Why Is My Sand Filter Losing Suction All the Time? A Robot Pool Cleaner Can Fix That
One of the most frustrating issues pool owners can face is a sand filter that keeps losing suction. This can render your pool cleaning system ineffective, leading to dirty water and longer maintenance times. If you’ve been grappling with this aggravating problem, you might want to consider a
robot pool cleaner as a more reliable alternative.
A robotic pool cleaner not only works to help clean your pool but also can help get your filtration system in check, preventing debris from getting sucked in before it gets to your filter, ultimately reducing the potential of losing suction. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons your sand filter may be losing suction and how introducing a pool-cleaning robot like the
Beatbot AquaSense 2 can be a solution.
Most Common Reasons for Losing Suction on Your Sand Filter
Use of Clogged Skimmer or Pump Basket
A clogged skimmer or pump basket is one of the main reasons your sand filter may not have suction. When debris (mostly leaves or twigs) gathers in these baskets, it limits the flow of water and cuts the filter's suction power. You must regularly clean the skimmer and pump baskets to achieve the best pool suction.
Low Water Levels
Low water levels in your pool can also cause your sand filter to lose suction. Low water levels allow air to get into the system and disrupt the suction. More importantly, ensure the water is above the skimmer for proper filtration.
Clogged or Dirty Sand
As time passes, dirt and oils clog the sand in your filter, making it less effective at suction. When your filter’s sand is dirty or full of debris, clean or replace it so the suction can work properly again.
Air Leaks in the System
Loss of suction is caused by air leaks in the suction line. These leaks can happen anywhere along the suction line, starting at the pump and finishing at the filter. Look for visible damage or cracking on the complete suction line and seals.
Impeding the Filter System
The plumbing or the filter itself may be clogged, leading to reduced water flow and loss of suction. Regular maintenance and cleaning can avoid these blockages.
How a Robotic Pool Cleaner Helps Avoid Loss of Suction
A robot pool cleaner such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro can resolve most of these suction loss-related problems in your sand filter. Here’s how:
It Prevents Debris from Getting to the Filter
The primary reason your sand filter loses suction is clogging with large debris. An automated pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 cleans your pool's floor, walls, and waterline without assistance, allowing it to pick up debris before it hits the filter. This prevents clogging and enhances suction.
Improves Circulation
Not only does a robot pool cleaner clean the pool, but they also help circulate the water by agitating it and pushing it through the system while they work. Better circulation allows your sand filter to pick up smaller particles, prevents clogs, and maintains suction.
Lessens the Burden on Your Filter
A robot pool cleaner can clean more thoroughly than traditional pool vacuums. They could overlook debris on the pool walls or bottom, letting it enter the filtration system. The Beatbot iSkim Ultra, for instance, is built to pick debris up from anywhere in your pool, taking a load off your sand filter and reducing suction loss.
Clears Algae and Small Particles
A pool vacuum robot such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro is an excellent choice for algae. It is designed to handle any debris. Trapping algae before it gets to the filter prevents the filter from becoming clogged, thus allowing better suction and efficiency.
Using a Sand Filter with a Robot Pool Cleaner
Here are steps to ensure your robot pool cleaner works effectively without causing you to lose suction through your sand filter.
Connect the Cleaner to Your Pool System
Insert your robot pool cleaner into the pool and let it do its thing, cleaning the floors, walls, and waterline. During robot cleaning, your filter can concentrate on capturing fine particles, making filtration more efficient overall.
Frequently Remove Debris from Skimmer and Pump BasketsWhile a robot pool cleaner will pick up debris, regular cleaning of the skimmer and pump baskets will prevent clogging and suction loss.
Check the Water Level
Always keep your pool water above the skimmer. Air can enter the system if water levels are low, resulting in a loss of suction.
Perform Regular Maintenance
This is a good time to schedule regular maintenance for your filter system and robotic pool cleaner so you know that everything is running smoothly. That is to say, check for any blockages, clean the filter, and ensure there are no air leaks.
How to Acid Wash Pool and Get Suction Back
Suction loss can sometimes be caused by calcium or mineral buildup in your pool. In these instances, acid-washing the pool may be necessary to get the filter working again. This process includes cleaning the pool’s surfaces and plumbing lines with an acid solution. The acid wash should significantly improve the filter's ability to allow suction.
Conclusion: An Automated Pool Vacuum Cleaner Can Boost Suction and Performance
But if you find your sand filter continues to lose suction, installing a robot pool cleaner like Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro can solve many of the problems that can lead to suction loss. These high-tech pool cleaners collect debris before it even gets to the filter, improve circulation, and work to remove the strain from your system. With proper pool maintenance, skimmer cleaning, and the right equipment, your sand filter will work as designed, maintaining a crystal-clear pool.
Beatbot AquaSense 2, despite working quite efficiently, may leave some filth behind in your pool. So investing in the right vacuum cleaner can help avoid suction issues while improving the performance of your filtration system.
