The 16 best pool filter sand brands
Hayward, Intex and Waterway lead our ranking of 16 pool filter sand brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Pool Filter Sand brands, ranked
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1
Hayward
Pro-Series and VariFlo sand filters sit in the upper mid-range, with multiport valves that make backwashing easier.
Top products: Pro-Series Sand Filterยท VariFlo
Website: hayward-pool.com |Brands like Hayward
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Intex
Krystal Clear pump-and-filter combos target budget above-ground pools and are usually sold as a bundle with the filter sand.
Top products: Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
Website: intexcorp.com |Brands like Intex
Popularity 3.3/10
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3
Waterway
Drain screen caps and multiport parts make up much of its sand filter range, which suits owners repairing an existing unit.
Website: waterwayplastics.com |Brands like Waterway
Popularity 3.3/10
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4
Swimline
Compact sand filter pumps sized for above-ground liner pools, a small add-on beside its toys and covers.
Website: swimline.com |Brands like Swimline
Popularity 2.6/10
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5
Bestway
Entry-level sand filter pumps for smaller above-ground pools, led by the Flowclear line with small gallon ratings.
Top products: Flowclear 1500
Website: bestwayusa.com |Brands like Bestway
Popularity 2.2/10
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6
Zodiac
Commercial-grade sand filters and heat pumps aimed at in-ground pools, usually bought through pool installers.
Website: zodiacpoolsystems.com |Brands like Zodiac
Popularity 1.9/10
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7
vidaXL
Inexpensive sand filter pumps for above-ground pools, sold mostly online with simple, ready-to-run setups.
Website: vidaxl.com |Brands like vidaXL
Popularity 1.4/10
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8
Polaris
Prestige above-ground sand filter with a simple setup, sold alongside the brand's robotic pool cleaners.
Top products: Prestige
Website: polaris.com |Brands like Polaris
Popularity 1.3/10
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9
Davey
Pumps and filtration for residential and commercial pools, with a range that extends into wider water treatment.
Website: daveywater.com |Brands like Davey
Popularity 1.3/10
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10
Jandy
Professional-grade pool and spa controls and filters, with many installs done by contractors rather than DIY owners.
Website: jandy.com |Brands like Jandy
Popularity 0.9/10
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11
Blue Wave
Blue Wave Pool and Spa company have various high inground indoor pools, spa chemical, remanufactured products, and accouterments. The company provides open and closed water parks; consumers can arrange their slamming shut appointments on the webpage or by contacting them....
Website: bluewaveproducts.com |Brands like Blue Wave
Popularity 0.9/10
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12
AstralPool
AstralPool designs swimming pool filters, pumps and filter sand for owners who want simpler pool upkeep. Its equipment is built around automation, including automatic pool cleaning robots. The Spanish manufacturer also provides installation and management services for home pools and...
Website: astralpool.com |Brands like AstralPool
Popularity 0.7/10
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13
Waterco
Water Pollution is one of the types of pollution that causes problems to the earth. Many water-borne diseases occur in humans due to this pollution. Waterco is an American brand that provides sanitation and filtration innovations products for water purification....
Website: waterco.us |Brands like Waterco
Popularity 0.7/10
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14
FILBUR
Relaxing in a pool or a spa is a feeling that can not be explained in a few words. The cool water lets you calm down your nerves and take you to another world. But to maintain a clean and...
Website: filburmfg.com |Brands like FILBUR
Popularity 0.6/10
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15
Doughboy
Doughboy Pools is America's largest maker of above-ground swimming pools. Its items are accessible in shops and online throughout the United States. They specialize in designing and constructing stunning above-ground swimming pools that provide good value for money, excellent quality,...
Website: doughboypools.com |Brands like Doughboy
Popularity 0.6/10
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16
Coleman
The outdoors is calling. Coleman is where you can find all the items needed for a successful outdoor trip in the future. The brand started in 1950, and they have continued to revolutionize the outdoor experience for the people. You...
Website: coleman.com |Brands like Coleman
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward | hayward-pool.com | /HaywardPoolProducts | haywardpoolproducts | @haywardpool | HaywardPoolProducts |
| Intex | intexcorp.com | /intexrecreationcorp | intexrecreationcorp | – | intexrecreationcorp |
| Waterway | waterwayplastics.com | /Waterway-Plastics-132649443445814 | – | – | – |
| Swimline | swimline.com | – | p | – | Swimline International Leisure Products |
| Bestway | bestwayusa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Zodiac | zodiacpoolsystems.com | – | – | – | – |
| vidaXL | vidaxl.com | – | – | – | – |
| Polaris | polaris.com | – | – | – | – |
| Davey | daveywater.com | /DaveyWaterProducts | daveywaterproducts | – | DaveyWaterProducts |
| Jandy | jandy.com | – | – | – | – |
Pool Filter Sand Buying Guide
When it comes to pool maintenance, one of the most critical components is the pool filter. The filter is responsible for keeping your swimming pool clean and safe for use. It is especially important to have a well-functioning filter during summer when the pool is frequently used.
