Florida - Sand in Cartridge Filter

[Pool Papa FL]

Good morning!
I bought a house with a pool about a year ago and its been great. Recently I noticed the return jet closest to the pump is bubbling. I cleaned the filter and noticed a real fine sand. It has been getting worse and now I think the pool has a leak.
I did jump in the pool and squirted dye around everywhere I could think of and nothing seemed to be sucking the dye.
The amount of sand in the filter really went up this week, I've attached 2 photos. We're pretty scared, where is the pump picking up sand?
I

 

[reggiehammond]

How do you chlorinate? What chemicals do you add to the pool?

 

[Newdude]

What kind of patio do you have ? It looks real fine like paver sand being washed in the pool from runoff.

 

[Pool Papa FL]

How do you chlorinate? What chemicals do you add to the pool?

I use HTH shock and tablets. I also add arm & hammer tablets about once a month.
The pool has been pretty regular as far as the test strips go, maybe a little too chlorinated? I do try and shock after a heavy rain and use HTH Pool Care Algae Guard Advanced.

 

[Pool Papa FL]

What kind of patio do you have ? It looks real fine like paver sand being washed in the pool from runoff.

I think you are right it. It is a real fine sand. I have a pool deck with a cage. I did build some free standing shade posts, basically 4x4's in a big planter filled with concrete but I had some help.
It is possible my Father-in-law accidently dumped some sand and some of it got in the pool.
I just never imagined it would have been this amount!

 

[JamesW]

It might be plaster aggregate.

 

[reggiehammond]

I use HTH shock and tablets. I also add arm & hammer tablets about once a month.
The pool has been pretty regular as far as the test strips go, maybe a little too chlorinated? I do try and shock after a heavy rain and use HTH Pool Care Algae Guard Advanced.

You might consider reviewing Pool Care Basics. Tabs, shock, and test strips are not a sustainable way to care for a pool.
Poor pool chemistry can cause damage to your pool surfaces and equipment, which could be a source of the mystery material.

 

[JamesW]

What plaster do you have?

Put a drop of acid on some of the sand to see if it bubbles.

If it bubbles, then it might be marble aggregate.