Removing sand from your pool can be frustrating, especially when, no matter how hard you try, it keeps coming back. it’s essential to understand the underlying causes first. Only that will help you keep your pool sand-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to get sand out of your pool.
What’s The Best Way to Get Sand Out of A Pool?
Using a vacuum is often the most effective method. It allows for thorough cleaning, quickly sucking up sand and debris from the bottom. If you don’t have a vacuum, There are alternative techniques you can use to get the job done.
How to Remove Sand from Your Pool With Vacuum?
Getting sand out of your pool can be done both with and without a vacuum, but using one definitely makes the job easier, especially for in-ground pools.
1. Overfill your pool
You’ll lose a lot of water when vacuuming your pool so make sure you overfill the pool. It’s important to work quickly during this process but not so quickly you miss or kick up sand that will then take time to re-settle again at the bottom of your pool.
2. Brush Your Pool
Before you do any vacuuming, brush everything! Walls, floor, steps etc. You want to dislodge and get all that sand into one spot at the bottom of your pool. So pay close attention to tricky areas like corners or steps. Sweeping the sand into one area is going to make vacuuming much easier.
3. Set cartridge or sand filter valve to waste
This will bypass your filter, saving it the load of having to refilter all that water and sand at once. You will lose a lot of water though (which is why we recommend overfilling the pool first).
4. Connect the vacuum to the skimmer or vacuum line
5. Vacuum the sand
Vacuum the sand up slowly. Don’t be tempted to rush here to save the water from filtering out of your pool. Moving too fast will kick the sand back up, and mean you have to start again so be slow and thorough to get all the sand out.
6. Set the valve back to the filter
Now you’ve got all the sand out set your valve back to filter for normal maintenance.
7. Test the water
You may need to re-fill your pool some more, depending on how long it took to get all the sand out. Regardless though, be sure to test the water and balance it again.
How to Remove Sand from Your Pool Without a Vacuum?
Removing sand from your pool without a vacuum requires elbow grease and the right tools. Here we have listed various methods to clean your pool effectively.
Method 1: Using a Pool Skimmer Sock or Fine Mesh Net
Attach a fine mesh net or pool skimmer sock to your skimmer basket.
Scoop up sand and debris from the bottom of the pool using the skimmer.
Rinse the skimmer regularly to prevent clogging.
Method 2: Leveraging Your Pool’s Filtration System
Turn off the pump.
Use the filter to remove debris and sand from the pool.
Run the filter for several hours to ensure all debris is removed.
Method 3: Using an Automatic Pool Cleaner
Choose an automatic pool cleaner suitable for your pool size and type.
Program the cleaner to run at regular intervals.
Regularly inspect and maintain the cleaner to ensure optimal performance.
Method 4: Using a broomstick and a garden hose
Brush your pool to dislodge all the sand like you would before using a vacuum
Tape the end of your garden hose to your broomstick (stick only, you won’t need the broom head for this) or telescopic pole.
Place the end of your hose with the broomstick in your pool and make sure it’s submerged. Then, turn the water on.
Let the water run for a minute to make sure it reaches the pool
Leaving the water on, disconnect the end attached to the tap.
Turn off the tap
You’ve now got a syphon that is removing water from your pool. Aim the broomstick end at the sand and slowly “vacuum” it up.
Method 5: Using a pool brush and dustpan
Using the pool brush, brush your pool to dislodge all the sand like you would before using a vacuum.
Brush all the sand into a pile.
Use a regular dustpan to collect the sand either by attaching it to a large pole or, by dicing to the bottom and securing it. Be careful not to kick up sand and do as many dives as needed. Don’t try to do it all at once.
What Causes Sand To Be In A Pool?
Without understanding what’s causing sand to enter and accumulate in your pool, finding a solution that gets the sand out and also keeps it from coming back isn’t possible.
So, let’s discuss what could be the reason(s) behind your sand troubles.
Debris Blockage in the Pump
When leaves, branches, or other debris enter the pump, they can block the impeller. This blockage disrupts water flow, creating turbulence that pulls sand into the pump. A clogged impeller can also reduce water circulation efficiency, causing stagnant areas in the pool where sand may settle.
Cracks in Sand Filter Components
Sand filters use laterals—small pipes at the bottom of the filter—to allow water out while keeping sand inside. If these laterals crack or break, sand can escape into the pool. Similarly, a damaged central pipe or standpipe can cause sand to leak into the water during filtration.
Pump Failure to Properly Filter Sand
If your pump motor is malfunctioning or if seals or gaskets are worn out, the pump may not generate enough suction to pull water through the filter. This allows sand to bypass the filtration system and settle in the pool.
Poor Maintenance of the Filtration System
Typically after 3-5 years of use, sand in the filter is worn out, so it becomes smooth and less effective at trapping impurities. This leads to “channelling,” where water flows around the sand instead of through it, allowing sand and debris to re-enter the pool.
Also, hard water minerals can cause sand clumping, reducing filtration efficiency. These clumps may break apart, letting sand pass into the pool.
Regular Maintenance Tips to Prevent Sand Buildup in Your Pool
This will be an ongoing effort if you don’t take the necessary steps to prevent sand from coming back into your pool and building up in the pump. So here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts that will save you from going through this hassle repeatedly.
Do:
- Use a fine mesh filter bag in the skimmer basket to catch sand before it enters the filtration system.
- Regularly skim the surface and brush the pool walls to keep sand from settling.
- Backwash your sand filter regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it functioning efficiently.
- Cover the pool when not in use to keep sand and debris out.
- Clean the area around the pool often to prevent sand from being tracked in.
Don’t:
- Neglect filter maintenance or sand could escape into the pool.
- Adding too much sand during filter maintenance can lead to sand being pushed back into the pool. The filter tank should typically be filled to about two-thirds capacity.
- Ignore proper chemical balance; algae growth and debris accumulation can complicate filtration.
- Use inadequate pumps or filters, as they won’t effectively remove sand.
- Allow debris to accumulate, as decaying leaves can contribute to sand-like particles.
- Vacuum without setting the multiport valve correctly or sand may get recirculated.
Key Takeaways
Debris blockage, cracks in filter components, pump inefficiency, and poor maintenance of the filtration system can lead to sand accumulation in your pool and pool pump.
The most effective way to remove sand is by using a vacuum, which provides thorough cleaning. However, alternative methods can also work well, especially for those without a vacuum or with an above-ground, portable pool.
The key to preventing sand from coming back soon is regular maintenance of the filtration systems by utilizing fine mesh filter bags, skimming the pool regularly, and ensuring proper chemical balance.