Pool filter sand calculator: how much sand does my filter take?
Pick your filter model to get the sand the maker specifies, in pounds and 50 lb bags, plus its filter area and design flow. The amount is also printed on the tank label — if the two disagree, the label wins.
Enter your measurements
- Bags of 50 lb (22.7 kg)
- 2 bags
- Filter area
- 1.4 sq ft
- Design flow
- 30 gpm (114 L/min)
- Where the number comes from
- Hayward ProSeries manual
Hayward ProSeries S166T: 100 lb (45 kg) of #20 silica sand (Hayward ProSeries manual)
100 lb ÷ 50 lb per bag = 2 → 2 bags
- Hayward’s Q&A says it recommends only filter sand in its filters, so glass is not listed here for Hayward models.
- Use the grade the label calls for — #20 silica pool filter sand (about 0.45–0.55 mm) for every model here. Play sand and builder’s sand are the wrong size and will pass through the laterals or clog the bed.
Quick answers for common sizes
| Example | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much sand a Hayward S244T takes | 300 lb |
| How much sand for a Hayward S166T | 100 lb |
| How much sand for a Hayward S210T | 200 lb |
| How much sand an Intex SX2800 takes | 77 lb |
| How much sand for an Intex SX2100 | 50 lb |
Sand for popular filters
| Model | Filter sand (#20 silica) | Bags of 50 lb (22.7 kg) | Design flow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward S144T | 50 lb | 1 bag | 25 gpm (95 L/min) |
| Hayward S166T | 100 lb | 2 bags | 30 gpm (114 L/min) |
| Hayward S180T | 150 lb | 3 bags | 35 gpm (132 L/min) |
| Hayward S210T | 200 lb | 4 bags | 44 gpm (167 L/min) |
| Hayward S244T | 300 lb | 6 bags | 62 gpm (235 L/min) |
| Pentair Triton II TR40 | 175 lb | 4 bags | 38 gpm (144 L/min) |
| Pentair Triton II TR60 | 325 lb | 7 bags | 63 gpm (238 L/min) |
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD60 | 250 lb | 5 bags | 60 gpm (227 L/min) |
| Intex SX2100 | 50 lb | 1 bag | 1,600 gal per hour system flow (about 27 gpm) |
| Intex SX2800 | 77 lb | 2 bags | 2,150 gal per hour system flow (about 36 gpm) |
A sand filter is a tank of sand that pool water is pushed down through. The sand traps dirt until the pressure climbs; you backwash, the dirt goes to waste, and the sand stays. It lasts a long time, but when it is eventually replaced, you need the right amount of the right grade — and that is set by the filter maker, not by the size of your pool.
How much sand each filter takes
Every number in this table comes from the maker’s own manual, brochure or product page. Bags are 50 lb (22.7 kg) of #20 silica pool filter sand, rounded up.
| Filter | Filter area | Sand (#20 silica) | 50 lb bags | Design flow | Glass media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward ProSeries S144T | 1.1 sq ft | 50 lb (23 kg) | 1 | 25 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S166T | 1.4 sq ft | 100 lb (45 kg) | 2 | 30 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S180T | 1.8 sq ft | 150 lb (68 kg) | 3 | 35 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S210T / S210T2 | 2.2 sq ft | 200 lb (91 kg) | 4 | 44 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S220T / S220T2 | 2.6 sq ft | 250 lb (113 kg) | 5 | 52 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S244T / S244T2 | 3.1 sq ft | 300 lb (136 kg) | 6 | 62 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S270T / S270T2 | 3.7 sq ft | 350 lb (159 kg) | 7 | 74 gpm | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S310T2 | 4.9 sq ft | 500 lb (227 kg) | 10 | 98 gpm (area × 20) | — |
| Hayward ProSeries S360T2 | 7.1 sq ft | 700 lb (318 kg) | 14 | 142 gpm (area × 20) | — |
| Pentair Triton II TR40 | 1.92 sq ft | 175 lb (79 kg) | 4 | 38 gpm | — |
| Pentair Triton II TR50 | 2.46 sq ft | 225 lb (102 kg) | 5 | 49 gpm | — |
| Pentair Triton II TR60 | 3.14 sq ft | 325 lb (147 kg) | 7 | 63 gpm | — |
| Pentair Triton II TR100 (commercial) | 4.91 sq ft | 600 lb (272 kg) | 12 | 74 gpm | — |
| Pentair Triton II TR140 (commercial) | 7.06 sq ft | 925 lb (420 kg) | 19 | 106 gpm | — |
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD35 | 1.4 sq ft | 100 lb (45 kg) | 2 | 35 gpm | — |
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 | 1.8 sq ft | 150 lb (68 kg) | 3 | 40 gpm | — |
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD60 | 2.3 sq ft | 250 lb (113 kg) | 5 | 60 gpm | — |
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD70 | 3.15 sq ft | 300 lb (136 kg) | 6 | 70 gpm | — |
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD80 | 3.5 sq ft | 350 lb (159 kg) | 7 | 75 gpm | — |
| Intex Krystal Clear SX1500 | 10 in tank | 26 lb (11.8 kg) | 1 | 1,050 gph system flow | 18.5 lb (8.4 kg) |
| Intex Krystal Clear SX2100 | 12 in tank | 50 lb (23 kg) | 1 | 1,600 gph system flow | 35 lb (15.9 kg) |
| Intex Krystal Clear SX2800 | 14 in tank | 77 lb (35 kg) | 2 | 2,150 gph system flow | 55 lb (25 kg) |
| Intex Krystal Clear SX3000 | 16 in tank | 120 lb (54 kg) | 3 | 2,450 gph system flow | 85 lb (39 kg) |
The same table, with notes on grades and what to do with the old sand, is in the pool filter sand chart.
