logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
Zeolite: alternative to sand media
News
July 14, 2021
Zeolite: alternative to sand media

Zeolite is a natural alternative to silica sand used in high-rate sand filters. It is a microporous, aluminosilicate mineral that is commonly used as a sand replacement because it has better filtration capabilities and is capable of ion exchange, a fact that will be explored in more detail.

Zeolite has superior filtration capabilities relative to sand for two reasons. On a grain-by-grain basis, zeolite particles are larger than sand particles, and each particle is highly porous. Under a magnification, a grain of zeolite looks like a mountain range, with a significantly higher surface area than silica sand. For this reason, zeolite has dual filtration capacity, trapping debris not only between the particles, but also within each particle. Compared to sand, which filters particles of about 30 microns, zeolite can filter particles of about 5 microns, making it comparable to DE or cartridge filtration.

Furthermore, zeolite is capable of ion exchange. With its unique ability to adsorb ammonia, zeolite can play a role in water purification, in theory. Ammonia enters the water from bather waste and the negatively charged surface of the zeolite can release an ion in favor of the ammonia molecule.

Then, once the zeolite has reached its capacity for adsorbing ammonia, it must be recharged. This involves soaking the zeolite particles in a salt solution to replace the ammonia ions with sodium ions. It is generally recommended to make a 10 percent salt solution (about 1 oz of salt to 10 fl oz of water), allowing the zeolite to sit overnight. Then backwash to waste.

It should be noted that chlorine competes with zeolites to capture ammonia, and chlorine wins. So, while it is true that zeolites are capable of ammonia adsorption, ammonia will combine with chlorine to form chloramines far more quickly than it takes for an ammonia molecule to reach the filter. Therefore, while zeolites are capable of ammonia capture in theory, in water that contains chlorine, the chlorine will dispense with the ammonia long before the zeolites do. Thus, zeolites do not decrease chloramines formation.

Zeolite filter media is considerably more expensive than sand. However, its increased filter capacity may extend back washing cycles, a convenience that may outweigh the cost.

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK