Finding sand in your pool can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to keep your water clear and sparkling. While it’s not uncommon for small particles to make their way into the pool, sand can be particularly annoying. It doesn’t dissolve, and it can accumulate at the bottom of your pool, creating an unsightly mess. But how do you know if it is coming from your pool filter or another source? And what should you do? Let’s break it down and explore the possible causes and solutions.

Why Is There Sand in My Pool?

There are several reasons why sand might appear in your pool. Often the most common issue is with your pool’s filtration system. When everything functions properly, your pool filter captures and traps debris, keeping your pool water clean. However, if there’s a malfunction or issue with your filter, it can cause fine debris to enter the pool. Here’s what to look for.

Step 1: Inspect the Pool Filter

The first place to check when you notice sand in your pool is your pool filter. Filters commonly use sand as a medium to catch debris. Any issues with the filter may result in it escaping into your pool.

Common causes of sand in the pool from the filter:

1. Damaged or Broken Lateral: Lateral pipes inside the filter are responsible for directing water through the bed. Cracked or broken laterals allow sand to escape and enter your pool. This is one of the most common causes of sand leakage.
2. Faulty Multiport Valve: If your pool filter has a multiport valve, it directs water to different areas like backwash, rinse, and filter. A malfunctioning valve, such as a broken gasket or damaged spider gasket, can lead to sand leaking back into the pool during filtration cycles.
3. Overfilled Filter: Overfilling the filter tank causes issues with the filtration process, leading to sand bypassing the filter and entering the pool.
4. Improper Backwashing: Backwashing is the process of cleaning the filter by reversing the flow of water. Improper or frequent backwashing dislodges sand and pushes it back into the pool.
5. Old or Worn-Out Sand: Pool filter medium can break down over time, especially if it’s old or hasn’t been changed in years. Fine particles can leak through the filter and appear as sand in your pool.

Step 2: Determine If the Sand Is Coming from the Filter

Once you’ve identified the potential cause, you’ll want to verify if the sand is, indeed, coming from your pool filter. Here’s how to tell:

1. Location of the Sand: Pay attention to where it is accumulating in the pool. If it is consistently found in the same areas, particularly near the return jets or in the deep end, it’s more likely to be coming from the filter. Particles escaping from the filter will typically be distributed around the pool based on the direction of water flow.
2. Visual Inspection of the Filter: After turning off your pool pump, remove the filter’s lid and inspect the inside for any visible cracks, holes, or other damage. If you see any obvious issues, this is likely where it is escaping from.

Step 3: Addressing the Issue

If you’ve determined that the sand is coming from your filter, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem:

1. Repair or Replace the Laterals: If broken or cracked laterals are the culprit, you’ll need to replace them. This is typically a DIY job if you’re comfortable working with your filter. If not, a professional pool technician can handle the replacement for you.
2. Fix the Multiport Valve: If the issue is with the multiport valve, you may need to replace the valve or gasket. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call a pool professional to inspect and fix the valve.
3. Check the Sand Level: If the level in the filter is too high, you’ll need to remove some to restore the correct level. Typically, it should be about 2/3 of the way up the filter. If it is worn out and degraded, it’s time to replace it.
4. Perform Proper Backwashing: Make sure that you’re backwashing your filter only when necessary, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Backwashing too often or incorrectly can dislodge sand and push it into the pool.
5. Replace Old or Degraded Sand: Pool filter sand typically needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. If yours is old, you may want to drain the filter, remove the old sand, and replace it with fresh to prevent it from breaking down and leaking into the pool.

Step 4: Cleaning the Sand from the Pool

If you’ve already noticed sand in your pool, you’ll want to clean it up to prevent further buildup:

1. Vacuum the Pool: Use a pool vacuum with a manual vacuum head to suck up the debris from the pool floor. Make sure to move slowly and carefully to pick up everything without stirring it up too much.
2. Use a Pool Skimmer: If the sand is still floating on the surface, you can use a pool skimmer to remove it. This won’t work for anything that’s settled on the bottom, but it can help clear the surface quickly.
3. Filter the Water: Run the pool filter for a few hours after cleaning up the visible sand to catch any fine particles that may remain in the water.

Step 5: Preventing Future Sand Issues

Once the problem has been resolved, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again:

• Regularly check the condition of your pool filter and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and backwashing following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Periodically test and change your pool filter sand as needed.
• Ensure your pool’s water chemistry is balanced to avoid any damage to the filter or other components.

Conclusion

Finding sand in your pool can be a sign of an issue with your pool filter, but it’s not always immediately clear where it’s coming from. By carefully inspecting the filter and pool equipment, you can determine the source and take the necessary steps to repair and prevent further sand buildup. Once you’ve addressed the root cause, cleaning it from the pool is a straightforward process, and your pool will be back to sparkling in no time!

If you’re unsure how to troubleshoot or repair the filter yourself, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pool technician to ensure everything is in proper working order.

Have questions about your pool equipment? Our team is more than happy to help!