Sand in Pool
Stop filter sand from entering your pool
Sand Return Symptoms
🏖️ Visual Signs
- • Sand accumulating on pool floor
- • Sand coming from returns
- • Piles under return jets
- • Sand in pump basket
⚠️ Common Causes
- • Broken laterals
- • Cracked standpipe
- • Damaged underdrain
- • Wrong sand type
Quick Answer
Sand in your pool indicates serious internal filter damage. Stop the pump immediately to prevent further sand loss and potential pump damage. The most common cause is broken laterals - the spoke-like tubes at the bottom of the filter that collect clean water. Other causes include a cracked standpipe or damaged underdrain assembly. This requires professional repair involving complete filter disassembly, lateral replacement, and sand replacement. Continuing to run the system spreads sand throughout plumbing.
Professional service recommended for this issue
Sand Filter Damage Warning
- •Stop pump immediately - sand can damage pump impeller
- •Do not vacuum sand to filter - will worsen damage
- •Sand is abrasive and can scratch pool surfaces
- •Broken laterals allow unfiltered water to return
- •DIY repairs often break more laterals
- •Complete sand replacement required after repairs
Sand Filter Internal Components
Filter Components
- • Tank: Fiberglass or plastic pressure vessel
- • Sand Bed: #20 silica sand filters water
- • Standpipe: Central pipe returns clean water
- • Laterals: Slotted tubes collect filtered water
- • Underdrain: Manifold connecting laterals
- • Multiport Valve: Controls flow direction
How Sand Escapes
- • Broken Lateral: Cracks allow sand through
- • Missing Lateral: Direct path for sand
- • Standpipe Crack: Sand enters return flow
- • Bad Gaskets: Sand bypasses to return
- • Wrong Sand: Too fine, passes through
Critical Facts:
Laterals have tiny slots (0.018") that keep sand in but let water through. Even one broken lateral ruins filtration and requires complete disassembly to fix.
Diagnosing Sand Problems
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Stop Pump Immediately
Turn off pump to prevent more sand entering pool and potential pump damage.
⚠️ Warning: Sand can damage pump impeller and pool surfaces
Check Recent Maintenance
Determine if sand was recently added or filter was serviced.
Inspect Multiport Valve
Ensure valve is properly set to filter position, not backwash.
⚠️ Warning: Never change valve position with pump running
Examine Pool Returns
Confirm sand is coming from returns, not other sources.
Check Sand Level
If accessible, verify sand level hasn't dropped in tank.
Professional Inspection
Internal filter damage requires disassembly to diagnose.
⚠️ Warning: DIY repairs often cause more damage to laterals
Why Sand Filters Fail
Lateral Failure
Causes:
- • Age and brittleness
- • Excessive backwash pressure
- • Chemical deterioration
Signs:
- • Sand in pool
- • Sand level dropping
- • Poor filtration
Solution:
Replace entire lateral assembly
Standpipe Problems
Causes:
- • Overtightening connections
- • Freezing damage
- • Manufacturing defects
Signs:
- • Sand from all returns
- • Constant sand flow
- • Visible crack in pipe
Solution:
Replace standpipe assembly
Installation Errors
Common Mistakes:
- • Wrong sand grade
- • Overfilled tank
- • Damaged during filling
Prevention:
- • Use only #20 silica
- • Fill tank with water first
- • Cover standpipe when filling
Fix:
Remove all sand, inspect, refill properly
Sand Filter Repair Process
Professional Repair Steps
Remove All Sand
Vacuum or scoop out all sand from tank
Extract Lateral Assembly
Carefully remove underdrain and all laterals
Inspect All Components
Check each lateral, standpipe, and gaskets
Replace Damaged Parts
Install new laterals, o-rings, or complete assembly
Refill With New Sand
Add water first, then carefully add new filter sand
Test System
Backwash initially, then verify no sand returns
Why Professional Repair:
Lateral replacement requires complete disassembly. One mistake can break more laterals. Professionals have proper tools and experience to avoid additional damage.
Filter Sand Requirements
Proper Sand Specifications
Correct Sand Type:
- • #20 Silica Sand (0.45-0.55mm)
- • Pool filter sand specifically
- • Never use play sand or mason sand
- • Alternative: Glass media or Zeolite
- • Must meet filter manufacturer specs
Sand Quantity by Filter Size:
| Tank Diameter | Sand Required |
|---|---|
| 16" | 100 lbs |
| 19" | 150 lbs |
| 21" | 200 lbs |
| 24" | 300 lbs |
| 30" | 500 lbs |
Sand Filter Repair Costs
Lateral Replacement & Sand Change
🔧 DIY Attempt
⚠️ Risks:
- • Breaking additional laterals during repair
- • Improper reassembly causing leaks
- • Wrong parts ordered for filter model
- • Sand disposal challenges
- • Creating worse damage
👷 Professional Service
✅ Includes:
- • Complete filter disassembly
- • Lateral assembly replacement
- • New filter sand installation
- • Old sand removal and disposal
- • System testing and warranty
- • Multiport valve service
💰 Value Tip: CoOpPools offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our worker-owned model means fair prices and invested service.
Prevent Sand Filter Damage
Prevention Tips
Careful Backwashing
Avoid excessive backwash pressure that stresses laterals
Proper Sand Addition
Fill tank with water first when adding sand to cushion laterals
Use Correct Sand
Only use #20 silica sand or approved filter media
Regular Inspections
Check laterals every 5 years during sand changes
Balanced Chemistry
Prevent corrosion that weakens filter components
🏊 Pro Tip: Regular professional maintenance prevents 90% of pool problems.Get your maintenance quote today
This Issue Requires Professional Service
Sand in your pool requires immediate attention to prevent pump damage. Our technicians are experts in sand filter repair, including lateral replacement and complete rebuilds. We'll remove the old sand, replace damaged components, and refill with proper filter media. Don't let sand damage your pool - call for professional repair today!
Mention "sand in pool" when calling for faster service
Related Pool Problems
Related Pool Problems
Cloudy Water
Often RelatedSand in pool causes cloudiness
Multiport Valve Leaking
Sometimes RelatedCan cause sand bypass
High Filter Pressure
Sometimes RelatedCan indicate filter damage
💡 Did You Know? Pool problems often occur together.Sand in Pool can lead to or be caused by these related issues. Understanding the connections helps prevent future problems.