Sand Filters

Collection: Sand Filters

20 products

Swimming Pool Sand Filters for Sale

Filter your pool with proven sand filtration technology — shop pool sand filters from Hayward, Carvin, Waterway, and Genesis. PST Pool Supplies stocks Hayward ProSeries top-mount sand filters in sizes from 16" to 30", available as standalone filter tanks and as complete packages with pump, multiport valve, and hose included, starting from $333.

Hayward's ProSeries top-mount sand filters are the residential sand filtration standard — corrosion-proof high-density polyethylene tanks with top-mount multiport valves, self-supporting design, and Hayward's even water distribution system that maximizes contact between pool water and the filter sand bed. The ProSeries lineup covers every residential pool size: 16" tank (W3S166T) for smaller above-ground or inground pools, 18" (W3S180T), 20" (W3S210T), 22" (W3S220T), 24" (W3S244T), 27", and 30" ProSeries (the largest residential filter, with dual multiport valves for high-flow applications) — tank diameter directly correlates to sand capacity and filtration flow rate. Combination packages pair the filter with a matched pump: the 18" ProSeries with 1 HP pump (W3S180T92S), 20" ProSeries with 1.5 HP pump (W3S210T93S), 23" sand filter with 1.5 HP pump and hose pack, E100 19" sand filter with 1 HP pump, and 18" ProSeries with 1.5 HP PFLO pump provide complete filtration systems for straightforward installation. For pools with existing pumps, standalone filter-only options allow direct replacement of an aging filter without pump changes. The Carvin Laser L192C-7C (19", fiberglass tank) offers a value-priced fiberglass alternative. The Waterway Carefree Oval 26" and Genesis Pools 26" Oval Sand Filter provide oval tank formats suited to installations with limited horizontal footprint at the equipment pad. For sand filter multiport valves and service parts, see our pool valve parts collection.

Sand filtration works by passing pool water through a bed of #20 silica sand (or alternative media such as ZeoSand or FilterGlass) where particles are trapped between sand grains as water percolates downward. Sand filters are backwashed — flow is reversed to lift and clean the sand bed — rather than cleaned manually. Filter sand lasts approximately 5–7 years before the grains become rounded from use and lose filtration efficiency; replacement sand is inexpensive. When selecting a sand filter, match the tank size to your pool volume and pump flow rate — the filter's stated maximum flow rate (GPM) must be at or above the pump's flow output for the filter pressure to remain in the normal operating range (7–15 PSI clean). A filter that is undersized for the pump runs at high pressure and filters poorly; an oversized filter is always better than an undersized one.

Shop pool sand filters and upgrade your pool's filtration to a durable, low-maintenance sand system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right size sand filter for my pool?
Sand filter sizing is based on two factors: pool volume and pump flow rate. The filter must handle the pump's output without exceeding the filter's rated maximum flow rate (GPM). Exceeding maximum flow rate forces water through the sand too quickly for effective filtration and causes high operating pressure. General sizing guidelines by pool volume: pools up to 15,000 gallons → 18" tank; 15,000–25,000 gallons → 20"–22" tank; 25,000–35,000 gallons → 24" tank; 35,000–50,000 gallons → 27"–30" tank. Always cross-reference the filter's rated GPM against your pump's performance curve at your system's operating head pressure. When in doubt, size up — a larger filter runs at lower pressure, filters more finely (slower flow through the sand bed), extends time between backwashes, and handles future pump upgrades without replacement. For Hayward ProSeries filters, the tank diameter (16"–30") directly corresponds to the sand bed size and rated flow capacity listed in the product specifications.
How do I backwash a sand filter and how often should I do it?
Backwash your sand filter when the pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI above the clean starting pressure (note the pressure when the filter is clean and freshly backwashed — this is your baseline). Steps: (1) Turn off the pump. (2) Move the multiport valve handle to Backwash position. (3) Attach a backwash hose to the waste port and route it to a drain or yard area (not near the pool — the dirty water will cloud pool water). (4) Turn the pump on and run until the sight glass (if equipped) or discharge water runs clear — typically 2–3 minutes. (5) Turn off the pump. (6) Move the valve to Rinse and run for 30 seconds — this re-seats the sand bed and prevents cloudy water from entering the pool. (7) Return the valve to Filter and resume normal operation. Backwash frequency depends on debris load — typically every 1–4 weeks during swim season. Never backwash based on a schedule alone — only backwash when pressure rises 8–10 PSI above baseline. Backwashing too frequently washes out fine particles that actually improve filtration (a slightly dirty filter filters better than a freshly backwashed one).
How often should I replace the sand in my pool filter?
Pool filter sand should be replaced every 5–7 years under normal residential use. Over time, the angular edges of fresh #20 silica sand grains become rounded through constant water flow and backwashing — rounded grains don't trap particles as effectively as angular ones, reducing filtration efficiency. Signs the sand needs replacement: (1) Filter pressure rises to the backwash threshold abnormally quickly after a fresh backwash (within days rather than weeks). (2) Pool water clarity has declined despite correct chemistry. (3) Fine debris is visible in the pool despite the filter running. (4) The sand has been in the filter for more than 7 years regardless of visual condition. To replace: drain the filter tank, remove and discard old sand (do not pour down drains — use yard disposal), rinse the internal laterals with a hose, refill with fresh #20 silica sand to the manufacturer's specified depth (typically 2/3 full), and reassemble. Alternative filter media — ZeoSand (zeolite mineral, filters to 3–5 microns vs. 20–40 microns for sand) and FilterGlass (recycled glass, similar to ZeoSand performance) — can replace sand with improved filtration without changing the filter tank.
Is it better to buy a sand filter and pump as a package or separately?
Buying a filter and pump package has clear advantages for new installations or complete system replacements: (1) Matched hydraulics — package combinations (like the Hayward 18" ProSeries + 1 HP pump or 20" ProSeries + 1.5 HP pump) are selected by Hayward to work together with compatible flow rates — the pump's output matches the filter's rated capacity without under- or over-filtering. (2) Cost savings — combination packages are typically priced below the cost of the filter and pump purchased separately. (3) Simplified ordering — one order, one shipment, confirmed compatibility. Buying separately makes more sense when: (a) you are replacing only the filter because the existing pump is relatively new and in good condition — no need to replace a working pump; (b) you want a specific pump model (variable-speed, specific brand) that isn't available in a package configuration; (c) your existing plumbing connections require a specific pump port orientation or size that the packaged pump doesn't match. For first-time pool equipment installations or complete equipment pad replacements, the package deals at PST Pool Supplies offer the best value and guaranteed compatibility.