Filter sand recommendation

[azanclay]

Any recommendation on what brand of filter sand to use? I have a Hayward sand filter with 20# silica sand and 0.45-0.55 microns size required by manufacturers. I’ve seen quickrete, clorox brands but don’t know if they meet manufacturers’ specs. Just says on the bag ‘ pool sand’.

Also temperatures had been in the 70’s during the day 60’s at night last week and will last through mid next week when it is forecasted to drop to 50-60’s during the day and 30-40’s at night. Would y’all recommend waiting to open the pool until the pollen count drop a bit (maybe wait two
more weeks…) It is at its peak right now and and oak trees surrounding the pool, i just never dealt with cleaning pollen before but the temperatures have been unseasonally warm for February in Atlanta. I’ve added 1.5 gallons of LC this week and let the pump run 4 hrs /day and vacuumed. Many thanks.

 

[mknauss]

What is wrong with the sand you have? It does not need to be changed unless adulterated with floc.

 

[azanclay]

I never actually opened the filter. I guess I can do that today and inspect. But we bought our house in Dec 2019 and the original owner told us that the pool equipment was 5 yrs old then. So the sand may be 8 yrs old now.

 

[Texas Splash]

You may never know what the previous owners added to the water (thus the sand). But if you do open the filter to check the sand, if it looks otherwise normal but just packed and dirty, all you may need to do is a good deep cleaning.

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[azanclay]

Thanks y’all. Will do that today

 

[Mdragger88]

If you do need to replace or add some to top it off, avoid the quickcrete one - some have noted that it’s been too fine & ends up in the pool.
The clorox pool sand is possibly not even sand at all or a hybrid that seems to contain zeolite which comes with its own set of issues.
Stick with one that states it is #20 silica pool sand like hth, palmetto, mystic white etc.
sand is one of those things I do buy at the local pool store when necessary. The good stuff seems to be cheaper there anyway.

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[azanclay]

Do I need to replace the o-ring/gasket between the filter tank and top/lid? Or lubricating it is enough?

 

[mknauss]

Do I need to replace the o-ring/gasket between the filter tank and top/lid? Or lubricating it is enough?

If the oring is in good shape, just use some Pool Lube - Further Reading

 

[azanclay]

I just had the time to open the filter and did the deep cleaning. It was very dirty and 1.5 hours wasn’t enough to get the water clear. So I have to continue cleaning it tomorrow.

Question,
how do I know if I need to add sand? I don’t know what the normal level is.

 

[Texas Splash]

how do I know if I need to add sand? I don’t know what the normal level is.

It's generally about 2/3 full. Ballpark the sand stops about the same height as the inside curve of the filter and a few inches below the top of the center stand pipe.

 

[Mdragger88]

Depends on exactly which one you have - most Haywards say 6” from the top.
Roughly around where the curve begins (there may be a line there)
What is your model?

 

[azanclay]

It's generally about 2/3 full. Ballpark the sand stops about the same height as the inside curve of the filter and a few inches below the top of the center stand pipe.

It definitely looked low, like less than half full maybe. I’ll buy some sand tomorrow then. Thanks so much!

 

[azanclay]

Depends on exactly which one you have - most Haywards say 6” from the top.
Roughly around where the curve begins (there may be a line there)
What is your model?

S244T you are correct i just thought of readng the manual and it does say within 6” from the top of tank

 

[Mdragger88]

Be sure to fill out your signature with all your equipment & details,
It helps ensure you get the most accurate advice

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.google.com

 

[azanclay]

I called the two closest pool supply stores near my house. One sells 40 lbs bag 20# silica sand for $11.99 and the other sells 50lb bag 20# silica sand for $10.00. The stores said their sands don’t have brands they’re just labelled 20# silica. Both definitely cheaper than the HTH brand sand I’m reading a lot on this forum. Another option is Aqua Quartz sand $15.99 from Leslie. I don’t mind spending more for the HTH sand ($19.99 at ace) if it works better. What do you all recommend? Should I just go with HTH since a lot of tfp’ers have used it? I don’t know where to find mystic white or palmetto brand other than ordering from Amazon which takes a week to get.

 

[Mdragger88]

The ones at the pool store are probably just fine- especially if the pool store has a service or installs pools & actually uses the sand. So long as you get #20 silica. The only sand to avoid is the quickrete or ones that aren’t actually sand.

 

[azanclay]

The ones at the pool store are probably just fine- especially if the pool store has a service or installs pools & actually uses the sand. So long as you get #20 silica. The only sand to avoid is the quickrete or ones that aren’t actually sand.

Thank you!