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.
Our Top Recommended Sand Filters
FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz
- 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
ZeoSand Zeolite
- Our Rating:
- Catches more particulate than sand and decreases back wash times
Removes eye-burning chloramines
Product Ships as 2 x 25 lb. bags
Palmetto Filter Sand
- 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.
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
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.
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.
- It's an economical choice
- It filters efficiently and backwashes easily
- It's from a reputable manufacturer
- 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.
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
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.
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.
- It removes more particles than regular sand
- It can save you money on operating costs
- You need less of it than you do sand
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
- Is very highly rated
- Exceeds purity standards
- Is all-natural and chemical free
- 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.
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
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.
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.
- Is very pure
- Grains are all close in size
- Promotes clump-free filtering
- 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.
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
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.
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.
- It's a very clean, pure sand
- All grains are very close in size
- It comes from a reputable manufacturer
- 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.
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
Plenty 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.
If 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.
