Can I use sand from Lowes

[wendylolex]

I need to change my sand out this year and was wondering if I could buy cheaper sand. I know I can get it from the pool store. They want $9 for 50lbs. and I need 4 bags. I was hoping to find it at Lowe's or Home Depot, but I'm not sure what kind of sand to get. Can someone help me out with this.
Thanks in advance. Wendy

[PoolDoc]

If you can find labeled filter sand from either of those places, that will be find.

But, do NOT use play sand, sandblast sand, masonry sand, or any other kind of sand. Those sands will, variously, be too coarse, or else include fine particles that will damage your valves

Ben
"PoolDoc"

[duraleigh]

Why do you need to change your sand? Sand last for many years?

If you do so anyway...you need swimming pool sand....Lowe's sand is filthy.

[wendylolex]

I have to change my sand because I didn't properly close my pool down and I have a great big oak in my backyard that loves to drop all the leaves in my pool. and has done so for three years now. Last year I had a difficult time cleaning my pool, so i figured I would need to change the sand out this year.

[PoolDoc]

Duraleigh is right -- you shouldn't assume that your sand needs replacing. It may be the wrong sand, or there may not be enough, or it may be gummed up. But you shouldn't replace just because it's been there for awhile.

Ben
"PoolDoc"

[wendylolex]

How would I know if I need to change my sand or not? My pool is VERY green right now with a lot of particles floating around. I just put 20 bottles of the small bleach to kill some of the algae and I'm running the filter. Should I go ahead and buy some algacide or wait until the bleach has some time to work. Thanks, Wendy

[Sherra]

Since you just put new sand in it last year you probably don't need to replace the sand. This may sound like a silly question to a lot of people, but are you backwashing?

[wendylolex]

I haven't put new sand in it since I bought it in 2003. This will be year 4. It seems I have to backwash it all the time. Which was another reason I thought I should replace the sand.

[waterbear]

Not an expert on sand filters but I know that they sell filter sand cleaners. Perhaps your sand just needs cleaning?

[wendylolex]

How do I clean my sand?