One of our most popular posts still more than ten years later is pool owners like yourself asking Why is there Sand in my Pool? Finding sand in your pool can be alarming but have no fear, our pool experts broke down the common causes for why sand could be making it’s way into your pool and easy ways you can fix the issue. While the information in the article is still solid to this day, we thought we’d highlight a few helpful questions (and answers!) that we receive in response to this all too common problem.
Question: Besides being a bit annoying, if the pool is vacuumed regularly to get rid of the sand, can it cause any other issues in the system?
Answer: The sand itself is not harmful to the equipment but it is a sign that something within the system is not right.
Question: Is it normal to see fine sand in the pool for a few days after a filter change? If normal, how long does it typically take for the fines to get pushed through? The volume seems to be tapering off.
Answer: There is usually some sand that finds its ways into the pool after filling your filter. But there shouldn’t be enough where there are noticeable deposits forming days after. I suggest using a clarifier so your filter can snag the fine particles, then do a thorough backwash and rinse. If the issue persists, you may have a loose or cracked lateral.
Question: I have sand in the bottom of my pool, we have installed new laterals. Could the sand be coming from the PCV lines that surround my pool and move water from filter to jets?
Answer: It could, but it is unlikely. Usually, the water will go out of a hole like that, not let dirt in. Also you would see a drop in pressure from whichever jet the dirt is coming from.
Question: I replaced my import valve this summer. I think I have everything piped the right way. But when I vaccum the pool it throws the debris back into the pool. It’s like the dirt is not going into the filter. I have my import valve set on filter. Somebody please help me.
Answer: How old is your sand? Old or clumpy can cause channeling, which allows dirt to slip through the sand, and then back to your pool. Or you have broken laterals or any other of the things mentioned to check in the article.
Question: I used a filter cleaner in my filter about two weeks ago. Ever since I have sand on the bottom of my pool. I can vacuum it out and it is back in three to four hours. Did the filter cleaner I used mess something up? Didnt have this problem before the cleaner
Answer: The first two things I would do: check sand for channeling, and use some clarifier. Remove the valve or tank lid to check if the sand has begun to channel or open up fissures. This is common with old sand. The clarifier will clump the sand into larger clusters making it easier for the cartridge to catch it.
Question: I back flushed my pool but I didn’t know I had to rinse it and I didn’t. Could I have caused any damage?
Answer: You probably didn’t cause any damage but your pool may be a little silty and sandy. You can vacuum whatever debris made its way into your pool. Just remember to rinse after you backwash next time.
Question: We have had sand in our pool for 2 years that comes from the return jet. We have a brand new Haywood filter, backwashed repeatedly for 30+ minutes and rinsed, replaced the laterals, and are going crazy. We have had two pool guys and everybody just wants to replace what has been replaced. Any thoughts?
Answer: Besides the laterals, there is also the standpipe and lateral hub that can have hairline cracks. If those have been replaced or thoroughly checked, check the multiport valve for a jiggly handle (bad diverter spring) or damaged spider gasket. Could also add some DE to the filter. Your sand could have channeling which allows the fine material to bypass sand to get sent back to the pool. DE can trap finer particles which hopefully should solve the problem.
BONUS QUESTION: Sand or dead algea?
Mustard algae, a form of green algae, is a chlorine resistant algae that can often look like dirt or sand on the bottom of your pool. If you don’t have a sand filter and are finding “sand” at the bottom of your pool, there’s a chance it may not be sand at all but rather algae. Try moving it with your pool brush; sand will allow itself to be pushed around from place to place before you vacuum it. If it disperses into a cloud almost seeming to disappear before finally settling back down, it may be algae!
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