Why the sand is set by the filter, not the pool
The filter has a fixed volume below its valve, an underdrain of slotted laterals at the bottom and a gap at the top so the bed can lift during backwash. Hayward’s manual says the sand must stay at least 10 in below the top of the tank. Too little sand and water channels through; too much and sand blows back into the pool on backwash. So the amount is the maker’s number for that tank — which is also why a bigger pool doesn’t need more sand, it needs a bigger filter. To size one, see the pool pump size calculator.
What grade of sand
- #20 silica pool filter sand, about 0.45–0.55 mm, is the grade Hayward, Pentair and Intex all name. It is sold as “pool filter sand” in 50 lb bags.
- Not play sand, mason sand or builder’s sand. They are the wrong particle size for the laterals and the bed.
- Filter glass is lighter than sand, so a tank takes fewer pounds. Intex publishes glass amounts for its Krystal Clear systems; Hayward says it recommends only filter sand in its filters. Check your maker before switching.
How to change the sand in a sand filter
These steps follow Hayward’s ProSeries manual. Other filters are similar, but your own manual comes first.
- Power off. Switch off the pump at the breaker, close any valves between the pool and the filter, and drain the tank through its drain cap.
- Take off the valve (loosen the flange clamp on a top-mount filter) and remove the old sand. A wet/dry vacuum or a small cup works; keep the centre pipe upright.
- Check the laterals at the bottom and replace any that are broken. Hayward’s manual says to confirm all laterals are in the down position before loading.
- Cover the standpipe. Cap the centre pipe with the sand shield (or something that seals it) so sand can’t fall down it.
- Fill the tank about halfway with water. Hayward recommends this to cushion the sand as it falls and protect the laterals. Put the drain cap back on first.
- Pour in the sand — the amount above — keeping the centre pipe centred. Remove the shield, clean the flange and O-ring, and refit the valve.
- Backwash, then rinse. Hayward’s start-up is backwash for at least 2 minutes once flow is steady, then rinse for ½–1 minute, then filter. Note the clean pressure on the gauge.
Worked examples
The models people ask about most have their own pages: how much sand a Hayward S244T takes, how much sand for a Hayward S166T, how much sand for a Hayward S210T, how much sand an Intex SX2800 takes and how much sand for an Intex SX2100.
What you’ll need
- Pool filter sand (#20 silica, 50 lb)Budget price
The grade most sand filters are designed for (about 0.45–0.55 mm). Check your filter’s label for the exact amount.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab) - Filter glass mediaMid-range price
Lighter than sand, so a filter takes fewer pounds of it. Only use it where your filter maker allows it, and follow the glass maker’s fill chart.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab) - Sand filter (top-mount)Premium price
Simple and durable. Size by flow: the filter’s rated maximum should be at or above your pump’s flow.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links to products are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra and help keep these calculators free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use play sand in a pool filter?
No. Filter makers specify #20 silica pool filter sand, about 0.45–0.55 mm. Play sand and builder’s sand are a different size and can pass through the laterals into the pool or pack into a bed that won’t filter.
Does a bigger pool need more filter sand?
No — the filter decides, not the pool. Each tank takes a fixed amount set by its maker. A bigger pool needs a bigger filter, which then takes more sand.
What if my filter isn’t on the list?
Choose “Other” and enter the tank diameter for an estimate scaled from the closest listed tank by filter area. Treat it as a rough guide: the real figure is on the tank label or in the manual.
How much filter glass replaces sand?
Fewer pounds, because glass is lighter. Intex publishes both figures — for example 77 lb of sand or 55 lb of glass for the SX2800. For other brands, check the filter maker allows glass and follow the glass maker’s chart.
What happens if I put too much sand in my filter?
The bed can’t lift and clean properly during backwash, and sand can be pushed out of the valve into the pool. Hayward’s manual says the sand must stay at least 10 in below the top of the tank.
Related guides
Sources
- Hayward ProSeries high-rate sand filter manual (IS210TS Rev A) (opens in a new tab) — Filter area and pounds of sand for S144T to S360T2; sand 0.45–0.55 mm, “No. 20 Silica Pool”; cap the internal pipe, fill the tank about half with water, keep sand at least 10 in below the top; backwash at 8–10 psi over clean pressure.
- Hayward — ProSeries 16 in sand filter (S166T) product page (opens in a new tab) — “This filter requires 100 lbs of #20 silica pool filter sand”; in its Q&A Hayward recommends only filter sand in its filters.
- Hayward ProSeries sand filter brochure (2011) (opens in a new tab) — Design flows based on 20 gpm per sq ft: S180T 35, S210T 44, S220T 52, S244T 62, S270T 74 gpm.
- Hayward ProSeries above-ground sand filter sell sheet (2025) (opens in a new tab) — Design flows S144T 25 and S166T 30 gpm.
- Pentair Triton II sand filter brochure (opens in a new tab) — Filter area, tank diameter, pounds of standard #20 silica sand and design flow for TR40 to TR140.
- Pentair Sand Dollar sand filter brochure (2020) (opens in a new tab) — Filter area, pounds of sand and flow for SD35 to SD80. An older (2014) brochure lists 200 lb for the SD60.
- Intex — Krystal Clear sand filter pumps (product pages for SX1500, SX2100, SX2800, SX3000) (opens in a new tab) — Tank size, #20 silica sand capacity, glass media capacity, system flow rate and maximum pool size for each model.