Best way to clean sand filters?

[vsmpls2178]

My sand filter is due for a change-out, and I'm really not looking forward to the mess. I've heard the shop vac method is the go-to, and I've tried it before. It works, but it's slow and messy so I'm wondering if anyone has a clever hack or a better way to get all the old sand out? Anything that makes the job less of a chore, and maybe some advantages of other methods I'm not aware of. Thanks for any tips!

 

[BlueLagoonGuy]

To keep dust down, try wetting the sand first, it makes it heavier. Using a small pump or a shop vac with a wide hose can really speed things up. Also, start from the outside and work your way in, instead of going from top to bottom