Short answer
Sand is the default: it is what Hayward, Pentair and Intex specify, and the cheapest fill. Glass takes about 70 to 80 percent of the sand weight and its sellers claim finer filtering and 7 to 10 years of life. Zeolite takes about half the sand weight and its sellers claim it traps finer particles and ammonium. We found no independent test that settles the filtering claims, so pick sand unless the weight or the claims matter to you, and check your filter maker allows the media.
Side by side
| #20 silica sand | Filter glass | Zeolite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight for the same fill | Label figure (100%) | About 70 to 80% | About 50% |
| Where that comes from | Filter maker label | Intex specs; Vitroclean seller | ZeoSand seller |
| Cost per fill | Lowest | Higher | Higher |
| Filtering | Baseline | Seller claims finer | Seller claims finer, plus ammonium |
| Replace every | 5 to 7 years (Intex, Inyo) | 7 to 10 years (seller claim) | Seller figures only |
| Maker support | Specified by most | Check manual (Intex lists it) | Check manual |
Pick sand if
- Your filter manual specifies #20 silica sand and nothing else.
- You want the lowest cost and the easiest refill: #20 silica explained.
- Your water is clear with sand now, and you change it on schedule.
Pick glass if
- Your filter maker lists a glass figure, as Intex does, or approves glass.
- You want a lighter fill and are paying for the longer life sellers claim.
- More in the filter glass guide.
Pick zeolite if
- You want the lightest fill, about half the sand weight.
- The ammonium claim interests you, knowing it is a seller claim.
- More in the zeolite guide.
What does not change
Whatever the media: fill to the level your filter maker specifies, half fill the tank with water before pouring, wear a dust mask, run a long first backwash and rinse, and backwash when the gauge reads 6 to 8 psi over clean (Hayward). The pounds for your tank are in the calculator.
Questions people ask
Which pool filter media filters the finest?
Glass and zeolite sellers both claim finer filtering than sand. We found no independent comparison to confirm a ranking, so we do not state one.
Which media lasts the longest?
Glass sellers claim 7 to 10 years. Intex says to replace sand every 5 years in its pumps, and Inyo Pools suggests 5 to 7 years for sand in inground filters. Zeolite lifespan figures we found come only from sellers.
Can I switch media without changing the filter?
Usually yes, the tank and laterals stay the same. But not every filter maker approves glass or zeolite, and using an unapproved media could matter for a warranty. Read your manual first.
Should I switch from sand to glass on an Intex pump?
Intex publishes glass capacities for its sand filter pumps (35 lb for the 12 inch tank, 55 lb for 14 inch), so glass is a supported option there. Whether it is worth the cost is your call.
Sources
- Hayward S200 high-rate sand filter owner’s manual (maker PDF, hosted by The Pool Factory)
- Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear sand filter pump, specifications (maker)
- Intex SX2800 14 in Krystal Clear sand filter pump, specifications (maker)
- Inyo Pools, Vitroclean glass filter media listing (retailer, quoting the maker)
- Inyo Pools, ZeoSand by Blue Wave product Q&A (retailer, quoting the maker)
- Inyo Pools, How to replace the sand in a Pentair Triton II side valve sand filter
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.