Cleaning Your Swimming Pool- Why Is Dirt Returning Back Into The Pool After Vacuuming?
A swimming pool is a great investment in your property. It not only increases the value of your home but is also a much-needed summer amenity right in your backyard. A pool is a source of joy for people who love spending time on sunny days with their family and friends.
It is also a great talking point while you host parties and barbeques. A dirty pool can hinder the seamless experiences of owning and using a pool. Dirt can enter the pool system in a variety of ways and you should make sure that you can curb it at the source if possible.
One way to get rid of the pool is to vacuum it. But in some cases, the dirt still comes back. There can be many reasons for this and experienced pool owners will tell you that there is a lot of trial and error involved in troubleshooting. Ideally, you should vacuum your pool at least once a week. But if even then the dirt comes back check the following things.
Don’t backwash your filter
Most of the dirty and other foreign particles that enter your pool’s system will end up here. But the dirt that accumulates at the bottom of the pool does not go to the filter. Backwashing a filter will lead to your pool being dirty temporarily. For a clean pool, do not backwash your filter before vacuuming.
Here are the three major types of filters available these days:
Sand Filters
Water passes through the laterals which are a network of tubes connected to the central hub. It leaves behind the sand and other foreign particles. If you find the dirt to escape then the chances of you having a broken lateral are high. A cracked lateral will also pollute the water going into the pool after filtration.
You will have to examine each lateral yourself and there is no other way around it. In some cases, there can be an issue with the valve itself. Check the O rings and gaskets and if they are torn or worn down, replace them.
Cartridge Filters
You cannot backwash with a cartridge filter. You will have to acid wash or hand wash the filter itself and check for dirt again afterward. Made of polyester, these have an increased surface area to help them in filtering unwanted substances.
If your cartridge is ripped or damaged in any way, it could lead to the accumulation of dirt in the pool. Whenever you clean your filter next, it would be a good idea to visually inspect it before installing it again.
Diatomaceous Earth Filters
Often considered a hybrid and an amalgamation of the best features of Sand and Cartridge filters, they have a mixture of grids and backwashing capabilities. You will have to backwash to clean them, but they also have an intricate mesh network. Both of these mechanisms work in tandem to provide you the best cleaning experience.
In some cases, the filter grid may get damaged and let the D.E. powder and dirt pass through the filtering. The dirt will come back into your pool and in such circumstances, you should open up the filter and check it.
If there is a rip or a cut in the filter, you should get it repaired as soon as possible because your pool will be clean otherwise. Always remember to check the valves too after inspecting the grid. There is a chance that a faulty valve might be causing problems too.
How old is the sand?
As time passes, the sand breaks down into smaller and finer particles which can pass through the filter easily. This can be one of the main reasons why your pool remains dirty even after you vacuum it.
You will also notice that the water is more cloudy than usual and is a good indicator of the sand being replaced.
Pump Size
If your pump is bigger than what is required it will pump more gallons per minute than your filter can handle. The water is pushed through the filter at a higher pace and some of the debris can end up in the pool due to the sheer water pressure itself.
Get a pump that is suited for the size of your pool so that you have a hassle-free pool cleaning and owning experience. Large swimming pools are more of a challenge to keep clean!
Pool Covers
The wind is a great contributor to debris that can be found in the pool. Whether it be dust insects or leaves and flowers, wind can blow them in the direction of your pool. If your pool is not covered it will have contaminants in its system in no time. These foreign particles accumulate as the days go by and become an eyesore.
A pool cover is a multipurpose tool that can help you save on chemicals and cleaning costs. A covered pool is safe from the debris that the wind might carry but also helps retain water. It also helps in maintaining the chemical balance in the pool.
A pool cover does not let the water evaporate and thus preserves the chemical equilibrium too. The pH level does not fluctuate and you wouldn’t have to add more chlorine all thanks to the pool cover.
There is a variety of pool covers available these days, both hard and soft. Automated pool covers are also gaining popularity these days. Get a hard pool cover if you have kids or pets. They provide a solid platform over the pool, which can withstand a significant amount of weight.
Here are a few ways you can make sure your filter is always in great condition:
- Check the pressure gauge regularly. A high-pressure reading means that the filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned. Check the debris trap and if you find anything in it, clean it immediately.
- Cleaning the filter regularly prevents the buildup of debris early on and keeps the machine up and running. Debris can block or hinder the flow of water which can lead to more problems further on.
- You should skim the pool regularly. Remove larger debris like twigs and leaves as they can easily clog the filter. You can use an automatic leaf skimmer to get rid of all the leaves and debris that might end up in the pool.
- Be winter-ready. Close the pool at the start of the winters and clean and lube all the parts of the filters and the valve. Use a silicone-based lubricant to prevent them from cracking in the harsh winters.
Your pool would need regular care and maintenance to be functional and last a long time. A pool well taken care of is a source of joy for years to come. They help you make memories while adding value to your property. Make sure you take care of your investment and keep it in the best shape possible.
You can ask pool owners in your area as to how they deal with such problems. They will tell you a few solutions and have the numbers of trusted pool cleaners too. If none of the above-mentioned things work, contact a pool cleaner and let them figure out the problem. They will be able to identify the problem quickly and let you know of the best possible course of action to resolve it.
Things to check if dirt is returning to your pool!
- Is your pool water cloudy? The sand may be too old and it may be time to replace it!
- Do you have the right size pool pump? If you have too big of a pool pump, it will pump more water through the filter, causing more debris to end up in the pool.
- Are you skimming your pool often? If you aren’t, debris can get blown into the pool and it sinks to the bottom, it can cause cloudy pool water.
- How often are you cleaning your filter? If you aren’t cleaning it weekly and checking it daily for any debris that may have gotten clogged up, dirt may have gotten through the filter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s generally a good idea to backwash after vacuuming your pool. This process removes any debris and dirt that may have been stirred up during vacuuming, which is essential for maintaining a clean and clear swimming environment. Backwashing helps to flush out these contaminants from the filter system, ensuring that your pool remains inviting and safe for swimming.
To effectively vacuum a pool, first, attach a vacuum head to a telescopic pole and connect it to the pool’s filtration system using a vacuum hose. Make sure to submerge the vacuum head in the water, allowing it to fill completely to avoid air pockets. Once it’s ready, methodically move the vacuum head across the pool floor in overlapping strokes, making sure to cover every area to collect debris such as leaves, dirt, and algae. Pay attention to corners and steps where debris tends to accumulate, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
Cloudiness after vacuuming is a common occurrence and can happen if debris is stirred up and not filtered out quickly enough. This is particularly true if the pool’s filtration system is not strong enough to handle the sudden influx of particles. To minimise this effect, ensure your filter is actively running during and after the vacuuming process. Additionally, consider backwashing your filter afterwards to remove any accumulated particles that could contribute to cloudiness, helping to restore clarity to your pool water.
While it’s not strictly necessary to backwash before vacuuming, doing so can significantly enhance the efficiency of your vacuuming efforts. A clean filter promotes better water flow and filtration, allowing your vacuum to work more effectively and preventing debris from being recirculated back into the pool. This proactive step can save time and improve the overall cleanliness of your pool.
Backwashing your pool should be done when the pressure gauge on your filter rises 7-10 psi above its normal operating level. This typically indicates that the filter is becoming clogged with debris and needs to be cleaned. Depending on usage, weather conditions, and the amount of debris that enters the pool, this may mean backwashing every few weeks. Keeping an eye on your pressure gauge and performing regular maintenance is key for optimal pool performance, ensuring crystal-clear water and a healthy swimming environment for you and your family.
