How to Get Sand Out of Your Pool: The Ultimate Guide

LayorCare Blogger • Dec 11, 2019

There are certain things to know and do when it comes to removing sand from a pool. Check out this guide here on how to get sand out of pool.

how to get sand out of your pool
Relaxing in your own, personal pool can be a rejuvenating and peaceful experience... unless you're stepping in gritty sand the whole time. 

How did all that sand even get there? Don't worry, learning how to get sand out of your pool isn't hard. We've put together this guide to walk you through the process. 

So let's get started!

Why Is There Sand in My Pool?

There are a few different ways sand can get in the bottom of your pool, and it might not be how you think. 

Here's what you need to know. 

It Fell In 

The most likely cause of sand at the bottom of your pool is that it simply fell in the water. 

This can happen even if you don't have sand around your pool. Wind can pick up sand particles and carry it long distances. So the wind may have dropped some sand in your pool on the way through the neighborhood. 

But if you have a lot of sand at the bottom of your pool, this might not be what's happening. 

There's Something Wrong with Your Sand Filter 

Sand filters remove things like sand and other debris from your pool water. However, if your sand filter gets a crack or stops working properly, it can dump all that sand back into your pool. 

Did a lot of sand show up in your pool in a short amount of time?

You may want to check your sand filter. If the filter is damaged, you'll want to replace it or repair it before you start the cleaning process. 

You might be able to fix this problem by yourself if you know what you're doing. But if you don't have a lot of experience with pool filters, it's a better idea to call a professional. 

It's Not Actually Sand 

The "sand" at the bottom of your pool may not be sand at all. It could be yellow pool algae. 

So how do you tell the difference?

If you don't have a sand filter, there's a good chance you're dealing with yellow pool algae (or mustard algae). Remember, although the wind can drop sand in your pool, it won't drop very much at one time.  

You can also try brushing up some of the "sand." If it forms a thick cloud in your pool water, it's mustard algae. 

You'll have to deep clean your pool, all your pool equipment, pool toys, bathing suits, and anything else that goes in the pool to get rid of this algae. You should also talk to a pool professional about other cleaning tips to make your water safe again. 

How to Get Sand out of Your Pool 

Getting sand back out of your pool isn't hard, but it is a process. It's a little more involved than pulling out the pool vacuum. 

Here's what you should do first. 

Get Your Vacuum Ready 

Although you can't just turn on your vacuum and start sucking, you will need your vacuum for this job. 

However, make sure you switch the multiport valve to the waste setting. If you vacuum with the value on the filter setting, all the sand will get stuck inside your vacuum cleaning and damage the filter. 

When you turn on the waste setting, the pool water (and sand) won't enter the filter. But be prepared to lose a lot of water from your pool. Since the water doesn't go through the filter, it won't cycle back into the pool. 

You'll be sucking out a lot of pool water very quickly. 

Overfill Your Pool 

Because the vacuum will remove so much pool water, you should overfill your pool before you get started. Depending on how much sand is at the bottom of the pool, you may also need to top the pool off with even more water when you finishing the cleaning process. 

Brush It All to One Place 

You'll want to act fast when you start vacuuming, so before you pull out the vacuum, take your pool brush and sweep all the sand into one spot. It's also a good idea to brush down the walls of the pool to dislodge any sand that might be stuck to the sides. 

Spend extra time in the corners of the pool. If you aren't careful, sand and debris can get stuck in the corner. 

So take your time. The longer you spend sweeping and brushing the sand into one clump, the less vacuuming you'll have to do. 

Vacuum It Up

Now that all the sand is in one place, turn on your vacuum and move as fast as you can. 

But don't let yourself focus so much on the speed that you get stressed or do the job poorly. Remember, you've already overfilled your pool. And if you lose more water than you expect, you can always fill it back up again when you're done. 

Safety should be your top priority. 

Don't rush through the process so much you trip, fall, or hurt yourself. The sand at the bottom of your pool isn't worth an injury. 

Get rid of All That Pesky Sand

Learning how to get sand out of your pool isn't hard, but it does take some preparation and some work. Once you have all the sand cleaned out, do your best to make sure it doesn't happen again. 

It might be worth investing in a new filter or a new pool cover. 

Want to learn more about pool maintenance?

Make sure you click here to learn a few pool maintenance mistakes you should do your best to avoid. 
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