Hugh R]

Our HOA waterfall had sand and it was pretty mucked up, the former pool maintenance guy replaced with the glass bead stuff and it works better.

[rmurph]

If sand is coming back into the pool, most likely you have a hole(s) in the laterals at the bottom of the filter. Glass beads will not fix that, plus glass beads may cause further damage to both the laterals and the vessel itself when you backwash. The laterals at the bottom are replaceable. Biggest hassle is removing the sand, a good wet/dry vac will do the trick. Once replaced, refill the filter vessel half full of water before you replace the sand, this will cushion the sand as it goes to the bottom. I do not believe the glass beads will give you the cleaning ability that the sand will, you need .45 - .55 micron sand.

[Joeaksa]

I replace the sand in my unit every 5-7 years...

[Garp]

Tx guys, I'll need to check the lats again. I hope my vac is strong enough.