can you use play sand in pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Can You Use Play Sand in Pool Filter?

Introduction

If you are a pool owner or are planning to install a pool in your backyard, you might wonder what type of filter media to use. There are various options available in the market, but the most common ones are sand, DE (diatomaceous earth), and cartridge filters. Sand filters are the easiest to maintain, and it is less expensive than their counterparts. But, can you use play sand in pool filter?

Understanding Pool Filters

Before we dive into the topic of whether you can use play sand in pool filters, let's understand how pool filters work. The primary function of a pool filter is to remove impurities from the water. The filters accomplish this by passing water through a porous medium that catches the contaminants.

There are three types of pool filters available in the market, sand filters, DE filters, and cartridge filters. Sand filters, as the name suggests, use sand as the filter medium. DE filters use diatomaceous earth, which is a sedimentary rock, to trap the impurities. Cartridge filters use pleated cartridges made of synthetic material to capture debris.

Sand Filters and Play Sand

Sand filters are the most popular type of filters used in residential pools. They are easy to maintain and require minimal effort to operate. Sand filters use specially graded sand as the filter medium. The sand is filled in the filter tank, and water is passed through it, trapping the impurities. The clean water is then returned to the pool.

Play sand, on the other hand, is a type of sand that is commonly used in children's sandboxes. Play sand is not graded, and its particle sizes are not uniform. The sand is manufactured by crushing rocks and is not designed for use in pool filters. Play sand can contain dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can clog up the filter and reduce its efficiency.

Can Play Sand be Used in Pool Filters?

Now comes the crucial question, can you use play sand in pool filters? The short answer is no. Play sand is not suitable for use in pool filters for several reasons. First, play sand is not graded, and its particle sizes are not uniform. This makes it challenging to achieve the ideal water flow rate through the filter. Second, play sand may contain dirt, dust, and other impurities that can clog up the filter and reduce its effectiveness.

Using play sand in pool filters can also void the warranty of the filter. Manufacturers recommend using only specially graded sand in their filters to ensure optimal performance. Using play sand, which is not designed for this purpose, can cause damage to the filter and reduce its lifespan.

Alternatives to Play Sand for Pool Filters

If you do not want to use play sand in your pool filter, there are alternatives available in the market. The most popular alternative to sand is crushed glass. Crushed glass is specially treated to remove any impurities and is graded to ensure uniform particle sizes. Crushed glass is more expensive than sand, but it lasts longer and requires less frequent maintenance.

Zeolite is another alternative to play sand. It is a natural mineral that has excellent water filtration properties. Zeolite is more expensive than sand but has a longer lifespan and requires less frequent backwashing.

Conclusion

To sum up, you cannot use play sand in pool filters. Play sand is not graded, has non-uniform particle sizes, and may contain impurities that can clog up the filter. If you want to use an alternative to sand, you can choose from crushed glass or zeolite. These alternatives are more expensive than sand but provide better filtration and last longer. So, it is always better to choose a high-quality filter medium to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your pool filter.