Pool Home School
  • Best Guides
    • Heaters
      • Best Pool Heaters
      • Best Solar Pool Heaters
      • Best Electric Pool Heaters
      • Best Gas Pool Heaters
      • Best Propane Patio Heaters
      • Best Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater Reviews
      • Best Bathroom Heaters
      • Top Hayward Pool Heat Pumps
      • Best Hot Tub Heaters
      • Best Sauna Heaters
    • Pools
      • Above Ground Pool
        • Best Above Ground Pools
        • Best Above Ground Pool Ladders
        • Best Above Ground Pool Lights
        • Best Above Ground Pool Covers
        • Best Above Ground Pool Heaters
        • Best Above Ground Pool Filters
        • Best Above Ground Pool Liner
        • Best Above Ground Pool Pad Reviews
        • Summer Waves vs. Intex
      • Best Kiddie Pools
      • Best Blow Up Pool
      • Coleman vs Intex Pools
    • Pool Cleaners
      • Cleaners by Brand
        • Best Dolphin Pool Cleaners
        • Best Polaris Pool Cleaners
        • Dolphin Quantum Review
      • Comparison
        • Dolphin Premier vs Polaris F9550
        • Dolphin Premier vs Nautilus CC Plus
        • Dolphin Sigma vs Premier
        • Polaris 360 vs Polaris 380
        • Zodiac MX6 vs Zodiac MX8
        • Aquabot vs Dolphin
        • Polaris 280 vs 380
      • Best Automatic Pool Cleaners
      • Best Suction Pool Cleaners
      • Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum for Intex
      • Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
      • Best Above Ground Pool Cleaners
      • Best Pool Cleaners for Leaves
    • Swimming supplies
      • Best Swimming Goggles
      • Best Swim Jammers
      • Best Swim Paddles
      • Best Swim Fins
      • Best Earplugs for Swimming
      • Best Nose Clips for Swimming
    • Pool Heat Pumps
    • Best Pool Covers
    • Best Shower Panels
    • Best Floating Pool Lights
    • Best Shower Filters For Hard Water
    • Best Handheld Shower Heads
    • Best Pool Alarm
    • Best Shower Bases & Pans
    • Best Pool Slides
    • Best Pool Floats for Tanning
    • Best Pool Basketball Hoop
    • Best Pool Brushes
    • Best Pool Pumps for Above Ground Pool
    • Best Soaking Tubs
    • Best Vessel Sinks
    • Best Thermostatic Shower Valves
  • best spa guides
    • Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs
    • Best Inflatable Hot Tubs
    • Best Hot Tub Covers
    • Best 2 Person Hot Tubs
    • Best 4 Person Hot Tubs
    • Best Heated Foot Spa
    • Best Portable Infrared Sauna
    • Best Whirlpool Tubs
    • Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters
    • Best 2 Person Saunas
  • Supplies
    • Best Pool Skimmer Basket
    • Best Pool Test Kit
    • Best Pool Chemicals
    • Best Pool Chlorine Tablets
    • Best Salt Water Pool System
    • Best Pool Skimmer
    • Best Telescopic Pool Poles Reviewed
    • Best Paints for Concrete Pool Decks
    • Best Pool Vacuum Heads Reviewed
    • Best Pool Filter Sand
    • Best Pool Lounge Chairs
    • Best Pool Algaecides
    • Best Pool Cover Pumps
    • Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps
    • Best Pool Thermometers
    • Best Pool Test Strips
    • Best Pool Fence
    • Best Baby Floats
    • Best Bathroom Fans
    • Best Corner Shower Caddys
    • Best Pool Umbrellas
    • Best Non Slip Bath Mats
    • Best Shower Drain Hair Catchers
    • Best Tension Shower Rods
  • Blog
    • Health Benefits of a Hot Tub
    • Setting Up a Pool
    • Best Time to Buy a Pool
    • How to Prevent Algae in Pool
    • How to Heat a Pool
    • Types of Diving Boards
    • Best Time to Run a Pool Pump
    • What is a Salt Water Pool
    • How to Level Ground for Pool
    • What to Put Around Above Ground Pool
    • How Much Sand Goes in a Sand Filter for a Pool
    • Pool Filter Types
    • How to Clean Pool Filter
    • How to Clean Pool Liner
    • How to Winterize a Pool
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • About me
