Should algae pass right through my sand filter?

[PieterS]

I have an Intex sand filter on my ~5000 gal above ground pool. Ever since my SWCG tripped during a power outage on a 10-day vacation, trying to get ahead of an algae problem. But when I vacuum the bottom of the pool to get the (presumably?) algae off the bottom - it shoots right back into the pool via the return.

Should I be expecting my sand filter to be filtering out algae?? I tried to attach a pic of the return plume, not sure how well it shows.

 

[mknauss]

Intex systems are not very robust and thus can make filtering out small particulates difficult. You can try a deep clean of the filter to make sure there is no channeling.

 

[Msch99]

See also: Adding DE to sand filter

 

[PieterS]

See also: Adding DE to sand filter

I’ve thought about giving that a try. Need to find a clever way to add it without a slimmer

 

[PieterS]

And maybe let me rephrase the question - forget I said the word 'Intex'...

SHOULD algae pass right through a properly functioning sand filter?

 

[mknauss]

SHOULD algae pass right through a properly functioning sand filter?

Live algae might. Dead algae, no.

 

[CSE1965]

I vacuum my debris and dead algae to waste setting on the filter housing then add water back if need be. It even states this on some brochures when using products that kill algae.

 

[cj133]

Live algae might. Dead algae, no.

I'm asking because I'm betting there's something I don't understand.

Live algae are smaller than dead algae?

 

[PieterS]

See also: Adding DE to sand filter

I used some of the filter fiber stuff (was hard to find less than 25 lb bags of DE!) and it made a noticeable difference in just a few days. Pool water lost all the 'haze' it had quickly turned crystal clear!