Sand at the bottom :(

[FinsToTheLeft]

Hello everyone! We set up our AG pool last July. Everything has gone well with it over the winter, and the water has been clear! I noticed that there was something collecting at the bottom (I assumed it was pollen) around a month ago. But now I'm 99% sure it's sand. I keep running the vacuum, and it looks like it's getting it all, but then it settles down to the bottom again. Could this just be from dirt blowing around in the air and settling in my pool? Or is this likely a malfunction of my sand filter? Other than at set up, I have not backwashed it. at all. I guess question #2 is how often should I be backwashing it?

I appreciate the help! Love this site. I also set up an inflatable hot tub on my back porch and we're loving it!

 

[mknauss]

That many times is shown to be dead algae. You have not posted any test results in your Poolmath log for a number of months.

Can you post a fresh set of test results? I suggest you run a Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

 

[wireform]

Fins,
Sand doesn't get air borne. Once the cleaner gets it you wouldn't see it again. As Marty said it's most likely dead algae. Your numbers are key here.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

I’ll take dead algae over a malfunctioning filter any day ?. Yes, I just tested everything two days ago, but I’ll do an OCLT and report back tomorrow.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

Ok, OCLT test showed loss of 1ppm. Thoughts?

 

[wireform]

Find, How about fresh test with all the numbers. Need the CC too.

 

[scout123]

I had sand last year. It wasn't a huge amount so I just vacuumed it everyday to get up what the pump had pushed out into the pool that day. I replaced all my laterals this winter with the hope of that being the issue. Set my new pool up and got everything hooked up and running and I still have sand. It's frustrating. I think I'd rather mine have been dead algae too! I know how to fix that LOL Good luck with everything.

 

[wireform]

Well maybe still some in the lines making its way to the pool.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

Find, How about fresh test with all the numbers. Need the CC too.

I just tested everything last night ?

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

Is anyone else able to offer their thoughts on this? I appreciate it.

 

[mrbookmanlibrarycop]

I just tested everything last night ?

Can you share the test results here? It will make it easier for people to give their thoughts/advice on next steps

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

I’m so sorry! I thought they were linked to my profile from the app! No wonder... thank you.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

Hopefully I did it right. I just took a screenshot and attached it. If I should be doing something differently, please educate me!

 

[mknauss]

See FC/CYA Levels. Stay in the Target Range.

I suggest you take your FC to SLAM level for a couple days and see if the 'sand' clears up.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

See FC/CYA Levels. Stay in the Target Range.

I suggest you take your FC to SLAM level for a couple days and see if the 'sand' clears up.

Thank you! I’m working on it. I have to balance it with landscaping. The work never ends, right? I did successfully backwash it.

 

[BestJoeyEver]

Collect a sample of the particulate and put it on a paper towel to dry. Once it is dry, it will be pretty obvious whether it's dead algea, sand, or just dirt blowing in.