Can You Put Play Sand in a Pool Filter?
No, you should not put play sand in a pool filter.
Play sand and pool filter sand have crucial differences that make play sand unsuitable for pool filters. Several sources confirm this:
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Grain Size: Play sand has a different grain size than pool filter sand. This mismatch can damage your filter. (HyClor, Trouble Free Pool) Using the wrong size sand leads to inefficient filtration and potential filter replacement. (HyClor)
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Washing and Purity: Play sand is not washed to the same standards as pool filter sand. This means it will likely contain impurities that will cloud your pool water. (The Planted Tank Forum) Extensive rinsing might help, but it's still not guaranteed to remove all impurities. (Cichlid Fish Forum)
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Filter Design: Pool filter sand is specifically designed for the purpose. Using substitute materials like play sand risks damaging the filter's laterals and causing particles to bypass the filtration process entirely. (Trouble Free Pool, Hunker)
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Fine Particles: The fine particles in play sand can slip through the laterals in the filter, ending up back in the pool. (Trouble Free Pool)
In short: Using play sand in a pool filter is not recommended and can cause problems with your pool's filtration system and water clarity. Pool filter sand is specifically manufactured for this purpose and should always be used.