A pool filter operates by pushing water through a filter media, which traps dirt and debris in the water. One of the most popular filter media that people use is pool filter sand. If you are looking to buy pool filter sand, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
What is Pool Filter Sand?
Pool filter sand is a specially graded sand that is used as the filter media for swimming pool filters. It is made up of uniformly sized particles that have been carefully washed and graded. The sand is available in different grain sizes, and the size you choose will depend on the type of filter you have and the manufacturer's recommendation.
Pool filter sand filters out fine particles from the water, such as dirt, debris, and other contaminants. It keeps the water in your pool clear and safe, and it must be changed regularly to maintain its efficiency.
Types of Pool Filter Sand
There are two primary types of pool filter sand: silica sand and zeolite sand. Each type of sand has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Silica Sand
Silica sand is the most common type of pool filter sand. It is made up of quartz, which is a hard and durable mineral. Silica sand is effective at filtering out fine particles from the water and improving water clarity. It is also affordable and readily available.
However, one of the downsides of silica sand is that it requires frequent backwashing to remove dirt and debris. This can lead to increased water usage, and it can also cause wear and tear on the filter system. Additionally, silica sand does not have a high surface area, which can impact its overall filtration efficiency.
Zeolite Sand
Zeolite sand is a newer type of pool filter sand that is rapidly gaining popularity. It is made up of a naturally occurring mineral called zeolite, which has a unique structure that allows it to filter water more efficiently than silica sand.
Zeolite sand has a high surface area, which means it can filter out more particles from the water. It also requires less backwashing than silica sand, making it a more eco-friendly option. Additionally, zeolite sand can help to reduce the amount of chlorine required to keep your pool water clean.
However, the main downside of zeolite sand is that it is more expensive than silica sand. It can cost up to five times more than silica sand. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits and cost savings make it a viable option for pool owners who are looking for a more efficient and eco-friendly solution.
Factors to Consider When Buying Pool Filter Sand
Before you buy pool filter sand, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure that you get the right type and grain size for your filter system.
Type of Pool Filter
One of the most critical factors to consider when buying pool filter sand is the type of pool filter you have. The type of filter you have will determine the type and size of sand you need. There are three types of pool filters:
- Cartridge filters
- Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters
- Sand filters
Each type of filter requires a different type and size of sand. Sand filters generally require the largest grain size of sand, while DE filters require the smallest grain size. Be sure to check the manual for your filter system or consult with a professional to ensure that you get the right type and size of sand.
Grain Size
The grain size of the sand is another important factor to consider when buying pool filter sand. The size of the sand grain will impact its efficiency at filtering out particles from the water. The grain size will also affect the flow rate of the filter system.
Pool filter sand is available in different grain sizes ranging from 0.45mm to 3mm. The most common grain sizes are 0.45mm to 0.55mm and 1mm to 2mm. The grain size you choose will depend on the manufacturer's recommendation for your filter system.
For example, a sand filter system with a filter tank size of 24 inches would require 200 to 300 pounds of 20-40 grain size pool filter sand. On the other hand, a diatomaceous earth (DE) filter would require a much smaller grain size like 0.4mm to 1mm.
Price
The price of pool filter sand is also a critical factor to consider when making a purchase. Silica sand is the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 for a 50-pound bag. Zeolite sand, on the other hand, is more expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 for a 50-pound bag.
Although zeolite sand is more expensive upfront, it can save you money in the long run because it requires less backwashing and reduces the amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool clean.
Conclusion
Pool filter sand is an essential component of any pool filter system. It is responsible for filtering out dirt and debris from the water, keeping it clean and safe for use. When buying pool filter sand, it is crucial to consider the type of pool filter you have, the grain size of the sand, and the price.
Both silica sand and zeolite sand are viable options, but zeolite sand is more efficient and eco-friendly in the long run. Investing in a high-quality pool filter sand will ensure the longevity and efficiency of your pool filter system, which will save you money and ensure the safety of your pool.
