will all purpose sand work in a pool filter

Introduction:

Pool filters are necessary for maintaining crystal clear, healthy water in your pool. Sand is a common filter media used in pools that require backwashing, and it comes in different grades such as #20, #30, and #40, used depending on pool size and equipment specifications. But what if you need to buy sand at a moment's notice, and cannot find the right grade for your filter – will all-purpose sand work in pool filters? Let's find out.

What is all-purpose sand?

All-purpose sand is a versatile product made from silica or concrete, and it's commonly used for construction, landscaping, and play areas. It is usually a silica sand product, washed, and screened to remove debris and contaminants like metals, clay, and silt. However, it can come in different sizes, which means that not all all-purpose sands are the same quality.

Can all-purpose sand work in a pool filter?

The short answer is – it depends. While it is possible to use all-purpose sand as a filter media, its efficiency may not be ideal since it is not designed for that specific purpose. To determine if your all-purpose sand can work in your pool filter, you need to consider the following factors.

1. Size and Grade of Sand Particles:

Sand filters operate best when the size of the sand particles is consistent throughout the bed. Sand filters grade further using the number of mesh the sand passes through in one square inch. #20 mesh is the most common size and grade used for pool filters, and #30 or #40 mesh are reserved for larger pools that require more volume. Using the wrong mesh size will cause the sand to clog, which makes it difficult for water to pass through the filter effectively.

2. Density of Sand:

Sand particles are denser enough to trap particulate matter but porous enough to allow water to pass through it. All-purpose sand may have a different density than filter sand, so it may compact differently and allow particles to pass through the filter.

3. Contaminants:

All-purpose sand is not screened as thoroughly as filter sand. It may contain impurities that can clog or damage the internal parts of your filter, causing it to fail.

4. Cost:

All-purpose sand is cheaper than pool filter sand. While it may seem like an affordable option, using it may cause more harm than good in the long run. The cost of replacing other costly pool components because of clogging may exceed what you would have paid for high-quality filter sand.

5. Warranty:

Using an unapproved product like all-purpose sand may make your filter warranty void, causing you to incur extra repair costs or replacement costs down the line.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right sand to use in your pool filter is crucial for your pool's health, and the filters' efficiency. After considering the above factors, it is evident that all-purpose sand is not the best option for your pool filter. Using it may cause clogging, poor filtration, and even damage your pool filter's internal parts. Instead, opt for high-quality filter sand that is specifically designed for this purpose. It may cost you more, but the benefits far outweigh the risks of using an unapproved and untested product. Remember, a healthy pool is a happy pool.