You can often tell the difference in composition simply from the color of the sand. Pool Filter sand tends to be quite a distinctive color – usually white, but it is pink or green on occasion. Play sand is typically a brown ‘sandy’ color.
Can play sand be used in a pool filter?
In comparison, the particle size in play sand is around 2 millimeters. When the grains are 4 times bigger, they cannot catch as much debris if used in a pool filter.
Why does sand size matter in a pool filter?
Why Size Matters. When used in a swimming pool filter, these larger sand particles trap much less dirt and debris. Any dirt that isn't trapped simply flows back into your pool. If you use sandbox sand in your pool filter, you're paying to run a pool filter that isn't actually keeping your pool clean.
What is the difference between sand and play sand?
Sand is just a term used to describe materials that have grains of a specific size. White sand is usually made from calcium carbonate, made from the remains of sea animals’ shells. Black sand is often made from broken down volcanic rock. While play sand, like much of the world’s sand, is made from quartz.
What is the difference between sandbox sand and pool sand?
At a size of up to 2 millimeters across, sandbox and play sand particles are much coarser and larger than pool sand. When used in a swimming pool filter, these larger sand particles trap much less dirt and debris. Any dirt that isn't trapped simply flows back into your pool.
Is pool filter sand same as play sand?
Play sand and pool sand are not the same, however, and are not interchangeable. Pool sand is much finer and smaller than play sand, and the two types of sand are composed of different materials.
What kind of sand do you use for pool filter?
Silica pool filter sandSilica 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.
Is play sand good for pool filter?
Pool filter sand size (such as Mystic White) is highly controlled and is much more effective at actually removing contaminants than play sand alternatives. This means higher efficiency and less needed changes. Conclusion: It truly is best to use specialty pool filter sand in your sand filters.
Is all pool sand the same?
To the untrained eye, most sand looks pretty much the same, so you might think all sand is created equal, but that's not the case. Don't be tempted by that bag of cheap play sand in your garage. It will destroy your filtration system. Always make sure to use one of three types of sand in your pool filter.
How often should you replace pool filter sand?
every 3-5 yearsOn 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.
What sand is best for leveling a pool?
Concrete sand tends to hold up best, but yellow or white sand are also safe to use. Rake the sand to distribute it evenly. Shovel in more sand as needed to level the area. More sand is needed to to level out lower areas, so dump more of the sand there.
Is play sand silica sand?
Sakrete Natural Play Sand has the same mineral make-up as any beach sand. It's true that when used in industrial settings such as sand blasting, the silica in sand 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.
How many bags of sand do I need for a pool filter?
How Much Sand Does My Pool Filter Need?Filter Model / SizePounds Required (Sand)Filtra Balls Required (Boxes)16 Inch100 Lbs2 Boxes19 Inch150 Lbs3 Boxes21 Inch200 Lbs4 Boxes23 Inch250 Lbs5 Boxes19 more rows
Can you put too much sand in a pool filter?
Adding too much sand to your pool filter can cause the pressure in your filter tank to rise and negatively affect the performance of the sand filter. If there is too much sand in the filter, it may cause certain components to break when putting the filter back together.
What do you do with old pool filter sand?
Ideas For What to do With Old Pool Filter SandBury the Sand. Probably the most straightforward solution is to bury the sand in your backyard. ... Use It For Landscaping. Due to the fine texture of pool filter sand, it makes for a great landscaping tool. ... Use It On Your Sidewalks in Winter. ... Hire a Disposal Expert.
What is filter sand used for?
Filter sand is used in water treatment facilities as well as construction projects large and small, including manmade lakes and ponds. Commonly known as pool filter sand, the differences in this sand compared to the sand used in playgrounds is what makes it best for your pool or water feature.
Why do pool filters use sand?
Image Credit: eZeePics Studio/iStock/GettyImages. Many swimming pool filters use sand to trap unwanted debris and keep it out of the pool water. Pool sand is a very effective filter, but it's also a bit pricey. Because play sand, also known as sandbox sand, is less expensive than pool sand, pool owners are often tempted to try using it in ...
What is the difference between a sandbox and a pool filter?
At a size of up to 2 millimeters across, sandbox and play sand particles are much coarser and larger than pool sand. When used in a swimming pool filter, these larger sand particles trap much less dirt and debris. Any dirt that isn't trapped simply flows back into your pool.
How big is pool filter sand?
The particulates that compose pool filter sand are a minuscule .45 to .55 millimeters in size . As your pool water flows down through this sand, debris and particulates as small as 20 to 100 microns in size get caught in between the tiny sand particles and filtered out of the water.
Is it bad to put sand in a pool filter?
The Bottom Line. 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. Beach sand and play sand may introduce contaminants and insects into your pool, as well, and are much more likely to travel out ...
Is sand a carcinogen?
As a result, sand contains quartz, feldspar and other crushed rock. It also contains silica. Silica and silica du st are known carcinogens and are undesirable in play sand. Children who inhale silica dust while playing in a sandbox could develop an irreversible and potentially fatal disease known as silicosis.
Is silica good for pool sand?
Silica is desirable in pool sand, however, as it attracts and holds particulates in water. The high amount of silica in pool sand makes it extremely effective as a filter. If you use play sand rather than pool sand, you're missing out on silica's excellent cleaning power. Silica is safe to use in pool filters because there is no danger ...
