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 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.
What is the best pool filter sand?
1. FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz
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 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
Aqua Quartz pool filter sand Highlights
- 100% natural and chemical-free sand
- Premium #20-grade sand specifically for pool filters
- Ecologically safe and inert material
- Does not solidify, preventing clogging and channeling
- Filters out dirt, dust, leaves, insects, oils, algae
- Helps keep pools crystal clear
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 Pool Filter Media
Many people believe the best sand for a pool is really an alternative medium, and Zeo pool filter sand 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
Zeolite Pool Filter Highlights
- Lasts up to 5 years before needing replacement
- Decreases backwash time compared to sand filters
- All natural material with irregular shell and high surface area
- Removes chloramines, improving water quality
- Weighs less than sand but is twice as effective as a filter media
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
Plenty of buyers believe that this is the best type of sand for pool filters. Notably, the manufacturer states that it has upgraded its screening protocols to ensure that its products meet the requirements of 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
- It 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.
Palmetto Filter Sand Highlights
- Specifically designed to meet standards for all brands of pool filters
- Uses advanced robotics and screening technology.
- Grabs and filters out dirt, insects, dust, leaves, oil, hair and small particles
- 100% natural sand with no added chemicals
- Washed to remove impurities, exceeds AWWA standards
- Packaged in strong 6.5 mil heat-sealed bags
What Customers Are Saying
Many pool owners highly rate this pool sand. In looking over buyer comments, I couldn’t find anyone saying anything bad about it.
4. HTH Pool Filter Sand
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.
The 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
- The grains are all close in size
- Promotes clump-free filtering
Cons
- Compared to other brands, it’s somewhat high-priced
HTH Filter Sand Care Highlights
- For use with in-ground or above-ground swimming pool sand filters
- Specifically formulated for all types of sand filters
- 4-step color-coded pool care program for easy selection
- 3-step spa care program for crystal clear spa water
- Made in the USA products available
- Offers products to balance pH and alkalinity
- Handles common pool problems like cloudy water
- Tackles specialized issues like metals in water
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
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
Quikrete Pool Filter Sand Swimming Highlights
- Properly graded clean silica sand with 20/40 size graduation
- Narrow size range allows efficient filtration of debris and particulates
- The tan color blends into pool filters designed for sand media
- Sand captures dirt, leaves, bugs, and other debris to keep water clean
- Made of 100% natural silica quartz with no chemicals added
- Ideal for all brands of sand pool filters
- Typically replaced every 3-5 years, depending on filter type
What Customers Are Saying
Many consumers have praised this sand as working well. However, several have said that significant quantities of sand have slipped through the filter and made their pools dirty.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Pool Filter Sand
When you set out to find the best type of sand for pool filters, 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 Pounds. 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 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 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 not to 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 an 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 the pool filter you need and then buying it is the first step. But if you’re new to managing your 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.
Pool Filter Balls vs Sand?
Pool filter balls offer convenience, less maintenance, and smoother water flow. But sand filters may be a more economical choice over the long term.
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.