The Best Pool Filter Sands

Sand filters are commonly used for keeping your pool’s water clean, but over time the pool filter sand can become dirty and contaminated, which affects how well the filter can function. For example, pool filter sand can commonly filter debris as small as 20 microns, with 1 micron equal to 1/26,000 of an inch.

The best pool filter sand may be able to filter particles as small as 3 microns, though it depends on the type of pool filter sand that’s used. The list below features several top products, but continue reading to determine the most important factors to consider before deciding on one type of sand over another.

1. BEST OVERALL: FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter Sand
2. BEST BUDGET: Palmetto Poolfilter-50 Superior Pool Sand Filter
3. BEST SILICA SAND: HTH 67074 Filter Sand Care for Swimming Pools
4. BEST ZEOLITE SAND: Zeo, Inc ZeoSand-50 ZeoSand Swimming Pool Sand
5. BEST GLASS SAND: HARSCO METALS & MINERALS Filter Glass

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Filter Sand

Before choosing the best pool filter sand for your sand filter, it’s crucial to determine the type of sand that would be ideal for your pool. Consider the grain size, quantity of sand, and whether it’s compatible with above-ground or in-ground pool filtration systems. Read on to find more important shopping tips and details about essential product features.

Type

Good pool filter sand can come in three common types that are designed to effectively trap dirt and debris to keep the pool water clean, including silica, zeolite, and glass sand.

• 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.
• Zeolite pool filter sand is made from volcanic rock minerals and can filter debris as small as 10 microns, giving it a slight edge over silica pool filter sand. However, zeolite sand is also capable of binding with chloramines to help maintain the chlorine balance in the pool water.
• Glass pool filter sand is the best option for removing very small particles from the pool water. This alternative to silica sand is made from recycled glass and can capture debris as small as 3 to 5 microns in size, making it a good option for pools that have recurring algae problems. This is because while algae is often 30 microns in size, algae spores can be much smaller, allowing them to slip through silica sand and create new problems in the pool.

Grain Size

The grain size of pool filter sand can be measured in inches, but due to the size of the sand, it’s easier to express it in millimeters. In order for a sand filter to work properly, it needs grains of sand that are the appropriate size. If the grains are too small then the flow of water through the filter can actually sweep them up and push a large portion of the sand into the pool instead of cleaning the water.

Grains that are too large won’t get pushed out of the filter, but they are also less effective at properly filtering small particles. With this in mind, the ideal grain size for filter pool water is between 0.45 millimeters and 0.55 millimeters or 0.018 inches to 0.022 inches. Never use industrial or play sand in a pool filter. It won’t work well, and it can damage the filtration system.

Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool

Pool filters can be used with both above-ground and in-ground pools, but differences in flow rates mean that there are some pool filter sand products that aren’t appropriate for all types.

• Above-ground pool filters will typically be smaller and the flow rate through them will also be lower because the pump doesn’t need to work as hard to pull the water into the filtration system. These sand filters can be used with grains of sand as small as 0.45 millimeters without pulling sand out of the filter.
• In-ground pool filters require a heavier grain of sand above 0.5 millimeters so that the more powerful filtration system can be used without worrying about filling the pool with sand.

Beyond the flow rate of the filtration system, there isn’t a lot of difference between pool filter sand used in above-ground sand filters and the sand used with in-ground sand filters.

Filter Compatibility

Look for product information that indicates the filter type before deciding on a pool filter sand to refill your sand filter. This can include above-ground, in-ground, commercial, and residential sand filters with small differences between each type.

• Above-ground and in-ground pool filters typically use the same type of pool filter sand, but it must be the correct size to prevent the sand from being pulled into the pool instead of acting as a filter.
• Commercial filters will often have to deal with a lot of dirt and debris from a large number of people, so it’s best to use a zeolite or glass pool filter sand that can trap particles as small as 3 to 5 microns.
• Residential pool filters may not require the same level of filtration, so users can get away with the more affordable silica pool filter sand. However, both zeolite and glass can also be used for crystal clear water.

Quantity

The quantity of pool filter sand that is required depends on the specific pool filter. However, there are some basic standards that hold true for most filter brands:

• 16-inch filters require about 100 pounds of pool filter sand.
• 19-inch filters require about 150 pounds of pool filter sand.
• 21-inch filters require about 200 pounds of pool filter sand.
• 23-inch filters require about 250 pounds of pool filter sand.
• 25-inch filters require about 300 pounds of pool filter sand.

