How to Get Sand Out of Pool?

As the summer season sets in, you’ll probably begin to use your swimming pool more often. However, you might notice an accumulation of sand at the bottom of the pool. Although a small amount of sand in a pool is normal, if it exceeds a certain limit, it can cause damage to your pool equipment and even make the water cloudy. Discover how to get sand out of pool. Fortunately, it is possible to remove sand from a pool with the right tools and techniques. It may require a bit of effort, but with careful execution, you can keep your pool in top condition throughout the swimming season.

Why Sand is a Problem in Pools

Sand ends up in pools in a few ways:

• Wind blows sand into the pool from the surrounding environment. Even pools far from a beach can get sandy from windy conditions whipping up dirt and dust.
• Swimmers track sand into the pool on their feet and swimsuits. Sand rinsed off in the shower can make its way into the pool later.
• Sand filters used in pool filtration systems can leak sand into the water over time. A damaged sand filter is usually the culprit when there’s a rapid buildup of sand in a previously clean pool.

Too much sand causes a few headaches for pool owners:

• Sand makes water cloudy and irritable to swim in. It scratches skin and gets trapped in bathing suits.
• As sand settles at the bottom, it provides a breeding ground for algae and bacteria.
• Sand can damage pool pumps, filters, and other equipment over time as it circulates through the system.
• A sand-filled pool is difficult to clean thoroughly with normal maintenance. The abrasive sand wears out pool brushes quickly.

To keep water clean and equipment running smoothly, it’s important to remove excess sand regularly.

How to Remove Sand from a Pool

Getting all the sand out of a pool requires a thorough approach and the right tools. Here are the main methods for removing sand from a pool:

Vacuum the Pool

Vacuuming is the first line of defense against pool sand. Regular vacuuming prevents light dustings of sand from accumulating. For pools with significant sand buildup, vacuuming thoroughly is the necessary first step before using other removal methods.

There are a few tips for effective vacuum cleaning of sand:

• Use the right type of vacuum head – Brushes don’t work well for sandy pools. Choose a vacuum head designed for sand and silt removal instead. Weights on the head help it settle into the sand.
• Vacuum slowly and methodically – Going too fast will stir up the sand rather than remove it. Work in small sections until you’ve covered the entire pool bottom.
• Empty the filter frequently – Sand will quickly clog up filter media. Backwash and clean out the filter regularly while vacuuming to maintain suction.
• Supplement with brushing – Using a stiff nylon brush before and after vacuuming helps loosen packed sand. Brush walls, steps, and floor areas around pool fixtures.
• Vacuum to waste – Route the vacuum discharge to waste rather than back through the filter for quicker sand removal.

Regular vacuuming prevents minor sand accumulation. But tackling a heavily sandy pool bottom requires taking additional steps.

Use a Flocculant

Flocculants, or clarifiers, cause tiny suspended particles in pool water to bind together into larger clumps that are easy to vacuum or filter out. Adding flocculant is key for clearing cloudy water and getting sand to settle out.

There are a few options for flocculant products to use:

• Pool clarifier – This is a formulated product designed for pool water clarification. Pool clarifier makes particles clump together and drop to the bottom.
• Alum – Aluminum sulfate is an effective DIY flocculant for pools. It causes particles to coagulate and makes vacuuming easier.
• Plaster of Paris – Also known as calcium sulfate, plaster of Paris works similarly to alum but is safer for vinyl liner pools. Add 1 cup per 10,000 gallons of water.

To use a flocculant:

1. Clean out the pool filter.
2. Add the correct dose of flocculant and circulate the water for even distribution.
3. Let the water sit for 24 hours without running the pump or pool equipment. This allows the flocculant time to grab all the particles and settle to the bottom with the sand.
4. Turn the pump back on and vacuum all of the newly-clumped sand and silt from the pool.

Adding a flocculant causes virtually all of the sand to fall out of suspension so it can be removed. But you’ll likely need to repeat the process several times to clear all the sand from a very dirty pool.

Drain and Dry the Pool

For extremely sandy pools, draining and drying out the pool may be needed to fully clear all the sand. Here’s how to tackle this intensive cleaning method:

1. Drain the pool down as far as possible using the main drain outlet. If needed, use a submersible pump to drain the pool the rest of the way.
2. Use a shop vac to vacuum up all standing water and removable sand left behind after draining. Clean pool walls and fixtures with a brush.
3. Allow the fully drained pool to dry out completely in the sun for several days. The sun helps sanitize and bleach the empty pool.
4. Shovel out damp sand deposits stuck to the pool floor. A flat shovel works better than a rounded scoop.
5. Use a stiff brush or broom to scrub the entire pool bottom and sides to loosen the remaining sand and silt. Sweep all the sand out.
6. If needed, spray down the empty pool with a hose and repeat the scrubbing process until all visible sand is gone.
7. Once fully dry, refill the pool and turn equipment back on. Vacuum again if any residual sand appears after refilling.

