Sand Filters

Discover high-performance sand filters for crystal-clear pool water. Our commercial and residential sand filtration systems effectively remove debris and contaminants, providing reliable pool maintenance with easy backwashing. Shop top brands with fast shipping and expert support. Need filter media? Browse our complete selection of pool filter sand, glass media, and pea gravel to keep your system running at peak performance.

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Upgrade Your Sand Filter With High-Performance Media

Traditional silica sand works—but modern filter media like glass media takes it a step further. Crushed glass offers superior filtration, filtering down to as low as 5 microns, compared to 20–30 microns for standard sand. It also requires less backwashing and resists channeling, helping your filter run more efficiently with less waste.

For proper performance and flow, be sure to use pea gravel as a base layer in larger sand filters. It supports the main media bed, prevents clogging, and improves distribution.

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[Browse Pea Gravel for Sand Filters] 🔗

🌡️ Keep Your Filter Working Smarter With Balanced Water

Even the best sand filter can't do it all. Poor water chemistry leads to cloudy water, algae growth, and scale buildup—making your filter work harder than it should. Maintaining proper pH, total alkalinity, and sanitizer levels helps your filter media perform at its peak and protects your pool equipment from damage.

🧪 Explore essentials for balanced water:

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the sand in my pool filter?
It’s recommended to change the sand in your pool filter every 3-5 years. Heavily used pools or pools with poor water quality may require more frequent changes for optimal filtration.
How does a sand filter for a swimming pool work?
A sand filter traps dirt and debris from water as it passes through a bed of filter media. Clean water then returns to your pool, maintaining clear and safe swimming conditions.
What kind of sand or media should I use in my sand pool filter?
Use No. 20 silica sand, such as Mystic White II. For superior filtration, consider glass media like Brightline Glass (use 20% less by weight) or Dr. Dryden's Activate. Glass media can filter finer particles (down to 3–5 microns), requires less frequent backwashing, and may last longer than traditional sand.
How do I backwash a sand pool filter?
To backwash a sand filter:
  • 1) Turn off the pump
  • 2) Set filter valve to 'Backwash'. If your backwash line has a valve on it, make sure it is open!
  • 3) Backwash for a few minutes until water runs clear
  • 4) If using a multiport valve, set to 'Rinse' next; slide valves do not have this option. Rinse for around 45 - 60 seconds.
  • 5) Return valve to 'Filter' for normal operation
If you have a multiport valve, make sure it is fully seated to prevent wear/tear and leaks!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the sand in my pool filter?
It’s recommended to change the sand in your pool filter every 3-5 years. Heavily used pools or pools with poor water quality may require more frequent changes for optimal filtration.
How does a sand filter for a swimming pool work?
A sand filter traps dirt and debris from water as it passes through a bed of filter media. Clean water then returns to your pool, maintaining clear and safe swimming conditions.
What kind of sand or media should I use in my sand pool filter?
Use No. 20 silica sand, such as Mystic White II. For superior filtration, consider glass media like Brightline Glass (use 20% less by weight) or Dr. Dryden's Activate. Glass media can filter finer particles (down to 3–5 microns), requires less frequent backwashing, and may last longer than traditional sand.
How do I backwash a sand pool filter?
To backwash a sand filter:
  • 1) Turn off the pump
  • 2) Set filter valve to 'Backwash'. If your backwash line has a valve on it, make sure it is open!
  • 3) Backwash for a few minutes until water runs clear
  • 4) If using a multiport valve, set to 'Rinse' next; slide valves do not have this option. Rinse for around 45 - 60 seconds.
  • 5) Return valve to 'Filter' for normal operation
If you have a multiport valve, make sure it is fully seated to prevent wear/tear and leaks!

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