Before deciding to pick up 300 pounds of pool filter sand, check the specific filter recommendations to ensure that you don’t overload the filter, which can burn out the filtration system or deposit a large amount of sand into the pool.

Our Top Picks

The following products were chosen using several criteria, including sand type, grain size, and overall quality, factoring in the additional shopping considerations listed above. Keep reading to discover the best pool filter sand for your pool filter.

Best Overall

FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter Sand

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Silica pool filter sand, like this FairmountSantrol product, is an affordable replacement medium for all sand filters. The 20-grade silica sand is capable of filtering a wide variety of pool debris like dirt, oil, hair, and algae that is 20 microns or larger. It’s 100 percent natural silica sand that has been mined instead of manufactured so that users don’t need to worry about chemicals in the sand.

The silica pool filter sand comes in a 50-pound bag, though it’s also sold in a three-pack if more sand is necessary. It doesn’t solidify or form clumps, reducing the chance of filter clogging or channeling. The sand is also odorless and it backwashes easily, helping to keep the pool clean and crystal clear.

Product Specs

• Type: Silica
• Pool Type(s): Unlisted
• Quantity: 50 pounds

Pros

• Removes filter media of 20 microns or larger
• 100 percent natural and chemical-free
• Comes in multiple quantities
• Odorless
• Backwashes easily

Cons

• Some users report poor quality
• No grain size or compatible pool types listed
• 50 pound quantity; may need to purchase multiple bags

Get the FairmountSantrol pool filter sand on Amazon.

Best Budget

Palmetto Poolfilter-50 Superior Pool Sand Filter

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Affordability is important when it comes to pool maintenance because pool chemicals, cleaners, and repairs can be costly. So whenever possible, it’s a good idea to look for inexpensive products like this Palmetto pool filter sand. The silica sand comes in a large 50-pound bag and is 100 percent natural with no chemical additives to worry about.

The 20-grade formula is easy to backwash and can be used to filter leaves, dust, dirt, oils, algae, insects, and any other particles that are larger than 20 microns. It’s an odorless, non-clumping product that won’t clog the filter, and it lasts between 3 and 5 years before needing to be replaced.

Product Specs

• Type: Silica
• Pool Type(s): Unlisted
• Quantity: 50 pounds

Pros

• 100 percent natural product
• 20-grade formula
• Lasts for 3 to 5 years
• Odorless and non-clumping

Cons

• No grain size or compatible pool type listed
• 50 pound quantity; may need to purchase multiple bags

Get the Palmetto pool sand filter on Amazon.

Best Silica Sand

HTH Filter Sand Care for Swimming Pools

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Keep the water clean and clear with this HTH silica pool filter sand that is designed to trap dirt, dust, leaves, oils, and other small particles down to 20 microns in size. The 20-grade silica sand can be used with a variety of different sand filters including residential, commercial, above-ground, and in-ground filters, though the amount of sand per filter will differ based on the specific filters.

The pool filter sand comes in a 50-pound bag, and it has a natural formula that won’t form clumps or cause clogging. Just replace the existing sand and backwash the system until the water is running clear. After connecting the filter, the sand will remove debris from the pool water and won’t need to be replaced for 3 to 5 years, though weekly backwashing is suggested.

Product Specs

• Type: Silica
• Pool Type(s): Above-ground and in-ground
• Quantity: 50 pounds

Pros

• 20-grade formula
• Natural formula
• Lasts for 3 to 5 years

Cons

• Pricey
• May require frequent backwashing
• 50 pound quantity; may need to purchase multiple bags

Get the HTH filter sand at Ace Hardware.

Best Zeolite Sand

Zeo, Inc ZeoSand-50 ZeoSand Swimming Pool Sand

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When selecting a new pool sand, it may be a good idea to invest in a zeolite sand product, especially if the pool has recurring issues with chlorine levels that result in sore or red eyes. This zeolite sand helps absorb chloramines, which are responsible for causing eye pain and redness while swimming. The sand is also ideal for filtering very small dirt, oil, debris, and particles that are as small as 10 microns.

This pool filter sand can last for up to 5 years before needing to be replaced, and it comes in a 50-pound bag. However, 50 pounds of Zeo, Inc zeolite sand is the cleaning equivalent of 100 pounds of silica pool filter sand, allowing users to spend less and get the same results.