Pool Home School
Pool Home School
  • Best Guides
    • Heaters
      • Best Pool Heaters
      • Best Solar Pool Heaters
      • Best Electric Pool Heaters
      • Best Gas Pool Heaters
      • Best Propane Patio Heaters
      • Best Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater Reviews
      • Best Bathroom Heaters
      • Top Hayward Pool Heat Pumps
      • Best Hot Tub Heaters
      • Best Sauna Heaters
    • Pools
      • Above Ground Pool
        • Best Above Ground Pools
        • Best Above Ground Pool Ladders
        • Best Above Ground Pool Lights
        • Best Above Ground Pool Covers
        • Best Above Ground Pool Heaters
        • Best Above Ground Pool Filters
        • Best Above Ground Pool Liner
        • Best Above Ground Pool Pad Reviews
        • Summer Waves vs. Intex
      • Best Kiddie Pools
      • Best Blow Up Pool
      • Coleman vs Intex Pools
    • Pool Cleaners
      • Cleaners by Brand
        • Best Dolphin Pool Cleaners
        • Best Polaris Pool Cleaners
        • Dolphin Quantum Review
      • Comparison
        • Dolphin Premier vs Polaris F9550
        • Dolphin Premier vs Nautilus CC Plus
        • Dolphin Sigma vs Premier
        • Polaris 360 vs Polaris 380
        • Zodiac MX6 vs Zodiac MX8
        • Aquabot vs Dolphin
        • Polaris 280 vs 380
      • Best Automatic Pool Cleaners
      • Best Suction Pool Cleaners
      • Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum for Intex
      • Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
      • Best Above Ground Pool Cleaners
      • Best Pool Cleaners for Leaves
    • Swimming supplies
      • Best Swimming Goggles
      • Best Swim Jammers
      • Best Swim Paddles
      • Best Swim Fins
      • Best Earplugs for Swimming
      • Best Nose Clips for Swimming
    • Pool Heat Pumps
    • Best Pool Covers
    • Best Shower Panels
    • Best Floating Pool Lights
    • Best Shower Filters For Hard Water
    • Best Handheld Shower Heads
    • Best Pool Alarm
    • Best Shower Bases & Pans
    • Best Pool Slides
    • Best Pool Floats for Tanning
    • Best Pool Basketball Hoop
    • Best Pool Brushes
    • Best Pool Pumps for Above Ground Pool
    • Best Soaking Tubs
    • Best Vessel Sinks
    • Best Thermostatic Shower Valves
  • best spa guides
    • Best Plug and Play Hot Tubs
    • Best Inflatable Hot Tubs
    • Best Hot Tub Covers
    • Best 2 Person Hot Tubs
    • Best 4 Person Hot Tubs
    • Best Heated Foot Spa
    • Best Portable Infrared Sauna
    • Best Whirlpool Tubs
    • Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters
    • Best 2 Person Saunas
  • Supplies
    • Best Pool Skimmer Basket
    • Best Pool Test Kit
    • Best Pool Chemicals
    • Best Pool Chlorine Tablets
    • Best Salt Water Pool System
    • Best Pool Skimmer
    • Best Telescopic Pool Poles Reviewed
    • Best Paints for Concrete Pool Decks
    • Best Pool Vacuum Heads Reviewed
    • Best Pool Filter Sand
    • Best Pool Lounge Chairs
    • Best Pool Algaecides
    • Best Pool Cover Pumps
    • Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps
    • Best Pool Thermometers
    • Best Pool Test Strips
    • Best Pool Fence
    • Best Baby Floats
    • Best Bathroom Fans
    • Best Corner Shower Caddys
    • Best Pool Umbrellas
    • Best Non Slip Bath Mats
    • Best Shower Drain Hair Catchers
    • Best Tension Shower Rods
  • Blog
    • Health Benefits of a Hot Tub
    • Setting Up a Pool
    • Best Time to Buy a Pool
    • How to Prevent Algae in Pool
    • How to Heat a Pool
    • Types of Diving Boards
    • Best Time to Run a Pool Pump
    • What is a Salt Water Pool
    • How to Level Ground for Pool
    • What to Put Around Above Ground Pool
    • How Much Sand Goes in a Sand Filter for a Pool
    • Pool Filter Types
    • How to Clean Pool Filter
    • How to Clean Pool Liner
    • How to Winterize a Pool
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • About me

