I have sand on the bottom of the pool and i can't ever seem to get it all up. Can I drain and start over?
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Answers:
It depends on the type of pool. If it's one of those inflatable ones that you take down year after year then you can drain it and refill it. If it's a vinyl lined or inground plaster/concrete pool then don't drain it. Especially if it's a vinyl lined pool as you risk ruining the liner when you drain it.
The best way to get the "sand" off the bottom is with a vacuum that hooks into your filtration system. If you don't have a proper filtration system you can get a vacuum that runs off the hose but these are ineffective at removing anything smaller than pine needles.
That would just be a waste of water and it will come back. You need a stronger vacuum system. Or dive down with a mask and sweep it up with a towel.
Rather than waste all that water, try renting a robotic pool vacuum--even buying one might be cheaper in the long run...besides, a little sand won't hurt anyone...
Cleaning up the sand may not be your only problem. Where is it coming from in the first place. Do you have a small leak on the bottom? Is it being tracked in from around the pool? If you have a good pool vac it should come up easy maybe you need to back wash first to get enough suction.
If this is a round, above ground pool, you can find a couple helpers with buckets and create a "whirlpool" in the pool (while standing on the outside). With a clean broom, gently sweep with the water flow at a slight angle towards the center of the pool (keep the buckets going). Work your way around the pool a couple of times. When the water settles, you will have a nice tight pile in the center of the pool floor. A wet-dry shopvac does wonders here if you have one. If not, gently climb into the pool and sweep pile into a dustpan and ease it out of the pool. A bucket or container of water at the bottom of the ladder to rinse feet will help keep the sand out. Also, get the kids to rinse their water toys off before throwing them back into the pool.
Oh yeah, take the ladder out before you start.
I hope this helps!
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