4 Proven Ways to Get Rid of Sand and Dirt in Your Pool Fast

I know the feeling—you skim the surface, the water looks clear, but there’s a gritty layer of dirt and sand sitting on the floor. After a windy day or a weekend swim, it’s back again. You don’t want a full chemistry class; you want quick, safe fixes you can do right now.

Most guides bury you in long maintenance routines or expensive gear. That’s not what you need when you’re simply figuring out how to clean a pool at home without buying a pro‑grade vacuum. You need simple moves that work with what you already have.

In this article, I’ll walk you through four easy DIY tricks that target dirt and sand fast—from a smarter skim to a budget vacuum hack—plus a few small habits that keep the problem from coming back. No fluff, no jargon, and clear notes on when it’s time to call in a pro.

We’ll also keep safety front and centre: no risky chemical mixes, no complicated procedures—just practical steps that respect your time and your pool.

Before we dive in, tell me this: what’s your biggest pool headache—dust after storms, sand from feet, or a weak filter that won’t keep up?

Common Causes of Dirt and Sand in Pools

Before we jump into the hacks, it helps to understand why your pool keeps getting dirty. I’ve learned that once you know the root cause, it’s easier to stop fighting the same problem over and over.

Here are the main culprits:

• Dust, wind, and garden soil – If you live near trees or have flowerbeds close to the pool, tiny dust particles and soil get blown straight into the water. After a windy night, I often wake up to a thin layer of grit along the pool floor.
• Swimmers’ feet – Most of the time it’s us! Walking barefoot through grass or sand before jumping in carries all those particles straight into the water.
• Weak filter or broken circulation – Even with regular cleaning, a filter that isn’t working properly lets dirt settle at the bottom instead of pulling it out. According to the CDC’s healthy swimming guidance, proper circulation and maintenance are critical to keeping pool water safe.

When you understand these causes, the DIY tricks I’ll share next won’t just feel like chores—they’ll make sense as part of a bigger plan to keep your pool consistently clean.

DIY Trick #1 – Use a Leaf Skimmer + Fine Mesh Net

One of the simplest habits you can build is daily skimming. It takes less than five minutes but makes a huge difference. I like to keep my skimmer hanging by the pool gate so it’s always handy.

Here’s how you can make it even better:

• Skim the surface each morning or evening to grab floating dirt before it sinks.
• Stretch a cheap fine mesh cloth or even an old pair of stockings over your skimmer. This traps sand and smaller particles that the regular net usually misses.
• Empty the net after each use so debris doesn’t fall back in.

DIY Trick #2 – Baking Soda Scrub for Pool Floor

If you’ve ever seen cloudy patches or settled grit at the bottom, you know a simple skim won’t solve it. This is where baking soda comes in.

• Mix baking soda and water into a paste.
• Use a pool brush (or even a stiff household brush) to scrub the affected spots.
• Let the filter run afterwards to carry away loosened dirt.

Why baking soda? It’s gentle, safe, and cheap. Plus, it doubles up as a tile brightener, so you’ll notice your pool floor looking fresher after a quick scrub.

I once saw a pool maintenance pro on Twitter share that baking soda is his go-to household product for cleaning stubborn spots without harming the surface. After trying it myself, I stopped buying pricey specialty cleaners for small jobs.

The best part: you don’t need special equipment—just something you already have in the kitchen.

DIY Trick #3 – Homemade Pool Vacuum Hack

I’ll be honest—buying a professional pool vacuum isn’t cheap. But you don’t actually need one if you’ve got a simple garden hose lying around. The trick is using it as a siphon.

Here’s how I do it:

• Fill the hose completely with water so there’s no air inside.
• Keep one end under the pool water.
• Place the other end outside the pool, making sure it’s lower than the water level.

Gravity does the rest—it creates suction, pulling out dirt and sand along with the water. I first saw this on a YouTube DIY pool hack video, and it worked surprisingly well. No, it won’t deep-clean like a $500 vacuum, but for patches of grit at the bottom, it’s a budget lifesaver.

The best part? It costs nothing, and it feels oddly satisfying to watch dirt disappear without any fancy gear.

DIY Trick #4 – Tennis Balls for Oil & Micro Dirt

This hack always makes people smile, but it really works. Over time, oils from sunscreen, hair products, or even sweat build a thin film on pool water. Tossing in a few tennis balls is a clever way to absorb it.

• The fuzzy texture of the ball grabs oils and residue.
• Leave them floating for a few hours, then squeeze or replace.
• It works best after pool parties or family swim days.

I actually found this tip in a Facebook pool hacks video, and now I keep an old can of tennis balls just for this. It’s simple, fun, and keeps your water looking fresher than you’d expect from such a quirky idea.

