Fliter Sand, HTS vs. Zeobrite??

[Digger]

I have successfully completed my Baqucil conversion. I am here to tell you I have not seen my pool look so good since we first put it in. Anyhow, it is time to change the sand. I priced all around, but hardware stores, for the filter sand. Can anyone tell me if they have had experience with the expensive Zeobrite ( may be spelling wrong?) about $45-$50 for 50 lbs, but equals 100 lb.? Also has anyone just gotten silica 20 sand at a hardware store? What are you pros recommending? Zeobrite is suppose to do a wonderful job, but that was salesperson online???? LOL OR should I just stick to going to the Pool Store, and pay $10-11 a bag? They may be going under beings we have not been in much at all this year!! LOL

[Watermom]

Janet (Aylad) switched to Zeobrite so I'll ask her to comment on it for you. I don't know what 20 silica sand is. Somebody will be along soon who will though and I'll ask Janet to take a look at this thread.

Congrats on a successful conversion and I'm glad the pool looks great. Aren't you glad now that you did it!!

[waterbear]

IMHO, zeobrite is not worth the money and the claims made are marketing hype.
Also, the ammonia scavaging claims are a bit over rated in a pool (and useless in a salt pool) and the process for regenerating the zeolite generates a very acidic brine mixture that is problematic to dispose of. I did a comparison on another forum a few years back but don't remember which one.
Stick with sand. I would not recommend hardware store stand because you want filter sand, not construction, sandblasting, or play sand. All sands are not created equal. Also, pool sand is often prewashed so it has less 'dust'.
If you want to improve the filtering action of your sand filter a bit of DE powder added as a filter aid does wonders!

[Digger]

Thanks so much for the feedback. That is kind of where I was headed. Do you know of any good deals with frees shipping and handling? I have one pool place that is in my area that I believe I will get it at tom. for 9.99, that seems to be an okay price around here for 50 lb. When do you put the DE in and how? Thanks so much! and YES I am so glad I changed, and REALLY wished I had done it a LONG time ago! I also read some of the posts on the CYA and the sock. I was told to put it in the skimmer by the pool place, but he said to do it slowly, that bothered me. I have learned to ignore and not ask them! I ended up doing the two socks and it was wonderful!! One at each water return, and by morning they were empty. I truly believe that is the way. At night you could see it dissolving slowly in the water. I am so much more comfortable with that way. But, hey what do I know? Thanks WaterMom! The first time doing I did the socks and put just a small amount in the skimmer, but will stick to the socks!

[Digger]

Call me a duh, but what is IMHO?

[Digger]

Actually the hardware store sand was recommended to me by the saleslady who was selling only Zeobrite. She said if you want sand go to a Hardware Store and get silica sand and ask for 20, I guess that is a grade? I know I was not 100% on that either, when you only supposedly change it every 5 years? Even every few years is better than it has been with the Baq., we were having to do every year the last few years. Man, I have to find the posts on Baq and share my 14 years of experiences!! What a crock of horse manure! LOL Isn't that Dutch talk? Maybe I should say, Pool Store manure, LOL!

[CarlD]

Call me a duh, but what is IMHO?

In My Humble Opinion.

$10/50# is a little steep for filter sand but even so, in a 200# sand filter it's only $40. Janet is happy with her Zeolite--I'm happy with sand.

We have numerous threads on adding DE to a sand filter. It's simple.
Backwash and record your pool pressure.
Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of DE through the skimmer (take out the skimmer sock first) and wait 20 to 30 minutes. If the pressure hasn't increased by one lb, add a little more, until your pressure is about a lb higher than before. if you go too high, backwash and start again.

Every time you backwash you'll need to add the DE again.

[Watermom]

BTW (By the way) Digger --- you don't have to change your sand every 5 years. I have had the same sand now for 10 years and not a problem. Al has had his sand longer than that and I think Carl has had his same sand for quite awhile, too. There is no rule for needing to change the sand every 5 years. Likewise, don't let anybody sell you any "sand cleaner." No need for that either.

[CarlD]

Yup. This is my 8th year. Sand gets BETTER as it gets older and dirtier. It filters better. Only if you use some chemical that gums it up should you have to change it.

[waterbear]

Likewise, don't let anybody sell you any "sand cleaner." No need for that either.

True! Best way to clean your sand if it has channeled or is fouled is to open the top of the filter to expose the sand bed, stick a garden hose in the sand and turn it on. As the water loosens up the sand all kinds of junk will float to the top and flow out the filter. GENTLY break up any clumps with something like a broom handle (but be VERY CAREFUL not to damage the laterals!). Do this until the overflowing water is basically clean.
IMHO, this should be done every year here in FL where pools are open year 'round, Depending on the length of your pool season and your water conditons YMMV!

(YMMV= your mileage may vary)