Short answer
Use your filter maker’s glass figure if it publishes one: Intex lists 35 lb of glass for its 12 inch tank (50 lb of sand) and 55 lb for 14 inch (77 lb of sand), about 70 percent of the sand weight. Without a maker figure, glass sellers say about 80 percent of the sand weight; Vitroclean’s seller says multiply the sand figure by 0.80. Sellers claim 7 to 10 years of life. Check that your filter maker allows glass.
How much filter glass to use
Published glass amounts
| Source | Sand | Glass | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intex SX2100, 12 in | 50 lb | 35 lb | 70% |
| Intex SX2800, 14 in | 77 lb | 55 lb | about 71% |
| Vitroclean (seller) | any | sand x 0.80 | 80% |
The two numbers do not match, so we give a range: about 70 to 80 percent of your sand figure, using the filter maker’s number whenever it lists one. Fill to the level the sand would reach; glass is the lighter material, not the smaller volume. The sand calculator shows both ends.
Filter glass options
-
01Brand
Vitroclean filter glass
Best for: owners who want a glass media widely sold in the US
- Amount
- Sand x 0.80 (seller)
- Claimed life
- 7 to 10 years (seller)
- Base layer
- Seller suggests 30% Pebble
- Inyo’s listing suggests 30% Vitroclean Pebble under 70% Vitroclean for best results
- Vitroclean’s sheet says to follow your filter maker’s instructions
- Sold in 50 lb bags
-
02Compare
Generic pool filter glass
Best for: shoppers comparing grades and bag sizes
- Amount
- That maker’s figure
- Grade
- For pool sand filters
- Check
- Grade fits your filter
- Look for glass labeled for swimming pool sand filters
- Some brands sell two grades: a coarse base and a fine top
- Use the maker’s weight per volume, as it varies
-
03Above ground
Glass for Intex sand filter pumps
Best for: Intex Krystal Clear pumps, which list glass capacities
- 12 in
- 35 lb glass
- 14 in
- 55 lb glass
- Source
- Intex specs
- Intex publishes both sand and glass figures for these pumps
- Smaller tanks often need a single bag
- Follow the first backwash steps in the Intex manual
Claims vs what we can confirm
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Weighs less for the same fill | Confirmed by Intex’s published figures |
| Lasts 7 to 10 years | Seller claim |
| Filters finer than sand | Seller claim; no independent test found |
| Needs less backwashing | Seller claim; no independent test found |
Side by side with sand and zeolite: sand vs glass vs zeolite.
Switching from sand to glass
Follow the same steps as changing pool filter sand, pour the glass amount instead of the sand amount, and run a thorough first backwash and rinse to clear dust from the bag.
Questions people ask
How much filter glass replaces 50 lb of sand?
About 35 to 40 lb. Intex figures work out near 70 percent, and Vitroclean’s seller says 40 lb of Vitroclean replaces 50 lb of sand. One seller listing says to use an equal weight, so there is no single rule: use your filter maker’s figure when it has one.
Is filter glass better than sand?
Glass makers claim it filters finer, needs less backwashing and lasts longer. We have not tested it and found no independent lab comparison to cite. It does weigh less for the same fill and costs more up front.
Can I use glass in any sand filter?
Most standard sand filters can physically hold glass, but not every maker approves it. Check your manual. Intex publishes glass capacities for its sand filter pumps, which is a clear yes for those models.
Is filter glass sharp?
Pool filter glass is tumbled to round the edges, so it handles more like coarse sand than broken glass. Still wear gloves and a dust mask when pouring, as the bag can be dusty.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Sand amounts and listings change; check your filter’s label or manual before you buy, and follow the maker’s instructions.