Filter sand entering pool

3FootPool

Well-known member
May 29, 2011
48
Boston, MA
Pool Size
18000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
I have a sand filter with sand that I replaced last season. Not sure if something cracked inside while replacing the sand but there is sand settled all over the pool floor but mostly in the center. Please see picture attached. Pools been open for about a month.
 

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You’ll need to disassemble the filter, remove the sand in inspect the laterals for damage, proper seating etc. If you have a multiport valve, you should inspect the spider gasket for damage. I would start with the MPV and proceed from there if it’s intact.
 
You’ll need to disassemble the filter, remove the sand in inspect the laterals for damage, proper seating etc. If you have a multiport valve, you should inspect the spider gasket for damage. I would start with the MPV and proceed from there if it’s intact.
Is it possible to inspect the laterals without removing the sand? I would like to try the path of least resistance before taking it apart. If we do need to remove sand, would you recommend just doing this towards the end of season instead?
 
Not possible - you'll have to take out the sand. If they are cracked/broken, you'll get more sand in the pool, and your filtration will be compromised. So a project for much sooner than later.

Are you SURE it is sand?
Sand is very heavy compared to water, so it settles out fast. From the picture, it looks like you have lots of little clumps of algae (maybe dead) in many places in the pool.
What happens when you brush? Does a lot of it "poof" up in a cloud? Sand will stay on the bottom, and you end up just pushing it around. "Poofing" means algae.
Best would be to actually retrieve a sample by getting in and gathering some up. Then you can tell directly.
 
Not possible - you'll have to take out the sand. If they are cracked/broken, you'll get more sand in the pool, and your filtration will be compromised. So a project for much sooner than later.

Are you SURE it is sand?
Sand is very heavy compared to water, so it settles out fast. From the picture, it looks like you have lots of little clumps of algae (maybe dead) in many places in the pool.
What happens when you brush? Does a lot of it "poof" up in a cloud? Sand will stay on the bottom, and you end up just pushing it around. "Poofing" means algae.
Best would be to actually retrieve a sample by getting in and gathering some up. Then you can tell directly.
Actually most of it is algae around the pool but some of it is actually sand. Theres enough sand to suggest there might be an issue. However, how much sand in the pool is okay? Is it okay to have some? How much sand in the pool does it become really an issue?
 
Actually most of it is algae around the pool but some of it is actually sand. Theres enough sand to suggest there might be an issue. However, how much sand in the pool is okay? Is it okay to have some? How much sand in the pool does it become really an issue?
Kill the algae first, then see how much sand is actually returning to the pool. Sand suggests broken laterals or bad seating of the laterals/standpipe. The amount indicates the potential severity of the issue. Please update your signature with all your pool info including equipment details.
 
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