Pool cover left a bunch of fine dirt behind after opening. What’s the easiest way to deal with it?

[Danny Meerman]

Just opened the pool for the season this weekend and ran into something I didn’t expect. The cover did a good job keeping out leaves, but when I took it off there was a layer of really fine dirt sitting on the floor of the pool.
It almost looks like dust or sand. If I brush it, it just clouds up and settles again later. Not sure if this is something people normally deal with after winter. Do you usually vacuum it right away or let the filter run for a while first?

 

[Warren Dale]

Just opened the pool for the season this weekend and ran into something I didn’t expect. The cover did a good job keeping out leaves, but when I took it off there was a layer of really fine dirt sitting on the floor of the pool.
It almost looks like dust or sand. If I brush it, it just clouds up and settles again later. Not sure if this is something people normally deal with after winter. Do you usually vacuum it right away or let the filter run for a while first?

That’s pretty common when opening. A lot of the dirt that collects on top of the cover ends up sliding into the pool when you remove it. I usually vacuum slowly so it doesn’t get stirred up too much. If you rush it, the dust just spreads around the pool again.

 

[Joe Smith]

Just opened the pool for the season this weekend and ran into something I didn’t expect. The cover did a good job keeping out leaves, but when I took it off there was a layer of really fine dirt sitting on the floor of the pool.
It almost looks like dust or sand. If I brush it, it just clouds up and settles again later. Not sure if this is something people normally deal with after winter. Do you usually vacuum it right away or let the filter run for a while first?

When I open my pool I usually run the pump for a full day before doing much cleaning. That helps circulate the water and settle a lot of the fine stuff in one place. After that it’s easier to vacuum because the dirt isn’t floating around everywhere.

 

[John Knight]

Just opened the pool for the season this weekend and ran into something I didn’t expect. The cover did a good job keeping out leaves, but when I took it off there was a layer of really fine dirt sitting on the floor of the pool.
It almost looks like dust or sand. If I brush it, it just clouds up and settles again later. Not sure if this is something people normally deal with after winter. Do you usually vacuum it right away or let the filter run for a while first?

You can also try brushing everything toward the deeper end and then vacuuming that area first. I’ve done that the last couple years and it helps keep the dust from spreading across the whole pool floor again.

 

[Danny Meerman]

Good idea about letting things settle first. I probably started brushing too soon and made it worse. I’ll let the pump run today and try vacuuming again tomorrow. Thanks for the tips.