Hi, New guy here. I'm replacing a DE filter with a new 30" Hayward side mount filter. Its in the backyard still in the box. I haven't bought the media yet. I'm used to a DE filter quality water but I'm sick of the hassle and costs that go with it. I'm worried the sand isn't going to clean my pool to what I'm used to with the DE. So I was thinking Zeolite. I have a single speed 2HP pump and a 40,000 gal pool. I was all set to use Zeolite but after reading all the issues people have, I don't know what to do. I don't have any experience with a sand filter so I guess I'm asking what should I use?
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,053
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome to TFP! 
We have some Zeo users on this forum, but to be honest, sand is still the go-to recommendation for media. As long as it's a good quality pool sand, it will last forever if no pool store junk (floc, clarifiers, etc) are added to the sand. A deep clean every few seasons is all you need. Of course accurate water testing at home is a must, but if done properly, you'll be just as pleased with that filter as the previous DE.
We have some Zeo users on this forum, but to be honest, sand is still the go-to recommendation for media. As long as it's a good quality pool sand, it will last forever if no pool store junk (floc, clarifiers, etc) are added to the sand. A deep clean every few seasons is all you need. Of course accurate water testing at home is a must, but if done properly, you'll be just as pleased with that filter as the previous DE.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,053
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Here's a good read as well.
www.troublefreepool.com
Pool Filter Comparison
Your pool's filter is a vital part of your equipment pad. We'll take a look at each type of filter and list the pro's and con's of each.
www.troublefreepool.com
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,366
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
I am one of the few that use Zeo. I like it, but I'm lucky. Pool Store Zeo'd me before I knew what was what. I can't tell you the number of pools owners that have come here with Zeo problems. The issue is that you have no control over the size of the particles. Almost all Zeo comes from Australia. there are several mines. Each mine produces different sizes. As a result, you never know what you will get. Most of the folks that try it that come here complain of the Zeo getting sent to their pool. Others complain that Zeo get crushed over time and ends up in the pool. They end up with a headache. Certainly not trouble free, and you likely will not see much improvement over sand, even if you avoid the headache. As much as it works for me, I would recommend sand. Even with the Zeo, I can see particulate at night with the light on.
If you end up deciding to use it, against our better judgement, it is recommended that you backwash at least 3 times for at least 5-10 minutes each, with at least a 3 minute rinse in between.
Some good threads:
Google search results
www.troublefreepool.com
A sand filter won the TFP water clarity contest. I chose cartridges, with both builds, and I do not like sand filters. But a sand filter won fair and square. Keep in mind this was TFP's water clarity contest, no easy feat.
Thanks, I think I'm going to go with good ol sand. I don't need more headaches. Between the stuff that falls from the trees to the 3 ducks that Crud in it all day, I need a filter that I know is going to work right. I'll be getting the sand from Leslies. The sand they sell is called "AquaQuartz Standard #20" is that good sand?
Exactly. Use Zero Zeo. So glad we cleared this up.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,050
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
The thing with zeo is it’s very lightweight & better with low & slow filtering- in my case with a 1.5hp single speed pump it blew it back out into the pool every time the pump started up. I would imagine with a 2hp single speed this would be even worse. Swapping to normal sand completely solved the problem. You can always add a little de to your sand after backwashing to help with the finer particles & to “polish the water” as some say. Best of both worlds in my opinion.
www.google.com
Add DE to a Sand Filter
A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.
www.google.com