Opinions on the quality of filter sand

[BobW0295]

Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of filter sand? My local chain discount pool store sells a 50 pound bag of filter sand for $6.00, for me it seems easier to just dump the sand and replace it every couple of years. that way I can check the laterals and all the connections and know that my filter is completely clean and working correctly. I find that I do not get much of a rise in pressure between backwashes but if I do not backwash at least every 2 weeks the water starts to look cloudy. I was just wondering if there are differences in the quality of filter sand you can buy. I know about Zeobrite and am thinking about switching to that next year.

Thanks.

 

[Smykowski]

Sand is sand, as long as it's the correct size. There are very mixed opinions on zeobrite. Some rave about it, and others are sorely disappointed.

Except for a few specific circumstances, sand should never need to be replaced, and a sand filter with plain number 20 silica sand will keep a pool crystal clear. If it's not, there is likely an underlying chemistry problem.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

Regular #20 seems to work fine and as was said rarely needs to be replaced. Instead of replacing it you benefit from cleaning it - - > http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/73192-Deep-Cleaning-a-Sand-Filter?p=708028#post708028

 

[duraleigh]

I find that I do not get much of a rise in pressure between backwashes but if I do not backwash at least every 2 weeks the water starts to look cloudy.

Like smykowski, I think you have a chemistry issue but that's just a WAG without test results.

 

[jamis]

OP, are you getting a pressure rise between backwashes? What is your psi after and before a backwash? Everyone has told me you don't need to replace sand (unless you're pumping into the pool), just clean it.