How does a pool sand filter work?
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. (Usually .45 to .55 millimeters.)
What happens when sand is too small?
When the sand is too large, it is ineffective and allows unwanted debris to pass right through the filter.
What is sand in a beach?
In some parts of the work, that sand might be black or purest white. Sand is just a term used to describe materials that have grains of a specific size.
What is all purpose sand?
All-purpose sand may initially sound exactly like that: made for ALL purpose. All purpose sand is a type of sand that has been washed to reduce dust levels. It has also been sifted so that it’s moderately coarse. This is a technical term that means it should be free of most larger particles. The remaining particles will still have many rough edges, ...
Why is play sand dusty?
It’s so fine that it can appear a bit dusty. This is a result of the small grains becoming easily airborne. You can stop this by damping the sand a little. The important thing about play sand is that it is much more rigorously tested.
What is white sand made of?
White sand is usually made from calcium carbonate, made from the remains of sea animals’ shells. Black sand is often made from broken down volcanic rock. While play sand, like much of the world’s sand, is made from quartz.
Is tremolite in play sand dangerous?
So let’s quickly address these worries. First, the tremolite. The tremolite that has been found in play sand is concerning. It is most often found in play sand bought from big box stores.
Is play sand better than coarse sand?
Play sand is much finer than coarse sand. The sand crystals are much smaller, and as a result, tend to have rounded edges. This makes it safer to play with, softer to touch, and better at sticking together when wet.
Can you play sand in a sandbox?
It’s not an issue in a sandbox. However, if you want to use something else, there are alternatives to play sand. There are types of play sand that are explicitly silica free, so you can still use sand in your sandbox. If you want to forego sand entirely, you could use things like rice or crushed walnut shells.
What type of sand should I use for a pool filter?
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.
How to measure sand size for pool filter?
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.
How often should I change a pool filter sand?
These pool filters should have the sand changed once every 3 to 5 years depending on the frequency with which the 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.
How long does Zeolite sand last?
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.
What is 20 grade sand?
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.
What is the difference between silica sand and zeolite sand?
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.
How many microns of sand should I use for a pool filter?
Instead of replacing an entire pool filter, the sand can be drained and replaced with new sand. 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.
What is Playsand Sand?
The first thing you need to understand for us to address this question is what makes “playsand” (more commonly known as sandbox sand), so much different from sand that’s specifically designed and manufactured for swimming pools. At a quick glance:
Why is silica removed from sandbox?
To prevent children from inhaling cancer-causing silica or developing the disease silicosis, silica is deliberately removed from sandbox sand. Playsand has the potential to introduce contaminents into your pool, such as artificial colors, insects, water-sensitive chemicals, and more.
Is pool filter sand a graded sand?
Pool filter sand is a properly graded and dried sand, which takes into account numerous considerations that other commercially available sands simply do not.
What can I use instead of sand in a pool filter?
Sand isn't the only material you can use in your swimming pool filter, and one of the most common alternatives is zeolite, a filter medium that could increase the filtration capacity of your pool filter. Let's explore the alternatives to standard pool sand and see how they could benefit you as a pool owner.
What is the best filter for a pool?
Zeolite and sand are both suitable mediums for a swimming pool filter, and although zeolite is more expensive, it can filter out smaller particles. This enhanced ability may result in a clearer pool; however, as most people with good eyesight can't see particles smaller than 30-40 microns in size, the effect may not be as noticeable.
What is the size of a pool filter?
The standard filter medium for a swimming pool filter is #20 grade silica sand, and each grain of pool sand is between 0.45 and 0.55 mm in size. These tiny grains can filter out particles that are as small as 20-40 microns in diameter, which is roughly half the width of a human hair.
Can you use zeolite in a pool filter?
Using zeolite instead of pool sand in your filter could therefore help keep your pool water clean, clear and safe. In addition, when you use a zeolite medium for your filter, you won't need to backwash it as often, which could be a useful time saving for you and your family.
Does zeolite filter out chlorine?
Zeolite can filter out much smaller particles to result in potentially clearer pool water, and its structure also allows it to trap ammonium ions, which react with chlorine in the water to render it useless. Using zeolite instead of pool sand in your filter could therefore help keep your pool water clean, clear and safe.
Is zeolite better than sand?
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.
Should I backwash my pool filter?
Backwash the filter regularly to maintain a suitable pressure level, and ensure you use the right amount of filter medium for your pool. There's no clear answer to the question "Should I use zeolite or sand in my pool filter?". because both materials can be suitable filter mediums for a backyard swimming pool.
Quick Dip: Pool Filter Sand vs. Play Sand – What’s The difference?
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. (Usually .45 to .55 millimeters.) Sand is a durable, lasting filtra...
Using The Right Sand
- In an attempt to save money, some of our clients have tried to use play or sandbox sand purchased from local hardware stores. Unfortunately, this is asking for trouble. Sand formulated especially for use in pool filters is just the right size to ensure it works with and stays in the filter. When grains of sand are too small, these can pass through the filter system’s laterals and right i…
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- Since 1982, Leisure Pool & Spa Supply has been serving the needs of both commercial and residential aquatics. From commercial construction to chemical supplies, we offer a wide range of services to get you swimming today. If you are looking to purchase pool filter sand for your swimming pool, get in touch with us today. We have filter sand, pool chemicals, equipment and …