The Pool Team has been in the pool industry for 40+ years. Over these years, we have tried and tested many sand filter media. We pride ourselves on offering only the best and have narrowed it down to two options: Silica sand and Clinobrite.
Water flows from the pool, entering the filter from the top. The water filters down through the filter media and then returns to the pool. The filter media is capable of trapping debris between 20 and 100 microns. Each grain of sand has a coarse texture which helps trap debris and bacteria as the water passes through the filter. We recommend replacing the sand every 18 to 24 months as the coarse texture wears away and becomes less effective over time.
When it’s time to replace the sand, there are two options to choose from:
- Silica Sand traps any particles that are 20 microns or larger. Anything smaller than 20 microns would be treated by chlorine. Silica sand is a long standing, trusted medium for pool filters.
- Clinobrite is newer on the market compared to Silica sand. Clinobrite is made from a mineral called zeolite. The great thing about Clinobrite is that it’s able to trap smaller particles than Silica Sand and doesn’t require backwashing as often. Clinobrite is a premium product compared to silica sand, however, it is needed in smaller quantities and reduces the need for other chemicals such as chlorine. Some of the other benefits of Clinobrite include the following:
- Absorbs ammonia and other metals that could be present in the water.
- Eliminates chloramines, reducing side effects such as red, burning eyes.
- Clinobrite is a natural mineral which allows it to be renewed and used again.
Why do I need to change the sand in my filter?
Over time, the sand tends to harden or solidify. This affects two things:
- The pool’s flow rate drops which leads to insufficient water circulation. This also results in the pool cleaner not making its way around the pool as effectively as it should.
- The pool water will essentially flow through the weakest parts of the sand, creating channels. The water will then continue to only flow through those channels and therefore not filter the pool water properly. This leads to a build-up in bacteria as the filter is no longer working as efficiently as it should, resulting in additional chemical usage in order to maintain the pool’s sanitation.
The Best Sand for You
When deciding which sand is the best option for you, there are many factors to take into consideration. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Silica sand and Clinobrite.
Silica Sand:
- Silica sand has been on the market for many years. It is a trusted medium for pool filtration as it is known to work well.
- Silica Sand is capable of trapping debris from 20 microns and larger.
Clinobrite:
- Clinobrite is lighter than Silica sand and it therefore lifts easier when backwashing and rinsing. This results in a more thorough filtering process.
- Clinobrite can be used in a salt chlorinated pool, however, due to the higher salt content, the salt solution which removes ammonia from the water will be less effective.
Contact a professional at any of The Pool Team stores to find out more about the different types of sand and which option is best for you.
2 years ago
