Sand filter size

[consigliere08]

Hello! I'm planning to update my above ground pool cartridge filter pump to sand pump, but there's one thing that concerns me.
I found that Bestway FlowClear 2200 would be a good upgrade. As I'm reading the pump online manual and it says that it requires the silica sand size of 0.45mm-0.85mm. I could find only 0.40mm-0.80mm sand in a few local pool supplies stores here, there's no 0.45mm-0.85mm sand. Even if i google 0.45mm sand, I'm not getting any results where i could buy it in my area, except 0.40-0.80
Now I'm not sure if it makes a large difference if i buy 0.40mm-0.80mm sand size instead of recommended 0.45mm-0.85mm? Thank you.

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello! Rather than searching by diameter, have you tried a search for "#20 silica pool sand"? I wonder if that would yield more results?

 

[Texas Splash]

Some gee-wiz info I found from an older thread that is sort of interesting.

Sand goes through multiple sieves to get the correct range of grain sizes. Once sorted, a sieve analysis grades the sand based on the size distribution of the grains. The reported size is a "nominal" or simplified rating of the sieve analysis. There's the largest size, which is likely the U.S Standard ASTM sieve #20 (0.841mm). There's the "effective" size, which is typically the smallest size (not more than 10% by weight can be smaller). The effective size is probably the 0.45 to 0.55 mm referenced. Therefore, the nominal grade reported won't give a full description of the sand size range or uniformity.

Pool sand and corresponding diameter sizes seem to vary slightly by brand and/or advertising. Not sure why. But if you can find something sold as #20 silica sand you should be fine.

 

[consigliere08]

Yes, i tried. Nothing found. I've checked every pools supply stores websites and they all have only 0.40-0.80mm, nothing such as #20 silica sand or 0.45-0.85mm. So confusing.
My only option is to visit one of the stores and ask about 0.45mm. Or should I buy polysphere balls instead, since they are supported for this pump. At least there are plenty of them in every store.

 

[Texas Splash]

Or should I buy polysphere balls instead,

Here at TFP, we've not been huge fans of sand alternatives. Sand has been the reliable go-to choice for decades. Maybe you can contact one of those sand manufactures to inquire about their diameter rating compared to the market's advertised term of #20 silica? It's such a small difference, perhaps nothing to worry about.

 

[consigliere08]

I guess the difference is negligible, but I will definitely visit one of the stores tomorrow just to check with them first. It's possible that there is some brand/advertising issue, as you said. I'll report back.

 

[consigliere08]

I just got a reply from one of the stores, they say that's the same sand - just what i need. At the same time I finally bought a Bestway 2200 gal/h pump for my 15x48 pool. It will be a huge upgrade from the small cardboard filter.
Next few days we are putting the finishing touches on the ground prep, so i will post some photos of the whole process after we finish the setup.
Thanks for help @Texas Splash

 

[Texas Splash]

Glad everything worked out.

 

[Bebewhee]

Hello! I'm planning to update my above ground pool cartridge filter pump to sand pump, but there's one thing that concerns me.
I found that Bestway FlowClear 2200 would be a good upgrade. As I'm reading the pump online manual and it says that it requires the silica sand size of 0.45mm-0.85mm. I could find only 0.40mm-0.80mm sand in a few local pool supplies stores here, there's no 0.45mm-0.85mm sand. Even if i google 0.45mm sand, I'm not getting any results where i could buy it in my area, except 0.40-0.80
Now I'm not sure if it makes a large difference if i buy 0.40mm-0.80mm sand size instead of recommended 0.45mm-0.85mm? Thank you.

What size pool do you have? I am switching my pump and trying to decide which pump to go with

 

[consigliere08]

Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15' x 48" Above Ground Pool Set

It doesn’t get any better than having your very own pool in your backyard! The Bestway® Steel Pro MAX™ Above Ground Pool offers an ultra durable option at a great price. Durable Construction The corrosion-resistant steel frame is equipped with our Frame

bestwayusa.com

This one. I was thinking about FlowClear 1500 first, but since there was no big difference in price, i chose to go for FlowClear 2200.