Here's the page on that filter: http://www.hayward-pool.com/prd/Abov...01_14018_I.htm

Did you get just the filter, or the pump + filter combo? If you got only the filter, the Intex pump may not be sufficient to drive water through it.

Regardless, open the filter, and inspect the sand's condition (should not be gummed up, hard or in balls) and level (add more if needed.).

This parts diagram shows how it comes apart: http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/Part.../VL_Series.pdf
Here's a screen shot:


According to the manual [ http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manu...es-VL40T32.pdf ] the fill level is not designated, but the filter takes 40lbs of sand. As a good guess, the sand should be at least at the level of the upper indentation in the filter's profile.