You’ve got your bathing suit on, refreshments ready, and a great soundtrack. As you step into the pool, you notice a strange texture that shouldn’t be there. Sand? Dirt? Mustard algae? How the heck did these things, get there?

It’s strange, but it happens. As a pool owner, you’ll need to hire a great pool cleaner or learn how to get sand out of your pool yourself.

Continue reading as we tackle this pool care issue.

Why Is There Sand in the Bottom of My Pool?

There are a few reasons that you might find sand in your swimming pool. The most probable reason is that your sand filter is broken.

Sand filters are used to rid your pool of contaminants and dirt. If it doesn’t seem to be working, you probably have a crack in the filter, are using the wrong type of sand, or are using too much sand.

But what if you don’t have a sand filter?

Another common way that sand gets in the bottom of your pool is thanks to good old mother nature. As the wind blows through the trees, small particles of sand are transported to exotic destinations all over the world, including your pool.

Finally, if you live near the beach and jump in your pool before rinsing off after a day at the beach over time, this could also cause sand at the bottom of the pool.

If you are convinced that the sand is not from your sand filter and you don’t live anywhere near a beach, it is also possible that it is yellow pool algae.

These two contaminants look very similar at first glance. However, when you brush the algae, a cloud will form and will take longer to settle than sand particles.

Reasons That Your Pool Filter Isn’t Functioning Properly

In most cases, an obstruction is to blame. It could be caused by hair, small toys, or rocks. Otherwise, unbalanced pressure, pool water levels, or cracked gaskets are also common.

If your sand filter is not functioning properly, it is usually due to a broken standpipe, diffuser, or lateral. These pieces can crack if the filter is dropped, knocked around, or just old. You might also be using the wrong type or amount of sand, as I mentioned before.

Luckily, most of these issues and broken parts can be seen with the naked eye. Then, you have the option to replace the part or the entire filter, if necessary.

Does Sand Damage a Pool Pump?

Possibly. But if you are cautious and make sure that you switch the pump from the filtration setting to the waste setting when actively removing the sand from your pool, it will not be damaged.

When learning how to get sand out of a pool, you should also be sure to add extra water to your pool before using the vacuum/waste settings. Use the pump slowly and carefully to avoid sucking out too much water or losing control.

How To Get Sand Out of My Pool Without a Vacuum?

Most pool pumps can be converted to a vacuum setting. However, if that isn’t possible, you’re going to have to do some grunt work. Learning how to get sand out of your pool without a vacuum is simple but requires a lot of patience.

Use your pool brush to move all of the sand into one area. Let the water and sand settle for about twenty minutes. Then get into the water with a small brush and dustpan and make as many trips as necessary to carefully move the sand.

How Do You Get Dirt Out of the Bottom of a Pool?

Similar to sand, a pool vacuum is your best bet here. Brush down the walls and floor and create a pile for the best and most efficient results. This will save you time and frustration.

In general, you can avoid getting dirt in your pool by enforcing a ‘shower before you enter’ rule. You could also invest in a pool cover to keep debris out.

Additionally, run your pool pump every day and make sure to check the filter often to ensure it is clean and free of obstructions.

Why Is It Important to Keep Your Pool Clean?

Besides general comfort, health, and aesthetics, cleaning your pool regularly will also save you money in the long run. If you do not clean it frequently, the dirt will build-up, and the chlorine in your pool will work extra hard to sanitize the dirt.

In turn, you’ll need to add chlorine to your pool more often, which can become expensive.

Conclusion

With these great hacks, you now know how to get sand out of a pool. Spotting sand, dirt, and algae in your pool is a major sign that your pool or sand filter might be broken, especially if you do not live near the ocean.

Of course, hiring a pool maintenance company is the easiest option and the most expensive.

If you’re determined to be your own pool boy, you’ll need to know these facts.