Table of Contents
What kind of sand do you use for pool filter?
Silica pool filter sand is the most commonly used type. It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and can filter particles down to 20 microns, which is approximately 0.0008 inches. Silica sand is made with ground quartz, and it has rough edges to help trap particulates.
How much does sand for a pool filter cost?
Replacement sand for your sand filter typically costs around $25 per 50-pound bag, and your filter may require 100 to 600 pounds or more depending on the size and model. More than likely, you’ll need about 350 pounds of sand for an average-sized inground pool filter.
What is the best sand to use in a sand filter?
Silica sand is the oldest of the filtering medias. Not all sand is created equal and if you are going to replace your old media with sand, silica sand is the way you need to go. Number 20 silica sand will filter down to 20 microns.
What can I use instead of sand in my pool filter?
Polyballs, or polyester balls, are used in place of sand to filter your dirty pool water. Much like ZeoSand and filter glass, the number of polyballs you use with your filter is considerably lower than the amount of sand. Think about it, 1 lb of polyballs is equivalent to 75 punds of #20 silica sand.
Can you use any sand in a pool filter?
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.
Can you use play sand for pool filter?
It is not advisable to use play sand in your pool filter. The larger particle size and different chemical compositions of play sand mean that much of the dirt and debris in your pool water will just pass through the filter. It just isn’t very effective at cleaning your pool water.
How often should the sand be changed in a pool filter?
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.
How much does it cost to replace sand?
Sand typically falls between $15 and $40 per cubic yard. Prices include delivery. If you are getting your landscaping ready for the planting season, you may want to install soil, mulch, rocks, or any other type of decorative stone or paving.
How long do pool sand filters last?
Sand filters do last quite a long time, around 5 to 7 years assuming it is maintained properly. Nonetheless, a sand filter will inevitably lose its sharp edges, making it ineffective at catching all the dirt it’s supposed to filter out.
What is No 20 silica sand?
Made for your pool sand filter, Splash #20 Grade Silica Filter Sand is effective at filtering out debris as small as 20-40 microns. Splash Sand is rough, durable, and has a slow breakdown rate allowing you to sift out water impurities better and longer between filter changes.
Is Zeosand better?
Caring for Your Pool Filter Zeolite definitely filters better than sand, but you can choose whatever works for you. If you find you need to shock your pool regularly to increase the chlorine content, you might want to try switching from sand to zeolite to see if it helps.
What kind of sand do I use for Intex sand filter?
The recommended type is No. 20 grade silica sand, with specification of 0.45 to 0.85mm (0.018 to 0.033 inches) with a Uniformity Coefficient less than 1.75. Too fine of a grade of sand will clog too quickly, and too soft of a sand will break up and also cause clogging.
Are filter balls better than sand?
Are Filter Balls Better Than Sand? Pool filter balls are much more effective at clearing the water than sand because they can trap particles that are as small as 3 microns. That means you will have clearer, cleaner pool water in almost half the time with a lot less work needed from your pool pump and filter system.
Is zeolite A sand?
Zeolite is a natural and safe mineral found in volcanic rocks. These can then be turned into Zeolite sand (or sometimes called Zeosand) and is one of the most effective mediums to keep a swimming pool extremely clear all season long.
How often do you replace zeolite?
Zeolite must be replaced once every 3 to 5 years.
Do you need special sand for a pool filter?
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.
Can I use all purpose sand for pool base?
A: We do not recommend using dirt as the base for your pool. Dirt may contain rocks or pebbles that can damage your liner. We only recommend very fine mason sand for your swimming pool sand.
Can you use beach sand in a sand filter?
Do not EVER use sand from a public ocean beach in a water filter. Another problem with “beach” sand is lack of uniform size of the individual grains.
What is the difference between pool sand and play sand?
Pool sand is exclusively made of small silica particles and is often tinted white, pink, or light green. Meanwhile, play sand is typically brown and can be made from a wide range of different materials. Pool sand can trap particles in a filter, while play sand is too large to adequately filter a pool.
Is play sand silica sand?
Sakrete Natural Play Sand’s mineral make up is silica, which is the same as any beach sand. When using sand in industrial settings, such as for sand blasting sand these can be broken up into very fine particles that if one is exposed to and inhaled for a period of time may cause health problems.
Can you reuse filter sand?
As long as you can easily run your hands through it, it should be fine to use. Cover the center standpipe so you don’t accidently get sand in it and make sure you backwash and rinse well before setting it to filter.
How do you know if your pool filter sand is bad?
If you’ve noticed that the backwashing cycles have become shorter, then you should check to see if the sand filter is dirty or greasy. If the filter is dirty or greasy, then don’t be surprised if it takes on the appearance of sandy lard. When this happens, the water doesn’t flow through the sand filter media.