It’s also one of those tricks you’ll want to share with friends because it feels too good to be true—until you see the difference. If you enjoy simple household tricks, you’ll also love these TikTok home cleaning tips that actually work—quick fixes that save time without fancy tools.

Preventive Tips to Keep Your Pool Cleaner Longer

Cleaning is one thing, but if you can cut down how much dirt gets in, you’ll save yourself a lot of time. A few small habits make a big difference:

• Rinse your feet before swimming—most of the sand and soil comes in from us.
• Cover your pool whenever it’s not in use, especially overnight or during windy days.
• Check your filter regularly; weak circulation means more dirt settling on the floor.

As noted by The Spruce, basic habits like skimming daily, covering when idle, and keeping filters clear are what separate sparkling pools from murky ones. And if you’ve ever wondered about the health angle, Verywell Health explains how dirty pool water can lead to rashes or stomach issues—reminders that prevention is more than just convenience.

Once these small steps become routine, you’ll notice your pool stays cleaner longer, and the DIY tricks become occasional helpers instead of daily chores.

When to Call a Professional

I’m all for DIY fixes—you save money, you feel in control, and most of the time it works perfectly. But there are times when you need to step back and admit the pool needs a pro’s touch.

• When the water turns green: That’s usually algae, and once it sets in, it spreads like wildfire. No amount of skimming or baking soda will fully clear it—you need a chemical balance reset, and that’s something a professional can do in hours instead of you struggling for weeks. Just like pools, algae can creep up in unexpected places—if you’re dealing with it on your roof, here are 7 simple ways to remove algae without calling a pro.
• If your filter isn’t doing its job: A broken or clogged filter means dirt and sand just keep circulating back. Even if you vacuum or skim daily, it’s like fighting a losing battle. At that point, getting a filter repair or replacement is smarter than wearing yourself out.
• When nothing seems to work: If you’ve tried the tricks and the dirt keeps reappearing, it could be a deeper issue—maybe the circulation system, or even cracks in the pool structure letting in soil. That’s not something DIY hacks can fix long term.

Think of it this way: DIY is great for maintenance, but knowing when to call in help saves you both time and frustration.

Quick Recap of the 4 DIY Tricks

We’ve covered a lot, so let’s quickly run through the key takeaways. These are the four tricks you can rely on any time dirt and sand start bothering you:

• Skimmer with fine mesh: A small tweak to your daily skimming that catches fine particles and sand.
• Baking soda scrub: A kitchen-friendly solution that lifts dirt off the floor and brightens tiles.
• Garden hose vacuum hack: A clever siphon method that mimics an expensive pool vacuum without costing a thing.
• Tennis balls: A fun, surprising trick that pulls oils and residues out of your water.

Each of these hacks is low-cost, beginner-friendly, and easy to repeat whenever you need a quick refresh. You don’t need fancy equipment—you just need consistency and a little creativity.

Final Safety Note

Before you put any of these tricks into practice, I want to leave you with a few safety reminders. Pools may look harmless, but cleaning them involves chemicals and water—two things that can cause trouble if you’re not careful. Moisture doesn’t just affect pools—if you’ve spotted mold creeping into wooden surfaces, check out these proven ways to kill mold on wood safely.

• Wear gloves whenever you’re scrubbing or handling baking soda, brushes, or pool chemicals. Even mild substances can dry or irritate your skin after repeated use.
• Don’t mix chemicals on your own. Stick to what you know works. Random mixing—like adding chlorine and other cleaners together—can create toxic fumes or reactions.
• Keep kids and pets away during cleaning. It might feel like a quick job, but you don’t want little hands or paws near brushes, chemicals, or open hoses.

A clean pool should also be a safe pool. Taking an extra few minutes to protect yourself while cleaning means you’ll enjoy the results without any risks.

Conclusion

Keeping your pool clean at home doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a few smart habits and simple hacks, you can tackle dirt, sand, and even oils without relying on pricey equipment. From daily skimming with a fine mesh to using baking soda, a garden hose vacuum, or even tennis balls, each trick is designed to save you time while keeping the water clear and safe.

Remember, these hacks are about making your pool more enjoyable for you and your family—not about turning you into a full-time maintenance worker. Use them regularly, stay consistent with prevention, and know when it’s time to call in a professional. That balance is what keeps a pool sparkling all season long.

What about you—have you tried any DIY pool hacks that worked surprisingly well? Share your experience in the comments below; I’d love to hear your tips and stories.

For more smart home improvement ideas and DIY solutions, visit Build Like New and explore guides that help you keep your home in top shape without overspending.

Disclaimer: The tips shared here are for general home use only. Always follow manufacturer instructions for your pool equipment and use cleaning products safely. If you notice serious issues like algae blooms, damaged filters, or chemical imbalances, it’s best to consult a certified pool professional.