Your pool sand filter needs a special kind of sand in order for it to function properly. Using any type of sand that’s not designed for pool filter use is a big no-no. There are two types of pool sand filter media that’s commonly used in Australian pool, and that’s filter media sand and filter media glass. 

Filter Media Sand 

The first, and most common, pool sand filter media is called filter media sand or quartz silica sand. These have a size of roughly 0.45 to 0.55mm and they can filter out particles down to 20 microns in size. This is the most popular option as they’re cheap and they can last up to five to seven years before needing to be replaced. 

Filter Media Glass

This type of pool sand filter media is made from recycled glass crushed to a certain specification. While a little bit more expensive than filter media sand or quartz silica sand, filter media glass has the distinct advantage of being able to filter out dirt and debris down to 5-10 microns in size. This means a higher water clarity than your regular pool sand. 

For more information on Filter Media Sand VS Filter Media Glass, check out our Definitive Sand Filter Media guide here.

How Much Sand do I need? 

Depending on the size/diameter of your pool sand filter, your sand requirements may vary. 

Filter Media Sand

• For 21" Sand Filter - 80kgs
• For 25" Sand Filter - 120kgs
• For 28" Sand Filter - 150kgs
• For 30" Sand Filter - 200kgs

Filter Media Glass 

• 21" Sand Filter - 1 coarse and 3 fine
• 25" Sand Filter - 2 coarse and 5 fine
• 28" Sand Filter - 3 coarse and 8 fine
• 32" Sand Filter - 5 coarse and 13 fine

For more information on how to add or replace your pool sand filter media, we have a comprehensive sand media replacement guide which you can check out here. 

To maximize the cleaning power of your pool sand filter and your filter media, it is advisable to give your sand filter a backwash every few weeks or if your pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above its baseline level. 

If you notice any unusual leaks from your sand filter or if you feel that your sand filter isn’t performing as well as it should then be sure to check out our multiport valve troubleshooting guide here.

P.S. Our filter media offerings are packaged to fit pool sand filters of specific sizes so just select your pool sand filter sand and you're good to go!