Draining and drying a pool is time consuming but extremely effective for removing heavy sand accumulations. In arid climates, drying usually takes 1-2 weeks. The pool may need to stay drained for longer in humid environments.

Use a Sand Blasting Service

For pools still showing sand deposits after vacuuming and drying, sandblasting by a pool service professional may be needed. This is the most thorough method of removing stubborn sand or dirt stains.

Sandblasting uses pressurized air and abrasive material to scour surfaces clean. Silicon carbide is a common blasting media used on concrete or plaster pools. On vinyl liner pools, soda blasting with sodium bicarbonate pellets is gentler.

The process involves:

• Draining and drying out the pool.
• Masking or removing any fixtures not being blasted.
• Sandblasting walls and floor in sections using a specialized wand.
• Vacuuming up debris and rinsing surfaces.
• Acid washing the pool to remove residue.

Proper sandblasting cleans pool surfaces down to the bare substrate. It should only be done occasionally for extremely dirty pools. The abrasion can damage surfaces with repeated use.

Tips for Keeping Sand Out of Your Pool

Preventing excessive sand is better than having to remove large amounts. Here are some tips for keeping sand under control in your pool:

• Install a pool cover when not in use. A fitted cover blocks leaves, dirt, and other debris from getting in.
• Use small mesh skimmer baskets to catch more sand particles. Check them frequently.
• Change out old, leaking sand filters. Keep an eye out for tears in the filter housing.
• Encourage swimmers to shower before getting in the pool to rinse off sand and sunscreen.
• Provide a pot with water for rinsing sandy feet near the pool ladder.
• Vacuum pool weekly and inspect main drains for sand buildup.
• Add a flocculant monthly during pool season to precipitate traces of sand and silt.
• Brush walls, steps, and floor areas around plumbing fixtures regularly. These areas tend to collect sand.
• Drain and dry an overly sandy pool at least once a year to fully clear out the bottom.
• Consider plaster or pebble finishing on concrete pools to help hide sand between resurfacings.

Staying vigilant prevents sand from getting out of hand. But even well-maintained floor can end up with sand on the bottom periodically. By using the right sand removal methods, you can keep your pool sparkling all season long.

Conclusion

Sand in a swimming pool is a nuisance, but tackling it with the right method keeps water crystal clear. Maintain your pool’s filter system well, vacuum often, and use flocculants periodically to stay ahead of sand accumulation. For pools with entrenched sand at the bottom that vacuuming cannot fix, draining and drying the pool while using clarifiers is imperative. With the right combination of diligent vacuuming habits and shock treatments for heavy sand, your summer swim spot will stay sand-free and sparkling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I vacuum my pool to control sand?

• Vacuum your pool at least once a week to stay on top of any new sand and sediment falling into the water. More frequent vacuuming, such as 2-3 times per week, is better for pools prone to higher sand accumulation.

What’s the best vacuum head for sand removal?

• Weighted sand and silt vacuum heads work better than standard bristle brush heads. The added weight helps sink the vacuum lower into the sand, and a flat lip pulls in sand better than bristles.

Why does my pool have so much sand even after vacuuming?

• High sand levels after frequent vacuuming usually indicate an underlying issue that needs correction. A damaged sand filter or main drain leak could be dumping large amounts of sand into the water. Inspect all pool equipment for malfunctions.

Should I add a clarifier every time I vacuum my pool?

• Only add flocculant clarifier when vacuuming a pool with high sand or cloudy water. Using it weekly is usually overkill and could lead to cloudier water over time. Monthly clarifier doses are sufficient for maintenance.

How long does it take plaster of Paris to settle sand out of a pool?

• Plaster of Paris works within 24 hours but is most effective after 48-72 hours. Turn off the pump and allow the water to sit undisturbed for 2-3 days to give the plaster time to grab all fine particles.

Is it safe to vacuum my pool to waste frequently?

• Vacuuming directly to waste bypasses the filter, so limit this to periodic deep cleans. The filter is important for catching contaminants, so repeatedly wasting water prevents adequate filtration.

Can I acid wash my vinyl liner pool to remove sand?

• Only concrete or plaster pools should be acid washed. The acids used will damage vinyl liners. On vinyl pools, stick to draining, drying and sodium bicarbonate blasting to avoid deterioration.

How do I vacuum a pool with two main drains?

• Plug one of the main drains with a stopper. Attach the vacuum hose to the skimmer or dedicated vacuum port for the other open drain. This focuses suction through one drain for better efficiency.

Why does sand harm my pool equipment?

• The abrasive nature of sand slowly erodes pool components like pumps and filter laterals when circulated frequently. Sand particles in water can also clog small orifices and prevent valves from sealing properly over time.