Sand cloud in pool after cleaning pump basket?

[tom82]

Hi Everyone,

I'm relatively new to pools (moved in a few months ago) so hoping you can point me in the right direction. The pool is quite old, as is the sand filter however the pump & chlorinator are only a few years old.

I recently bought a suction cleaner (Kreepy Krauly VTX-7) so I could leave it running overnight as our robot cleaner only does 1 hour cycles. The cleaner works well however significantly reduces the water flowing through the pump.

Tonight I cleaned the pump's filter basket as a few leaves were in there from the vacuum. Once the pump starts again, a cloud of what looks like sand is pumped through the return jet for about 30 seconds and then runs clear - however the cloud has now covered my whole pool (see photos). This is the second time it has happened - thought I would repeat the clean of the pump basket to see if it was related.

Hoping to get ideas on what may be the trouble... doesn't make the pool look great and takes a very long time to clear again. Could the filter be broken and causing sand to escape in the pool? I find it odd the sand stops coming from the return jet after about 30 sec (when the pump is back up to full flow after being off).

Any ideas appreciated!

Thank you

EDIT:
Found a couple of similar threads after posting so will try a backwash before opening the basket next time - Dirty Water Through Jets ONLY After Cleaning The Pump Basket

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Go ahead and try that backwash (and rinse) first, then let us know if you see any improvement. I wouldn't think you should have to do that though, but we'll see.

When you post an update, try to update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info. See mine as an example. Also be sure to include which test kit you are using and if you can, post a full set of water test results.

 

[Texas Splash]

Here's an article if it helps.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[tom82]

Thanks Pat, I backwashed after I emptied the pump basket tonight and all seems well. No sand.

It sounds like a backwash shouldn't be needed every time the pump basket is removed so will probably get a new filter when we shortly relocate the equipment.

Thanks again