can i use all purpose sand in my pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Can I Use All-Purpose Sand in My Pool Filter?

When it comes to maintaining a swimming pool, having a good pool filter is essential. This is because it helps to keep the water clean and free from debris. However, when it is time to replace the filter sand, many pool owners wonder whether all-purpose sand can be used instead. In this article, we will answer this question and provide some insights that will help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Understanding Pool Filters

Before we dive into whether all-purpose sand can be used in pool filters, it is essential to understand the role that pool filters play in pool maintenance. Pool filters are designed to extract impurities and debris from the water. Once the impurities have been removed, the water can then be pumped back into the pool through the return jets.

There are three main types of pool filters you can choose from. Sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth filters. All three types have their pros and cons; however, sand filters remain the most commonly used of the three. This is because they are affordable and easy to maintain.

What is Filter Sand?

Filter sand is a specially designed sand that is used in pool filtration systems. The sand is made from crushed, crystalline silica and is carefully sized to ensure that it can effectively filter out all types of debris, including small particles like dirt, leaves, and insects.

Using All-Purpose Sand in Your Pool Filter

All-purpose sand, on the other hand, is a less refined version of sand. It is commonly used in construction projects, such as building sandboxes or mixing concrete. While all-purpose sand may look similar to filter sand, there are several critical differences that make it unsuitable for pool filtration.

The first difference is the particle size. As mentioned earlier, filter sand is carefully sized to ensure that it can filter out all types of debris. If you were to use all-purpose sand, the particles would be of different sizes, causing the sand to clump together and not filter well. This can lead to poor water flow and ultimately damage your pool's pump system as a result.

Another issue is that all-purpose sand has not been engineered to the same level of purity as filter sand. This means that all-purpose sand may contain impurities that can find their way into your pool water, leading to water contamination and health risks for swimmers.

The Five Benefits of Using Filter Sand in Your Pool Filter

1. Improved Water Quality

Using filter sand ensures that your pool water is free from debris and impurities, which can improve the overall quality of your pool water.

2. Faster Filtration

Filter sand is sized optimally, making it very effective at filtering out debris, even small particles. This means that it will take less time for the pool water to be filtered, leading to more efficient filtration.

3. Longer Lifespan

Filter sand is highly durable, and it can last up to five years, depending on your pool usage. Using all-purpose sand, on the other hand, can lead to frequent sand replacements, which can be a hassle and expensive in the long run.

4. Reduced Pump Wear and Tear

Because filter sand is highly effective at filtering out debris, it reduces the load on the pool pump, leading to less stress and wear and tear on the pump system.

5. Lower Maintenance Requirements

Using filter sand in your pool filter means you will need to perform less maintenance overall. This is because filter sand is highly effective at trapping debris, reducing the need for frequent cleaning or backwashing, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while all-purpose sand may be tempting to use in your pool filter, you're far better off using filter sand. Filter sand is highly engineered, with particle size and purity levels that make it ideal for filtering out debris and impurities in pool water. Using all-purpose sand can lead to water contamination and pump system damage ultimately costing you more in the long run. Take the time to find the right filter sand for your pool filter and enjoy clean, healthy swimming pool water.