AboutRussel Ray Expertise I can answer questions about water-wise landscaping, xeriscaping, and using native vegetation, cactus, and succulents to create a home paradise that won't increase your water bill.
Experience My wise ol' grandmother got me started with cactus and succulents 42 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
Organizations National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials After graduating from Texas A&M University, I started a plant-sitting business in Houston to take care of the house plants when people went on vacation. That went on for five years before I moved back to College Station and started several businesses, one of which was a landscaping business specializing in "dry" landscaping.
Awards and Honors The privilege of working with people.
Expert: Russel Ray Date: 6/28/2008 Subject: removing sand from rocks
Question QUESTION: Recently the liner in our above-ground pool collapsed,water went between the sides of the pool and underneath.This caused all the sand from the bottom of the pool along with the water to flow into our yard. We have approx.1-1 1/2 feet of rock surrounding the pool. My question is how do we separate the sand from the rock? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank You
ANSWER: Hey, Linda.
I'm not totally sure that I'm understanding what happened. Did you have sand in your above-ground pool?
When you say you have 1-1½ feet of rock surround the pool, is that 1-1½ feet horizontally, or is it 1-1½ feet deep?
How large is the rock, and can you remove it? If you can, then you could buy some shade screen or mesh at the home improvement store with the appropriate size that will let the sand go through but hold the rock back.
If you can't remove the rock, then I'm not sure what you could do.
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QUESTION: No,there is no sand in the pool,When the pool was installed sand is placed under the liner,when the liner collapsed,the water went under the pool and thru the sides of the pool,causing the sand to be washed out into our yard. We have 1 to 1 1/2 feet of stone/rock approx the size of walnuts surrounding the pool horizontally. Right now the sand is all thru the stone.The stone can be removed,but once removed what would be the easiest way to clean the stone/rock? Thank You
Answer The easiest thing to do would probably be to get that screen mesh or shade cloth and some pails or small tubs. Place the shade cloth over the pails to create a sieve and put the rock on top of it. You might have to wash the sand through the cloth. You might also have to sieve things two or three times because you might get some soil that washes through with the sand. Tell your home improvement store clerk what you are trying to do and s/he should be able to direct you to the appropriate size mesh or cloth.
