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.
Best Sand for a Pool Filter:
1. FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds
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.
Features
- According to the manufacturer, it can even remove oils, which helps keep pool water extra clean and clear
- It’s environmentally friendly and chemical-free, so you don’t 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
What Consumers 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.
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
2. Zeo, Inc ZeoSand-50 ZeoSand Swimming Pool Sand Replacement, Alternative Filter Media, 50 P
Many people believe the best sand for a 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.
Features
- Ion-exchange technology can remove harmful chemicals from the water
- You need to buy less of it than you do sand
- It decreases backwash times, which saves you money
- It can remove more particles than regular sand
What Consumers 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.
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
3. Palmetto Poolfilter-50 20# Grade – Formulated for All Residential, Commercial Pool Sand Filters, One Size, 50Lb-A
Plenty of buyers believe that this is the best type of sand for a 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.
Features
- It exceeds purity standards, so you’ll know that your pool water will be safe
- It won’t clump up, meaning that it will continue to filter efficiently
- It’s all-natural and chemical-free, so your water will stay pure
- It’s rated highly by other pool owners, so you can trust that it will work well
What Consumers 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.
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
4. HTH 67074 Filter Sand Care for Swimming Pools, 50 lbs
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.
Features
- Sand goes through a special washing process to remove impurities, so you won’t introduce new problems to your pool
- It’s specially graded to make sure grains are close in size, which promotes optimal filtering
- It won’t form clumps, so you won’t have a hard time with filtering or backwashing
What Consumers Are Saying
This sand is largely reviewed positively. However, a few buyers have said that it is priced too high for what you get.
Pros
- Is very pure
- Grains are all close in size
- Promotes clump-free filtering
Cons
- Compared to other brands, it’s somewhat high-priced
5. 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.
Features
- Carefully graded sand means you get superior filtering quality
- Pure silica sand won’t add extra impurities to your pool
- It’s made by a reputable company, so you have some degree of quality assurance
What Consumers 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.
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
Factors to Consider When Buying Best Pool Filter Sand
When you set out to find the best type of sand for a 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.
Additionally, you might be tempted to simply take some sand from a nearby beach. This is potentially an even worse solution than playing 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.
Pool Filter Sand FAQ
Knowing what kind of sand for the 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 a very affordable price, it’s a great solution for your pool’s sand filter.