Because the filter sand was still damp, it was a bit hard to compare. But what I noticed was that the largest visible particles in the Quikrete were larger than the largest particles in the than the Palmetto sand. Filter sand is *supposed* to be evenly graded, with 90+% of the particles ranging from 0.018" to 0.020". Honestly, neither sand appeared to meet that specification to me, but the Palmetto sand seemed a bit finer, and I know from experience that fine sand produces clearer water than coarse sand.

"Sand to be No. 20 standard silica (uniformity coefficient not greater than 1.75) .018-.020 in diameter particle size"
http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/TritonIIOM.pdf

"Grain size 20/40 mesh is most widely used. 90% of the sand is to fall within the specified particle range. Not more than 1% of the total sample
can fall on the first or last sieve in the series. Clay and silt size particles >105 microns are removed with the processing, as well as weak and crusted grains."
http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/documents...d%20report.pdf