Goy a problem with sand or grit at the bottom of your pool? It can be really annoying! Don’t worry I’m going to tell you how to remove sand from the pool bottom properly.
I’ll cover the causes – to try and avoid the problem. Then I’ll look at a few methods to remove the sand and grit. Let’s get started.
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor pool, as a pool owner, you want to ensure that your pool is clean and inviting at all times.
However, despite keeping your pump filter running always and however hard you try, you may notice that there is fine debris at the bottom of the pool, which may be sand, dust and dirt that may be carried into your pool by the breeze or swimmers’ feet.
You can easily remove larger debris, insects and leaves by using a skimmer; however, the fine matter usually settles at the bottom of the pool, forming a sediment layer.
And, it is important to clean the bottom of your pool using a pool vacuum, a combination of a pump and filter or special equipment to filter out the debris.
Reasons for Sand in Your Pool
You may wonder how sand got into your pool when you don’t live close to a beach. Well, the wind can carry dust and sand for long distances and deposits them into your pool.
However, this may not be the sole reason for sand in your pool and we’ll discuss the various reasons why you may find sand in your pool.
Problem with the Sand Filter
Usually, pools are equipped with sand filters that help to remove sand, dust and other debris, keeping the water clean. However, if the sand filter stops working or develops a crack, then all the sand will get deposited back into the pool.
The problem could be with the standpipe or the laterals.
The standpipe is located in the center of the sand filter and is usually made of strong and rigid plastic. If the standpipe developed a crack, then you’ll find sand in the pool.
The standpipe is connected to 8-10 laterals at the bottom which essentially have perforations and act like sieves, allowing water to get into the pool after passing via the sand filter while preventing any sand from getting through.
However, if any lateral develops a crack, sand will pass through it and get into the pool. So, you must check the sand filter and repair or replace it in case it is damaged.
And, if the standpipe or laterals are damaged, then make replace them before repairing your sand filter. If you’re unable to fix the sand filter on your own, then you may have to get a professional to do it for you.
Yellow Pool Algae
If you notice sand in your pool, then look closely. Try brushing the sand and if it forms a thick cloud, then what you thought was sand may not be sand at all and is probably yellow pool algae or mustard algae.
To eliminate yellow pool algae, you need to give your pool a thorough deep cleaning. You will also have to clean all the pool equipment, bathing suits, pool toys, etc.
It’s a good idea to consult with a pool professional about how you can clean your pool to eliminate algae growth effectively.
How to Remove Sand from the Pool?
While getting the sand out of the pool is not very difficult, nevertheless, it is a time-consuming job that takes effort.
Pump and Filter
You can remove particles and fine debris from the pool water by making use of a combination of a pump and filter. Typically, the pool pump is run around 8 to 10 hours a day, which helps to circulate the water through the filter.
The filter is usually filled with diatomaceous earth, zeolite or sand, which helps to remove the fine particles and also chlorine odors from the water. However, a pump and filter may not be able to remove the sand and debris from the bottom of the pool.
Backwashing
The pool filter helps to remove debris from the water and if it becomes clogged, then it will not be able to remove fine particles and debris effectively. Ensure that the basket is emptied and rinsed out regularly.
Then, turn on the pump to backwash the filter which helps to flush the debris out, sending it into the waste pipe.
After this, switch the filter to the rinse mode for a few minutes and then close it. You must also clean and rinse the leaf trap located near the pump and then replace it. Once this is done, you can turn the filter onto the filter setting again.
Sweeping and Removing the Sand
The first step to clean your pool is to brush the sides of the pool with a stiff brush. This helps to remove algae and other debris, which gets loosened and falls onto the pool floor.
Make sure to sweep slowly so that you don’t agitate the water, causing the sand and other debris to spread out again. Once all the debris is collected, you can easily remove the sediment from the pool floor using a vacuum.
However, you won’t be able to use the vacuum directly. You must turn the multi-port valve to the ‘waste’ setting to prevent the water and sand from entering the filter and getting stuck to it.
When vacuuming the pool, you’re likely to remove plenty of pool water.
So, before you begin vacuuming, you must overfill the pool and, depending on the amount of sand in the pool, you may have to add more water to the pool after you complete the cleaning process.
Automatic Pool Cleaners
These help to make the process of removing sand and other fine debris from the pool much easier. There are different types of automatic pool cleaners available. Some work like vacuum cleaners and work by removing the sand and debris and deposit it into the pool filter.
Other pool cleaners are self-contained and filter the freshwater into the pool again. Most of the modern automatic pool cleaners are robotic, self-contained models; however, they require a power source. Some models can also be controlled using a remote control.
The Bottom Line
So, as we have discussed, there are many reasons as to how sand can get into your pool. However, the important thing is that you must remove the sand as quickly as possible so that you can enjoy your swim in the pool without getting sand on your feet or your pool looking muddy and dirty.
