Water, clarity and algae
Cleaning a pool after a sandstorm
A sandstorm can turn clear water hazy and leave a layer of fine dust across the floor. Most of it can be removed, but the filter has to work hard.
Sand and dust arrive in two forms. Heavier grains sink and collect on the floor, steps and in the skimmer and pump baskets. Fine dust stays suspended for days, keeping the water dull, and some of it is fine enough to pass through a sand filter. Dust also brings organic matter that consumes chlorine, so the water is less protected just as it is at its dirtiest.
Water guides explain what a reading or a symptom means and the order in which to correct it.
The recovery mixes cleaning with filtration. Settled sand is vacuumed, often to waste so that it does not go straight into the filter. The filter is then cleaned or backwashed more often than usual while circulation runs longer and chemistry is restored.
The short version
Vacuum heavy sand to waste
Sending settled sand out of the system keeps it from loading and abrading the filter.
Expect the filter pressure to rise
Fine dust clogs the media quickly; cleaning or backwashing is needed sooner than normal.
Chlorine demand rises
Dust carries organic matter that uses up sanitiser.
How the pool is recovered
Baskets first
Skimmer and pump baskets are emptied before vacuuming so flow is not restricted.
Vacuuming carefully
Slow passes stop fine dust being stirred back into the water; the level is topped up after vacuuming to waste.
Filtering and clarifying
Longer pump hours, filter cleaning as pressure climbs, and a clarifier where the finest dust lingers.
After the storm
Check the water level
Vacuuming to waste lowers it; top up before the skimmer starts drawing air.
Note the filter pressure
Compare it with the clean reading and clean the filter when it rises well above it.
Test chlorine and pH
Rebalance once most of the sand is out.
Common questions
Why is the water still hazy after vacuuming?
The finest dust stays suspended. Longer filtration and a clarifier help the filter catch it.
Should the pool be covered during storms?
If a cover can be fitted safely before the storm, it keeps most of the sand out.
Can sand damage the pump?
Sand passing through can wear seals and impellers, which is why baskets and the filter need attention afterwards.
Related pool care guides
- Shocking a poolAnother water problem with a related cause.
- Mustard algae in a poolAnother water problem with a related cause.
- Robotic cleaners and manual cleaningA related choice about how the pool is looked after.
- A robotic pool cleaner that is not working properlyA related check on the same part of the plant.
This guide sits under pool cleaning. Browse all pool care guides. We look after pools at homes and commercial properties across Dubai.
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Next step
Pool full of sand and dust?
Send a photo and tell us your filter type. We will arrange a clean, a filter service and a rebalance.