Product Specs

• Type: Zeolite sand
• Pool Type(s): Above-ground
• Quantity: 50 pounds

Pros

• Reduces eye irritation
• Removes filter media as small as 10 microns
• Lasts for 5 years

Cons

• Backwashing required before use
• Some users report poor results
• Expensive

Get the ZeoSand pool sand on Amazon.

Best Glass Sand

HARSCO METALS u0026 MINERALS Filter Glass

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This HARSCO glass pool filter sand is an excellent option for people who regularly experience high levels of algae in their pool or frequent algae blooms that can turn the pool water green overnight. The glass sand comes in a 40-pound bag and it is designed for filtering hair, dirt, and debris, but where this glass sand really excels is in trapping tiny particles that can be as small as 5 microns.

The pool filter sand can also help reduce the need for chemical shock treatments by capturing ammonium ions that can create harmful chloramines. It doesn’t retain as much grime as silica sand, so backwashing is quick and easy. The glass sand lasts between 5 and 9 years before it needs to be changed, outlasting standard silica sand products by two to three times.

Product Specs

• Type: Glass sand
• Pool Type(s): Above-ground and in-ground
• Quantity: 40 pounds

Pros

• Suitable for fighitng algae
• Traps particles as small as 5 microns
• Long-lasting formula

Cons

• Some users report poor bag construction
• Pricey compared to similar options

Get the HARSCO filter glass on Amazon.

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a reliable, basic pool filter sand, look no further than the FairmountSantrol silica sand this 100 percent natural formula filters particles of 20 microns or larger, is odorless, and even backwashes easily. However, for a long-lasting pool filter sand that only needs to be changed every 5 to 9 years, the HARSCO METALS & MINERALS glass sand filters particles of 5 microns in size and is capable of fighting algae in in- and above-ground pools while it filters.

How We Chose the Best Pool Filter Sands

We researched the most sought-after pool filter sands in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, compatibility with multiple pool types, quantity, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best pool filter sands available, the most popular type among users was the silica sand for its effectiveness. But, the zeolite and glass sands offered longer working times and the ability to filter media of up to 5 microns in size. Most pool filter sand options included in our top picks are also safe to use in above- and in-ground swimming pool varieties.

For added ease of use, each of these sands comes in 40- to 50-pound quantities per bag for the best bang for your buck. Plus, some of these sands help to redice eye irritation while swimming and are made with 100 percent natural formulas.

The Advantages of Using the Best Pool Filter Sand

There are many advantages to using pool filter sand to help the pool vacuum keep the pool clean including the low maintenance of a sand filter. These pool filters should have the sand changed once every 3 to 5 years depending on the frequency with which the swimming pool is used and any factors that may make the pool dirtier, like close proximity to new construction. Keep in mind that users should backwash the filter once per week, but dirtier pools may need to be backwashed two to three times.

The low maintenance required for pool filter sand is also great on the wallet. Sand filters may be expensive initially, but the actual pool filter sand is affordable and easy to find. It helps that the sand only needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, so even 250 to 300 pounds of sand isn’t that expensive over a multiyear period.

However, pool filter sand isn’t just the quick, inexpensive option; it’s also an effective method of keeping the pool cleaner and is able to filter debris down to 20 microns in size. Users can also use glass sand in the filter that is capable of filtering particles that are just 5 microns in size, ensuring the water is clean and safe for swimming.

• Pool filter sand requires very little maintenance and only needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
• Maintenance equipment for a pool, like a pool pump or a filter, can become costly, but pool filter sand is easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and it rarely needs to be replaced.
• Pool filter sand is effective at filtering debris from the pool down to an average of 20 microns.

FAQs

Sand filters are a great addition to any household with a pool, but you may still have some concerns about pool maintenance, how pool filter sand works, and if the sand can be reused. Read on to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best pool filter sand.

Q: Will sand filters remove algae?

Sand filters can be used to remove most algae from a pool, but any particles that are smaller than 20 microns will pass through the average sand filter.

Q: How often should a sand filter be backwashed?

A sand filter should be backwashed about once every week to help remove excess dirt and debris so the filter can function more effectively.

Q: What is the most common grade of sand used in sand filters?

The most common grade of sand is 20-grade silica sand, which can filter particles as small as 20 to 40 microns.

Q: Can pool filter sand be reused?

When the pool filter sand becomes too contaminated to properly filter the pool, then it should be replaced, not reused. There isn’t a good method for effectively cleaning pool filter sand, so reusing the sand would give you the same results as just leaving it in the filter indefinitely.

Q: When should the pool filter sand be replaced?

On average, sand should be replaced every 3 to 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.