The Best Swimming Pool Sand Filters

5 minute read

Apart from the swimming pool pump, the next most key piece of equipment is the “lungs” of your pool, the filter! With an undersized or poor performing filter your pool will turn into a green nightmare full of debris and dirt, making it swamp that no one would want to swim in.

This is a guide to what we think is the Best swimming Pool Filters -

1. Water TechniX Sand Filter
2. Onga Pantera Sand Filter
3. Astral CA280 Sand Filter
4. Davey Crystal Clear Sand Filter

When it comes to having a pool, dirty water has the potential to make people very sick, which is why knowing how to keep your pool clean by combining a high-quality pool filter and the right cleaning chemicals is so important.

Many pool owners have the misconception that the pool filter will sanitise the water, which is not the case at all! That is done by chemicals circulated through the pool. The filter is one part of the circulatory system of the pool. Its job is to catch debris, so as to limit the particles floating out in the pool. That is why it is so important to correctly size and install a suitable filter to have a crystal clear pool!

The sand filters always have a six-port valve with different settings.

1. Filter: This is what your sand filter does 99% of the time, it filters the swimming pool water. 

2. Waste: In this position, the water runs directly out of the filter, bypassing the sand. This is used when the pool is excessively full or needs the debris to be vacuumed completely out of the pool. Please note: this setting actually empties your pool.
3. Backwash: This is a short cleaning cycle of the sand to improve filtration (see 'Maintenance of your swimming pool filter'). It is recommended to do this once a fortnight in summer and monthly in winter.

4. Rinse: This setting is used directly after backwashing. Allow the water to run through the filter from top to bottom for 30 seconds. This ensures all the sand is put back in place and that any remaining dirt is drained away, not blowing back into the pool 

5. Circulation: The water runs from the pump directly back to the swimming pool without going through the pool filter. This means the water isn't filtered. 

6. Closed: All ports are closed. If your pump is still on, make sure to switch it off within seconds as the pressure builds up incredibly fast! This setting is generally used if the pool is below water level and you need to ensure water is closed to service equipment.

Periodically you will need to perform some basic checks on your filter to ensure smooth operation, these are outlined below.

View our in-depth pool filter maintenance guide here!

Sand Filters are the most effective way to keep your pool water sparkling clean. They require little maintenance and will remove such impurities as dirt, leaves, grass, hair, body oils, sunscreen and even bacteria from the water. As dirt accumulates in the sand particles over time, you only need to backwash the filter by simply reversing the water flow.

Sand filters have a reputation for durability and performance and are ideal for small to large domestic swimming pools. Designed to give maximum performance with superior filtration for sparkling clear water. Compatible with sand or Zelbrite - advanced filter media which filters finer than sand and gives your pool more clarity and sparkle.

The Media Filter includes a 6 way top mount MPV, pressure gauge, sight glass & unions

Features

• Simple backwash  
• Constructed from strong corrosion and UV resistant thermoplastic
• 6-way multiport valve
• Built-in waste port sight glass for high visibility during back washing
• Large diameter tank for maximum filtration area
• Automatic air bleed to stop air build up in the tank
• Accurate stainless steel oil-filled pressure gauge
• Suitable for both salt and fresh water pool systems
• Suitable for sand, Zelbrite and silica media  
• 10 Year Tank Warranty with 2 Year Warranty on valve and gauge
• Note - Sand is not included

Manufactured in Australia, the Pantera sand filter is made from UV stabilised polyethylene.

Incorporating the proven Sta-Rite multiport valve and under-drain lateral system, these filters are ideal for small to large domestic swimming pools. The reputation for durability and performance makes the Pantera range first choice for quality pool builders.

Features

• Seamless filter body
• Under-drain laterals
• Stainless steel filter clamp
• Durable seals and gaskets
• 6 position multiport valve
• Barrel union pipe connection
• Large in-line sight glass
• Quality pressure gauge
• Compatible with sand or Zelbrite
• 10 year pro-rata warranty

Contact us for the best price on the Onga P25 Sand Filter!

AstralPools CA Media Filter is 100% designed and made in Australia from the most advanced injection moulding and assembly process of any filter. Engineered and designed for high strength, long life, optimal flow rates and easy installation and service the CA Media filter range provides the best value for money filter range which is designed for tough Australian conditions. 

Features

• CA sand filters are Australian made using high precision injection moulding resulting in superior strength and light weight.
• 6+1 multiport valve (Backwash, Rinse, Recirculate, Waste, Closed positions, Easy to Drain)
• Weather resistant body
• Pressure gauge to control filter back washing
• 10 Year warranty on the tank an 12 month warranty on valve and internals
• Premium 10 lateral under drain designed for low pressure loss which requires less power consumption for optimal flow rates
• Unique under drain ensures effective backwashing in less time saving water
• Suitable for Sand, Viron Glass and other filter media 

Davey's Premium Crystal Clear™ Media Filter Range is specifically designed for the convenient, hassle-free filtration of water in swimming pools and spa pools. 

Ideal for swimming pool applications such as:

• Inground and above ground swimming pools
• Suitable for salt, mineral salt and fresh water pools
• Swimming pools up to 95,000 litres 

Features

• “T-Lateral” System to maximise water flow for efficient filtration and backwashing
• Virtually maintenance free and easy to use
• Constructed from strong corrosion and UV resistant bobbin wound reinforced fibreglass
• Computer designed providing optimal tank strength and filtration performance
• Large diameter tank for maximum filtration area
• Built-in waste port sight glass for high visibility of water during backwashing
• Stainless steel liquid filled pressure gauge
• Suitable for sand, Zelbrite and glass media

Contact us for the best price on the Davey Crystal Clear CCF25 Sand Filter!

Think about the type of pool you have and the size of your pool. These are the two main factors in installing the right filter for years of maintenance-free poolside fun.

Larger pools will need larger filters, but you might want to use a large filter on a mid-size or even small pool, depending on how dirty it gets. Most of the time, filters will specify the size they’re used best for, but unless otherwise stated