Can I use regular sand in sand filter?
The Bottom Line. It's a bad idea to use anything in your pool filter except sand specifically processed and sold for that purpose. Play sand simply won't keep your pool as clean as it should be.
What is best to use in sand filter?
Silica is definitely the way to go. If you get number 20 silica sand, that means it will filter up to 20 micron particles (much much smaller than the human eye can see). The downfall is silica will get some algae but not prevent algae outbreaks. Some algae an be 5-10 microns in size.
How many bags of sand do I need for a pool filter?
How Much Sand Does My Pool Filter Need?Filter Model / SizePounds Required (Sand)Filtra Balls Required (Boxes)16 Inch100 Lbs2 Boxes19 Inch150 Lbs3 Boxes21 Inch200 Lbs4 Boxes23 Inch250 Lbs5 Boxes19 more rows
How often should you change sand in pool filter?
When do I need to replace my sand? On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.
Can I just add sand to my pool filter?
Pour sand carefully into the pool sand filter until laterals are fully covered. For this unit 3 bags should leave at least 6" space between the top of the sand and the top of the filter. Level sand as you pour and make sure the center pipe remains centered in the opening.
What happens if you don't have enough sand in your sand filter?
If you don't add enough sand to your pool filter, your filter will not filter the pool water as effectively. The dirty water will easily create pathways through the sand or bypass it completely, meaning the sand will not filter out debris and the water will become cloudy.
What happens if you don't change the sand in your pool filter?
Over time the filter can become clogged with grime and debris and if you don't refresh the sand inside, the filter won't function properly. Kara, The Pool Pro, suggests changing the sand in your filter every 3-5 years.
How do I know if my sand filter needs more sand?
1:253:13When Do You Need to Change the Sand in Your Sand Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you start losing. Pressure if your pressure gets weaker and weaker and weaker.MoreIf you start losing. Pressure if your pressure gets weaker and weaker and weaker.
Do you use chemicals with a sand filter?
You need chemicals with a sand filter because they require sanitization, phosphate removal, pH adjustments, and alkalinity alterations. Some of these chemicals include muriatic acid, soda ash, alkalinity increasers and decreasers, and chlorine.
How do I make my pool sand filter better?
You can add DE powder to your sand filter to make it more effective. Just add 1-3 cups of DE powder when you backwash or replace your sand. Adding powder makes your sand filter 4x more effective, allowing it to filter contaminants down to 3 microns.
Should I add DE to my sand filter?
Small amounts of DE can be added to a sand filter after each backwash to improve the filtering. The first time you use DE, you need to figure out how much DE to add to your filter. After the first time, you can simply mix the full amount of DE with water in a bucket and pour that slowly into the skimmer.
Can you put DE powder in a sand filter?
Although DE powder is used for filter grids, it can be added to sand filters. When the powder is added to the sand, the sharp edges of the DE powder enhance the filtering process of the sand by capturing tiny dirt particles during the filtering process.
Illustrating These Differences
Watch this informative video that dives (pun intended) into some of the key differences you should take note of:
The Long-Term Costs
While it might prove to be a cheap, patch-up option in the beginning, you’re likely to incur huge costs down the road when everything else is factored in. Because of the inefficiently large size of playsand, it will not only filter less from your pool, but it will need to be changed more often.
Are There Safe Alternatives?
Knowing what kind of products for will work as effective pool filters can give you a lot of affordable options. At this point you’re asking, “So wait, can I use playsand in my pool filter after all?” Nope. We’re still suggesting to avoid it, but there are other things you can try.
Preserve the crystal clear water of your pool by filtering out dust, debris, and small particles with new pool filter sand for your sand filter
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Filter Sand
Before choosing the best pool filter sand for your sand filter, it’s crucial to determine the type of sand that would be ideal for your pool. Consider the grain size, quantity of sand, and whether it’s compatible with above-ground or in-ground pool filtration systems.
Our Top Picks
The following products were chosen using several criteria, including sand type, grain size, and overall quality, factoring in the additional shopping considerations listed above. Keep reading to discover the best pool filter sand for your pool filter.
Our Verdict
Made from 100 percent natural silica sand and with the ability to filter objects 20 microns in size or larger, the FairmountSantrol pick is our top choice for pool filter sand. With an odorless and non-clumping formula, this sand is an affordable favorite for residential and commercial use.
How We Chose the Best Pool Filter Sands
The right pool filtration sand can help with the clarity, smell, and feel of your pool’s water without the need for consistent maintenance. The above picks were selected for their type, quality of filtration, duration, and special features.
The Advantages of Using the Best Pool Filter Sand
There are many advantages to using pool filter sand to help the pool vacuum keep the pool clean including the low maintenance of a sand filter.
FAQs
Sand filters are a great addition to any household with a pool, but you may still have some concerns about pool maintenance, how pool filter sand works, and if the sand can be reused. Read on to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best pool filter sand.
What is Sand?
Sand is created naturally by water rushing over rock and breaking it down slowly over time. Sand contains a lot of quartz, feldspar, silica, shell fragments, and other types of crushed rock. Sand is then collected filtered and sold by size.
Types of Sand
Let’s look at the three types of sand commonly available: play sand, pool sand, and masonry sand, plus some alternatives.
Alternatives
If you can’t use pool sand for some reason, such as an allergy to shells, there are a few alternatives you can try including Zeosand and Filter Glass.
Conclusion
We recommend only using regular pool sand in your filter. The other types of sand will not work, and they will be hard to clean out once they’re full of water.
What is a Sand Filter?
A sand filter is a type of pool filter that uses special sand as a natural filtering agent. The sand inside the filter catches debris and other small particulates as the pool water passes through the filter. The filter then sends that clean water back into the pool.
How to Determine Your Sand Filter Size
So, as we said before, you need a sand filter with about 1 square foot of filtered area per 10,000 gallons of pool water. But what does that really mean? Let’s give an example: a sand filter that is 16” in diameter has 1.55 square feet of filtered area, so it is best suited for a 15,500-gallon pool.
Choose Your Filter System
In this case, you already know you are using a sand filter system. So, will simply move on to the last step!
Related Questions
Sand filters are low maintenance but will require occasional cleaning. You will have to check the reading on your pressure gauge and do a backwash cleaning once the pressure has increased by 8 to 10 pounds. This will clear any excess dirt and debris out of the sand and prevent clogs.
Final Thoughts
When determining the right size sand filter you need for your above ground pool, it is most important to consider the size and shape of the pool itself and how that correlates with the size of the sand filter.
Quick Dip: Pool Filter Sand vs. Play Sand – What’s The difference?
How Sand Filters Work
- Pool sand filters use sand as the medium of choice to trap dirt and debris. Water flows through the sand while unwanted particles are caught and trapped. Sand meant for use in these filtering systems is specially graded to make sure the individual grains of sand are the right size. (Usually .45 to .55 millimeters.) Sand is a durable, lasting filtra...
Using The Right Sand
- In an attempt to save money, some of our clients have tried to use play or sandbox sand purchased from local hardware stores. Unfortunately, this is asking for trouble. Sand formulated especially for use in pool filters is just the right size to ensure it works with and stays in the filter. When grains of sand are too small, these can pass through the filter system’s laterals and right i…
Have A Question?
- Since 1982, Leisure Pool & Spa Supply has been serving the needs of both commercial and residential aquatics. From commercial construction to chemical supplies, we offer a wide range of services to get you swimming today. If you are looking to purchase pool filter sand for your swimming pool, get in touch with us today. We have filter sand, pool chemicals, equipment and …