The 5 Best Pool Filter Sand in 2020

Last updated on August 7th, 2020

  • Steve
5 / 5 ( 9 votes )

Having your own pool gives you the opportunity to relax after a long day or invite all the neighbors for a pool party. However, if you don’t choose the right kind of filter sand for your pool, you run the risk of water that’s less than sparkling clean.

In this article, I’ll tell you what you need to look for when buying pool filter sand and give you a few quality brands to choose from. As someone who has had years of pool management experience (I manage my own backyard pool, too!), I know a lot about what makes the best pool filter sand. Let’s dive in and start looking at the top picks.

Contents

  • 1 Our Top Recommended Sand Filters
  • 2 Best Sand for a Pool Filter:
    • 2.1 1. FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz
    • 2.2 2. ZeoSand Zeolite Filter Media
    • 2.3 3. Palmetto Filter Sand
    • 2.4 4. hth Pool Filter Sand
    • 2.5 5. Quikrete Pool Filter Sand
  • 3 Factors to Consider When Buying Best Pool Filter Sand
  • 4 Pool Filter Sand FAQ
  • 5 Making the Decision

Our Top Recommended Sand Filters

FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White
  • Check on Amazon!
  • Our Rating:
  • 100% natural sand is chemical free and backwashes easily and evenly

    Does not stain and ensures easy maintenance at a lower cost

    Filters out insects, leaves, oils, dirt, dust, hair and algae from pool water

Jump To Full Review
Zeo, Inc ZeoSand-50 ZeoSand Swimming Pool Sand Replacement, Alternative Filter Media, 50 P, White
  • Check on Amazon!
  • Our Rating:
  • Catches more particulate than sand and decreases back wash times

    Removes eye-burning chloramines

    Product Ships as 2 x 25 lb. bags

Jump To Full Review
Palmetto Poolfilter-50 Superior Pool Sand Filter – 20# Grade – Formula, Commercial Filters-50 Pounds
  • Check on Amazon!
  • Our Rating:
  • Sand is 100% natural and has No chemicals added.

    Sand will not solidify and not allow clogging and channeling of the sand in the filter.

    Sand is packaged in strong heat sealed 6. 5 heavy mil bag.

Jump To Full Review

Best Sand for a Pool Filter:

1. FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz

  • According to the manufacturer, it can even remove oils, which helps keep pool water extra clean and clear
  • Its environmentally friendly and chemical-free, so you dont need to worry about creating adverse health or environmental effects by using it
  • It does not solidify, ensuring that it will work as a long-term filter solution
  • Excellent filtering and easy backwashing means that it will efficiently filter and ultimately save you money on operational costs
  • Does not stain and ensures easy maintenance at a lower cost
View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White

This is a fairly well-known manufacturer of pool filter sand, so it’s one you’re likely to come across early in your search for the best sand for a pool filter.

It’s natural and chemical-free, so you don’t have to worry about it adding any impurities to your filter. It’s also #20 silica sand, which is the ideal grain size for pool filters. It backwashes easily, making this essential cleaning procedure easier than it is with some brands.

Pros

  • It’s an economical choice
  • It filters efficiently and backwashes easily
  • It’s from a reputable manufacturer

Cons

  • Several users have complained about grains being overly fine

What Customers Are Saying

This filter sand has good reviews overall. However, several users have complained that many of the grains were smaller than #20 silica sand. This resulted in sand slipping through and getting into the pool.

Check on Amazon! →

2. ZeoSand Zeolite Filter Media

  • Ion-exchange technology can remove harmful chemicals from the water
  • You need to buy less of it than you do sand
  • Lasts up to 5 years
  • It decreases backwash times, which saves you money
  • Product Ships as 2 x 25 lb. bags
  • It can remove more particles than regular sand
View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Zeo, Inc ZeoSand-50 ZeoSand Swimming Pool Sand Replacement, Alternative Filter Media, 50 P, White

Many people believe the best sand for pool is really an alternative medium, and ZeoSand is one of the most prominent ones. Each grain has a larger surface area than sand, meaning it can trap more and smaller particles.

Its grains are made of zeolite, and its ion-exchange technology means it can remove harmful chemicals and eye irritants. Plus, you only need half as much ZeoSand as you do regular pool filter sand.

Pros

  • It removes more particles than regular sand
  • It can save you money on operating costs
  • You need less of it than you do sand

Cons

  • Some buyers have reported filtering problems as a result of bad batches

What Customers Are Saying

Most users report that ZeoSand works perfectly. However, some have reported pool water turning green. Many of these users have communicated with the manufacturer and learned that there have been a few bad batches of ZeoSand.

Check on Amazon! →

3. Palmetto Filter Sand

  • It exceeds purity standards, so youll know that your pool water will be safe
  • It wont clump up, meaning that it will continue to filter efficiently
  • Its all-natural and chemical-free, so your water will stay pure
  • Its rated highly by other pool owners, so you can trust that it will work well
  • Washed Sand – We wash our silica sand to remove all impurities.
View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Palmetto Poolfilter-50 Superior Pool Sand Filter – 20# Grade – Formula, Commercial Filters-50 Pounds

Plenty of buyers believe that this is the best type of sand for pool filter. And notably, the manufacturer states that it has upgraded its screening protocols to ensure that its products meet the requirements for all sand filter manufacturers. This sand is also washed to remove impurities, and it exceeds the requirements of the American Water Works Association. It’s also very affordable.

Pros

  • Is very highly rated
  • Exceeds purity standards
  • Is all-natural and chemical free

Cons

  • Some pool owners may prefer an alternative medium in order to have less sand to remove when changing

What Customers Are Saying

This pool sand is highly rated by many pool owners. In looking over buyer comments, I couldn’t find anyone saying anything bad about it.

Check on Amazon! →

4. hth Pool Filter Sand

  • Sand goes through a special washing process to remove impurities, so you wont introduce new problems to your pool
  • Its specially graded to make sure grains are close in size, which promotes optimal filtering
  • It wont form clumps, so you wont have a hard time with filtering or backwashing
View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

hth Pool Sand Pool Filter Sand (67074)

This sand is a little more expensive than some brands. However, the best pool sand filter media is one that won’t add even more impurities to your pool, and this one is also washed to remove impurities. hth pool filter sand also goes through a special grading process to ensure that all grains are as close in size as possible.

Pros

  • Is very pure
  • Grains are all close in size
  • Promotes clump-free filtering

Cons

  • Compared to other brands, it’s somewhat high-priced

What Customers Are Saying

This sand is largely reviewed positively. However, a few buyers have said that it is priced too high for what you get.

Check on Amazon! →

5. Quikrete Pool Filter Sand

  • For use in swimming pool filtration systems
  • Container Size: 50 lb.
  • Carefully graded sand means you get superior filtering quality
  • Pure silica sand wont add extra impurities to your pool
  • Its made by a reputable company, so you have some degree of quality assurance
View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

 

Quikrete Pool Filter Sand Swimming

This company normally makes concrete products, but their sand made for a sand pool filter system is highly graded. This means you get grains that are very close in size, which results in efficient and effective filtering.

Pros

  • It’s a very clean, pure sand
  • All grains are very close in size
  • It comes from a reputable manufacturer

Cons

  • It’s significantly more expensive than most brands

What Customers Are Saying

Many consumers have praised this sand as working well. However, several have said that significantquantities of sand have slipped through the filter and made their pools dirty.

Check on Amazon! →

Factors to Consider When Buying Best Pool Filter Sand

When you set out to find the best type of sand for pool filter, it can be helpful to have at least some knowledge of what makes a great pool filter sand. Here are some of the things you’ll need to consider when searching for the right sand for your filter.

It Needs to Be Filter-Specific

Palmetto Poolfilter-50 Superior Pool Sand Filter – 20# Grade – Formula, Commercial Filters-50 PoundsPlenty of people try to save money by purchasing play sand or another type of sand to put in their pool filters. Unfortunately, these sand types are not suitable for use in pools.

Often, the grains are much larger than the grains in filter sand. However, play sand grain sizing is not consistent. This means some grains may slip out of the filter and into your pool.

Additionally, you might be tempted to simply take some sand from a nearby beach. This is potentially an even worse solution than play sand. Sand from nature has the potential to introduce pathogens and other contaminants into your pool.

And since the point of a filter is to purify water, that would defeat the purpose.

Grain Size Matters

When shopping for filter sand, you may run into many pool filter sand types and sizes. You should expect pool filter sand to be between 0.45 and 0.55 mm.

This is a very fine grain size, and it’s known as #20 silica sand. Larger grain sizes create more space between each individual grain of sand. This lets more potential bits of debris and other contaminants slip through.

The Sand Type is Important

Reputable brands of pool filter sand use silica sand, which is superior when it comes to removing foreign particles from your pool water.

Palmetto Poolfilter-50 Superior Pool Sand Filter – 20# Grade – Formula, Commercial Filters-50 PoundsIf you needed another incentive to not purchase play sand, play sand is treated to remove silica, which can potentially cause cancer in children when inhaled.

This means that the sand is a different type than pool filter sand, and it’s unlikely to be effective.

You Can Choose Alternative Filter Media

Some sand filter owners choose an alternative to natural sand. Alternative filter media are often made of different minerals than silica.

Many of these sand alternatives have a greater surface area per grain than sand, meaning it’s easier for them to trap debris. Some even use ion exchange to remove additional pollutants.

Most also require fewer pool backwashes, which ultimately saves money. Generally speaking, when using these sand alternatives, you can cut the required pounds of sand in half.

Pool Filter Sand FAQ

Knowing what kind of sand for pool filter you need and then buying it is the first step. But if you’re new to managing your own pool, you might have some questions about using pool sand. Here are some commonly asked questions:

How Much Sand Do I Need?

Most sand filters will require between 50 pounds and 300 pounds of filter sand. This usually depends on filter size and pressure as well as on the size of your pool.

However, the good news is that you don’t have to guess how much sand to buy–most pool filter manuals will tell you exactly how much sand you need in order to make sure the filter performs optimally.

How Often Should I Change Filter Sand?

While filter sand can be a challenge to replace, the good news is that you won’t need to change it often. On average, your filter sand will need to be changed every 3-5 years. This is because the edges of sand particles become worn over time, making them less effective at trapping particles of debris.

What Kinds of Things Does a Sand Filter Remove From Pool Water?

Sand filters can remove particles as small as 20-100 microns. However, these filters primarily remove insects, leaves, dirt, and other types of debris that fall into the pool. As more debris collects, sand filters can potentially remove even smaller particles.

Making the Decision

Choosing the best pool filter sand can be very difficult, and we don’t think you can really go wrong with any of the brands on our list. However, when it comes to our list, the winner is Palmetto filter sand. Between its excellent reputation with buyers, its high degree of purity, and its very affordable price, it’s a great solution for your pool’s sand filter.

Pool Home School
Copyright © 2020 PoolHomeSchool. All RIGHTS RESERVED.PoolHomeSchool is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program – it is designed to provide an aid for the websites in earning an advertisement fee – by means of advertising and linking to Amazon.com products.