The Best Pool Sand Filter

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What is the best pool sand filter? Sand filters are the most used accessories when it comes to cleaning the pool.

There are hundreds of filters on the market today, making it impossible to choose the best. Luckily, this article looks at the eight top-rated filters to help you narrow your search. 

The filters on this piece are durable, easy to maintain, and offer an adequate flow rate. 

Review of Top 8 pool Sand Filters for 2021

Here are the top eight pool sand filters that you can use to clean your swimming pool.

1. Hayward W3S166T ProSeries Sand Filter 16 Inch

 The Hayward W3S166T is a sand filter that comes with long-lasting corrosion-free material. It is a model you can depend on no matter the weather, and it continues to function effectively. 

The product is precision-engineered to give your pool the optimum service for effective cleaning. You can also count on efficient water flow that is evenly distributed inside the sand. 

That allows the sand to last for long and provide effective backwashing. Another notable feature is the 7-position Vari-Flo valve that enables sufficient water flow even when the pressure drops. 

It also features a significant water/sand drain that allows for rapid servicing and winterizing. There is a top diffuser that helps to distribute the water evenly to cover the whole surface. 

It is a magnificent sand filter that can provide value for money. 

2. Bestway 58516E FlowClear Sand Filter Pump

The Bestway 58516E comes with sand that helps to trap debris and dirt to leave your pool clean. It is a system you can use for inground pool and above ground one and is corrosion-free. 

There is a pre-filter basket that helps to collect massive materials like hair and leaves before they leave the main filtration chamber—the water flow at a high rate of 530 gallons per hour.

Another feature is the ChemConnect dispenser that ensures you enjoy healthy water that is friendly to the skin. You can use the dispenser to add chlorine to your swimming pool.  

The product uses silica sand to treat the water, making it more cost-effective compared to a filter cartridge. It is also a unit that you can assemble without any hassle. 

3. Hayward W3S166T1580S ProSeries 16 Inch 1 HP Sand Filter System

The system comes with a 16” tank that holds enough sand to filter your above ground swimming pool. It also features a 16” filter that makes it possible to remove even the tiniest material from the water.

The system has a 7-position filter control valve that enables you to choose the ideal setting. It also comes with a 1 HP PowerFlo LX pump that can circulate the water within a short period. 

The other superb thing is the 7-position Vari-Flo valve that helps to provide maximum water flow. It also has a massive pressure water/sand drain that enables rapid servicing and winterizing.  

You can easily install the filter without seeking any assistance. The model has a superb design that enables the water to touch the whole sand surface. 

4. Hayward W3S180T93S ProSeries Sand Filter System 

It is a model for 18’ above ground pool that comes with a 20” tank made of polymer material. The filter is up to 18 inches to allows the natural filtration of water.

Another notable feature is the 7-position filter control valve that allows you to change the setting according to the need. It also comes with a 1.5 HP PowerFlo Matrix pump that circulates the water effectively.  

There is also a 7-position Vari-Flo valve that guarantees maximum flow even when the pressure drops. The unit boasts of a significant pressure water/sand drain that allows for easy servicing and winterizing.

Pump-to-filter connection offers easy installation that you can realize without seeking any help. There is a top diffuser that also allows even distribution of water over the sand.  

5. Harris H1573050 Vortex 19 Inch Above Ground Sand Filter Tank 

The 19 inches filter can work with an above ground pool with a high temperature of 113 degrees F. It has a 6-position dial valve that lets you choose the ideal setting to meet your system need. 

The best part is that the unit offers up to 360 degrees rotation and allows for clamp attachment. Another feature is the hydraulically balanced laterals that help to provide adequate water flow and filtration. 

It is a more affordable unit compared to other models from various brands on the market. The system provides a high flow rate of about 40 G.P.M. and a maximum pressure of 50 P.S.I.

It requires up to 175 pounds of sand to operate effectively, and the tank can filter about 19,200 gallons in eight hours.  

6. Pooline Products 11713 12” Sand Filter 

The product comes with a 12” sand filter and a 0.25 HP pump that combine to work for above ground pool. It comes with extra H.P. to facilitate faster and better filtration.  

The system is well-equipped and designed to provide the ultimate combination of outstanding water clarity and energy efficiency. Another feature is the quick assembly process that takes about five minutes. 

You can enjoy maximum flow when you choose this system to guarantee clean water whenever you take a swim. The other superb feature is the rugged plastic that provides your system with durability.  

It can withstand the toughest of climate and comes with a 12-month warranty for parts. The unit requires up to 42 pounds of sand to give you a clean pool within hours.

7. Jacuzzi Laser 25 Inch Sand Filter Tank 

The product was designed to provide even water distribution to guarantee maximum filtration. It comes with a 25-inch tank made of corrosion-free and U.V-free to offer it with longer life.

That tank has been designed with side-slotted and underdrain laterals that guarantee even water distribution. You can have confidence all the water gets filtered since it touches every corner of the sand.

And there is no sand migration or channeling that can leave some water untreated. The system comes with all the hardware you would need to install and has a hose.  

