If there is sand in the pool laterals but it is not broken, check the pool skimmer basket for clogging and reduce the water flow. It’s also recommended to check the pool filter media and make sure to vacuum the pool again.
Don’t always assume something is damaged in the pool when there is sand in the pool laterals. It might just be something as simple as not cleaning the pool properly in the past.
You will want to look at these four details as you begin to work on the sand in the pool.
Here is a breakdown of what you should do if there is sand in the pool laterals and it’s not broken.
Table of Contents
How To Fix Sand In Pool Laterals If Not Broken
1. Check The Pool Skimmer Basket For Clogging
It starts with the pool skimmer basket.
This is a real concern when it comes to potential clogging. You don’t want a situation where the pool skimmer basket is clogged as that will become an issue with sand finding a way to stay in the pool.
This happens because the pump is pulling in the sand. This is eventually going to get into the pool because of the pool skimmer basket.
In a situation such as this, you will have to figure out why it is sucking in the sand.
The best option in a situation such as this is to begin cleaning the pool skimmer basket. This is how you are going to remove the debris that is trapped in the basket, which is then going to make sure it does not go into the pool laterals.
It’s important to look into this when you are understanding your options.
2. Reduce The Water Flow
If sand gets into the pool laterals, you might be dealing with a scenario where the water flow is too high in the pool.
If the water flow is too high, this is going to create a situation where too much water is being pushed through. This is not easy for the equipment to handle and that is when the sand begins to push into the pool laterals.
The best part about this problem is that it is easy to adjust.
You are simply going to go to the valve and reduce the flow of the water. The pool pump speed is going to drop and that is going to make it easier to manage the flow rate in the pool.
3. Inspect The Filter Media
The sand is supposed to go into the pool filter media.
This is how you are going to refine the water and make sure it is clean. If not, the filter media isn’t going to do its job and that is when the problems will arise.
It’s best to inspect the filter media and ensure it is not damaged or starting to age. If it is, you are going to have to replace the pool filter media as soon as possible or sand is going to continue to go into the pool laterals.
4. Vacuum The Pool Properly
Have you taken the time to vacuum the pool in a while?
It’s possible there was sand already there and you didn’t take the time to vacuum it. The best thing a pool owner can do is be diligent when it comes to how they clean the pool during the year.
Maintenance is a must and it is the only way you are going to maintain control of how clean the pool water is.
Don’t let the sand settle in the pool. Always keep it clean and that includes using a pool vacuum.
Final Thoughts
The most important steps are the ones that are cited here for those who see sand in the pool laterals but they are not broken.
If there is sand in the pool laterals but nothing is broken, it’s likely due to the pool skimmer basket being clogged or the pool needing to be vacuumed. It’s also recommended to reduce the flow rate at the pump and make sure to inspect the filter media to see if it has to be changed.
Do not assume something is broken in the pool as that won’t be the case. Something as simple as adjusting the flow rate in the pool may be going to get the job done.
