Where to buy gravel for sand filter

[pumpkineater59]

We are almost at the end of the process of remodeling our pool. As part of the remodel, we replaced all the 40 year old equipment. This included changing the stainless Purex DE filter to a Triton II sand filter. This due to lower maintenance. I've decided to use both gravel and sand in the TR-140, however, I cannot find a place to buy the gravel. The Triton manual states the gravel should be 1/8" to 1/4" in size. Any suggestions of where to go? I've found the #20 Silica pool sand at HD.
Thanks.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Most places have washed pea gravel that meets that specification. I bet even HD has it.

 

[pumpkineater59]

Thanks. I will make a more thorough check at HD for the gravel.

 

[pumpkineater59]

I guess I'm out of luck. Neither HD nor Lowes carry that small of pea gravel. Unless there are other suggestions, I most likely will have to call the construction material suppliers. That I'm guessing will not be washed gravel. Tomorrow plaster is starting and after that pool startup. Ugh, I'm down to the last minute and still don't know where to go

 

[4knights]

Menards, or maybe Walmart in the aquarium section or lawn and garden. Possibly a landscape store that deals with KOI ponds- they use gravel in the filter system

 

[pumpkineater59]

Thanks. i will try Walmart and look for some koi pond dealers. Menards isn't around in my area.

 

[pumpkineater59]

I ended up going to Thompson Building Material for getting the gravel.

 

[RobbieH]

Mine is filled with just sand. Does the 140 not have this option?

 

[Qwaxalot]

Mine is filled with just sand. Does the 140 not have this option?

You can use sand on any sand filter. The nice thing about bigger sand filters is that, because of their large size, you can use pea gravel to cover the laterals. This helps prevent lateral clogs and breakage, and makes a sand change much easier.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Mine is filled with just sand. Does the 140 not have this option?

You can use sand on any sand filter. The nice thing about bigger sand filters is that, because of their large size, you can use pea gravel to cover the laterals. This helps prevent lateral clogs and breakage, and makes a sand change much easier.

I thought sand really next to never needed to be changed? What sort of problems would require the sand to be changed?

 

[UnderWaterVanya]

I'd guess even if you never changed it. Cleaning would be easier with gravel protecting the lateral from the hose end.


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[Qwaxalot]

Mine is filled with just sand. Does the 140 not have this option?

You can use sand on any sand filter. The nice thing about bigger sand filters is that, because of their large size, you can use pea gravel to cover the laterals. This helps prevent lateral clogs and breakage, and makes a sand change much easier.

I thought sand really next to never needed to be changed? What sort of problems would require the sand to be changed?

Sometimes it gets gunked up and calcified enough that it's just not worth the effort of cleaning it.

 

[RobbieH]

Wouldn't the sand work its way down through the gravel voids anyway?

 

[Qwaxalot]

Wouldn't the sand work its way down through the gravel voids anyway?

One would think so, but this doesn't seem to be the case. On the other hand, I've never changed the pea gravel.

 

[UnderWaterVanya]

Wouldn't the sand work its way down through the gravel voids anyway?

Some might but the gravel would still protect the laterals and potentially prevent channeling.