Another great feature is the 7-way dial valve that allows you to choose among various variables. It is a product that was designed to provide you with smooth operation and maintenance.

The product is ideal for 24’ above ground pool.  

8. Jacuzzi Laser 22.5 Inch Sand Filter System 

The Laser 22.5 Inches is well-engineered to direct the water flow evenly across the whole area of the filter. No channeling or sand migration that can leave some water uncleaned and is ideal for freshwater aquarium. 

Its side-slotted and underdrain laterals draw water evenly to touch the sand surface. That provides high-flow and longer cycles that provide better-filtered water and effective backwash. 

Another feature is the 7-way dial valve that allows for up to seven variables. They include winterize, test, drain, backwash, rinse, filtration, and whirlpool. 

The system also features a non-corrosive resin clamp that allows for easier installation. Its blow-molded tank is also corrosion-free and protected from the harmful U.V. light. 

Another feature is the high-capacity bed that ensures the sand collects more debris and prolong its life. 

Buying Guide: Pool Sand Filter

You need to consider the following factors when buying a sand filter for your swimming pool: 

1. Your Swimming Pool Size

The first thing you should know if the amount of water your pool can hold. After that, ensure that one sq. inch of the sand filter surface covers 1,000 gallons of pool water. 

Hence, if you have a 20,000 gallons pool, you should get a 20 inches tank. Also, check the brand’s guidelines to ensure you size it correctly. 

Important Tip: If you wish to improve the efficiency, consider getting a filter that is the next size of what the brand recommends.

2. Gallons Per Hour or G.P.H

You should run your swimming pool filter pump for about 10-12 hours every day to guarantee maximum filtration. Hence, when choosing your sand filter, determine how many hours you would like the pump to operate per day.  

That includes taking the total amount of water in the pool (volume) and dividing it with the duration you want the filter to run (hours). The number you get is the ideal sand filter size for your swimming pool (one that can move those gallons within an hour). 

Total Volume (Gallons)/Daily Hours Operation = G.P.H

Important Thing: Some brands give that figure in gallons per minute (the standard is gallons per hour).    

3. Know Your Climate 

If your area freezes regularly, you might have an idea of what that weather can do to your swimming pool’s accessories. There are sand filters that you can easily take out during the winter to keep them safe. 

Therefore, consider choosing a model that you can winterize and keep it safe in your garage. 

4. Price and Cost 

Sand filters can provide you with value for money when it comes to filtering your pool. They might be expensive when buying them, but that cost often decreases when you consider their low maintenance.

The only cost you might occur is when replacing the sand every five years or so. A sand filter is among the most affordable pool cleaners you can get on the market today. 

Important Tip: Always choose a product from a reputable brand and one average priced. 

5. Durability 

The other important thing is the durability of the sand filter you intend to buy. Go for a product that can wear out within a year, and you will head back to the market to buy another one. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the section below to get answers to commonly asked questions about sand filter systems.

Q: How Does a Pool Sand Filter Work?

A: A sand filter works by letting water to circulate via a tank containing sand. The water passes the sand without any problem, but debris cannot pass through. 

Once the particles are filtered, the pump returns the clean water into the swimming pool. 

Q: How to Clean A Sand Pool Filter?

A: After 5-10 days or if the pressure on the filter side has risen by 0.2 bars, consider cleaning or backwashing your sand pool filter. Follow these steps:

• Shut off the pump
• Shut the valves on return and suction lines
• Open the pump’s cover and empty the basket 
• Return the cover
• Turn the valve to the drain setting 
• Set the lever to the backwash position 
• Open the return and suction lines valves
• Turn the pump on for about 2 minutes and shut it
• Set the lever to rinse position 
• Turn the pool pump on for 30 seconds and shut it
• Turn the lever to filter 
• Shut the drain valve and turn the pump on 

Q: How Much Sand in Pool Filter?

A: Sand filters have different tank sizes, from 16” to 36” diameter, holding 100 pounds to 600 pounds of sand. 

Q: How to Vacuum Pool with Sand Filter?

A: You should leave the filter valve in the typical (filter) position when vacuuming your pool. That will direct the dirty water into the filter to eliminate the dirt. 

Q: What Size Sand Filter for Above Ground Pool?

A: Below is a guideline of sizing sand pool filters:

• 21-24 inches tank for 10,000-20,000 gallons 
• 24-30 inches tank for 20,000-30,000 gallons 
• 30-36 inches tank for 30,000-50,000 gallons 

Ensure that 1.5 sq. ft. of the filter covers 10,000 gallons of water. 

Q: How Often Change Sand in Pool Filter?

A: It is recommended you change the sand in your pool filter every five years. Although there are filters that can work for over ten years without needing the change, they become less effective. 

In Conclusion 

The best pool sand filter system should be the one that matches your facility needs. It should be a model that is easy to maintain, last longer, and filter out the tiniest of debris. 

The filter should take care of your swimming pool to guarantee clean water you can swim in without worry.