How to Measure Sand for a Pool

It's important to know the correct amount of sand needed for your sand filter to run efficiently.

Sand filters are a popular choice among swimming pool owners because of the ease of use and maintenance. The sand used in pool sand filters is specialized pool grade #20 silica sand. For initial use of the sand filter, sand will need to be added to the filter. Throughout the swimming season, the sand might need to be replaced. It’s important to know how much sand is needed for your particular sand filter to ensure the best results. Sand media is sold in 50-pound bags, and sand filter manufacturers' sand requirements are divisible by 50; making measuring the sand as easy as counting the number of bags needed.

Things You'll Need

• Filter owner’s manual
• Sand media

Instructions

1. Determine the type of sand filter you own. The manufacturer’s name should be printed on the top or side of the filter. If you no longer can read the name because of use, check your owner’s manual.

2. Figure out how much sand you need. Consult your filter owner’s manual for the exact amount needed for your filter. This amount also can be found on the manufacture label on the filter tank. If you no longer have the owner’s manual and the label is worn off on the filter, you can find charts online based on your particular model.

3. Add one 50-pound bag of sand at a time to the filter. Continue to add a bag of sand until you reach the amount needed for your filter. If you have an unknown amount of sand left over from a previous bag, use a coffee can to measure individual pounds of sand.

References

• Backyard City Pools: Sand Filter Measurement Chart based on Manufacturer
• Hayward Pool Products: Hayward Sand Filter Owner's Manual

Resources

• Backyard City Pools: Sand Filter Measurement Chart based on Manufacturer