There are several alternatives to sand used in pool filtration systems. Each alternative offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. The choice of media depends on specific needs, such as the desired level of filtration, budget, maintenance preferences, and environmental considerations. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Zeolite: Great for fine filtration and ammonia removal, but more expensive than sand and potentially less available.

• Glass Beads: Superior filtration and eco-friendly, but costly and heavier than sand.

• Crushed Glass: Effective filtration and cost-efficient, but may require more frequent backwashing and adjustments to the filtration system.

• Filter Balls: Durable and efficient but expensive.

• Activated Carbon: Excellent for removing organics and improving water quality but needs frequent replacement and is costly.

Zeolite

Zeolite is a natural volcanic mineral with a highly porous structure. It has a higher surface area compared to sand, which allows it to trap smaller particles.

How It’s Made: Zeolite is mined from natural deposits and then processed to be used in filtration systems.

Pros: Enhanced Filtration: Zeolite can filter particles as small as 3-5 microns, compared to sand's 20-40 microns.

Ammonia Removal: It has ion exchange properties that can help remove ammonia and other dissolved contaminants from the water.

Longevity: Zeolite has a longer lifespan than sand and doesn't degrade as quickly.

Cons: Higher Cost: Zeolite is generally more expensive than sand.

Availability: It might not be as readily available as sand in some regions.

Clogging Risk: Its fine particles can sometimes lead to clogging if not properly maintained.

There are numerous providers of zeolite filtration media. ZeoSand is one popular option.

ZeoSand Natural Zeolite Filter Media is a superior replacement for sand in swimming pool sand filters. By rendering pool water crystal clear and controlling eye-irritating chloramine formation, ZeoSand helps make swimming and other pool activities far more enjoyable.

ZeoSand is used for filtration in private and public swimming pools, waterparks, aquariums, aquaculture and zoos. It can also be used to help purify municipal water supplies and wastewater.

A honeycomb-crystal structure and remarkably high surface area make ZeoSand a far better filtration medium than sand. Not only is ZeoSand Natural Zeolite Filter Media highly effective, but its potency can be renewed by means of simple saltwater backwash.

Glass Beads

Glass beads are increasingly popular as a replacement for sand in pool filters due to their superior filtration capabilities, longevity, and eco-friendly attributes.

Glass beads are made from 100% recycled glass, making them an environmentally sustainable option.

The beads are typically spherical or nearly spherical, providing a smooth surface.

They come in various sizes, usually ranging from 0.5mm to 1.5mm in diameter, ensuring a consistent and uniform filtration bed.

The uniform size and shape of glass beads allow for finer filtration compared to traditional sand. They can filter particles as small as 3-5 microns, whereas sand typically filters down to about 20 microns.

Glass beads require less frequent backwashing due to their non-porous surface, which prevents clumping and promotes better flow. This can result in water savings of up to 20 percent during backwashing.

Glass beads have a longer lifespan than sand. They are resistant to wear and do not degrade or become compacted over time, maintaining their filtration efficiency for many years.

They are chemically inert and resist the buildup of biofilm and algae, which can reduce the effectiveness of sand over time. This means fewer chemicals are needed to maintain pool water clarity.

Glass beads can be used in most existing sand filters without modification. The installation process is similar to that of sand, making it easy to switch from one medium to the other.

Maintenance is straightforward and less intensive compared to sand. The beads do not channel or clump, reducing the need for frequent intervention and ensuring consistent performance.

These beads are a sustainable option that reduces the environmental impact compared to mining and transporting silica sand.

The smooth surface of the beads reduces the risk of skin abrasions and cuts if accidentally contacted, enhancing safety for those maintaining the filter.

Glass beads may have a higher upfront cost compared to sand. However, their long lifespan, reduced maintenance, and water savings often offset this initial expense over time.

Glass beads provide a highly efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to sand in pool filters. They offer superior filtration, easier maintenance, and longterm cost savings, making them an excellent choice for pool owners looking to improve their water quality and reduce environmental impact.

One manufacturer of glass beads, based in Germany, but with offices in North America, is SiLibeads.

SiLibeads glass filter beads are a remarkable advancement in filtration technology, originally used in diverse applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even in manufacturing processes like Coca Cola. Recently, they've been increasingly adopted for pool water filtration due to their exceptional properties. These beads are characterized by their perfectly spherical shape and nonporous surface, which eliminate dust and prevent the harboring of fungi, bacteria, algae, and calcium deposits that are common with porous materials like sand.

One of the standout advantages of SiLibeads is their superior filtering efficiency, maintaining a consistent flow rate over their entire service life. During backwashing, they ensure thorough cleaning without leaving residues, which not only saves water — up to 40 percent less than traditional media — but also reduces the need for chemicals, making pool maintenance more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

SiLibeads' durability significantly extends filter life and lowers disposal costs, despite their higher initial cost compared to sand. In fact, they're reported to enhance filtration efficiency by up to 25 percent over sand, further justifying their longterm economic benefits.

Initially popular in European resorts and hotels since around 2010, SiLibeads are now becoming recognized in the U.S. market. While they are more expensive than sand upfront, their longevity and superior performance make them a worthwhile investment for pool owners looking to optimize filtration and minimize maintenance.

Crushed Glass

Crushed glass used as a sand replacement in filtration systems is typically made from recycled glass. The process involves several steps: Collection: Recycled glass is collected from various sources, such as bottles, jars, and other glass products.

Cleaning: The collected glass is thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants, labels, and residues.

Crushing: The clean glass is crushed into small, irregularly shaped particles. This can be done using various crushing machines.

Sizing: The crushed glass is then screened and sorted into different sizes to meet specific filtration requirements. The sizes can range from fine to coarse particles.

Polishing (Optional): Some manufacturers may polish the glass to smooth out sharp edges, making it safer to handle and enhancing its performance in filtration systems.

Pros: Environmental Benefits: Using recycled glass reduces the demand for new raw materials and helps divert waste from landfills. Plus, the process of creating crushed glass is generally more sustainable compared to mining and processing natural sand.

Filtration Efficiency: The irregular shapes of crushed glass particles provide a larger surface area, enhancing the filtration efficiency by trapping more fine particles. It also leads to less channeling. The varied shapes and sizes reduce the risk of channeling, where water creates pathways through the media, bypassing the filtration process.

Long-Lasting: Crushed glass is durable and resistant to degradation, maintaining its effectiveness over time.

Low Maintenance: The durability and efficiency of crushed glass reduce the frequency of backwashing and media replacement.

Chemical Resistance: Glass is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with chemicals in the water, making it safe for various applications.

Lower Initial Cost: Crushed glass is generally more cost-effective than other high-performance filtration media.

Energy Savings: The higher efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements can lead to energy savings over the system's lifespan.

Cons Sharp Edges: Crushed glass can have sharp edges, posing a risk of cuts during handling and installation. However, some manufacturers smooth the edges to mitigate this risk.

Lower Density: Crushed glass has a lower specific gravity than sand, which can affect the hydraulics of the filtration system. Systems may need adjustment to account for this difference.

Regional Availability: The availability of high-quality crushed glass can vary by region, potentially impacting cost and accessibility.

Two manufacturers of widely different and innovative crushed glass filtration media are Dryden’s AFM and Brightline Filter Media.

Activated Filter Media

AFM is an advanced filtration material used in swimming pool systems to improve water quality Activated Filter Media Filtration

and reduce the need for chemical treatments. Here's a comprehensive overview: What is Activated Filter Media? AFM is made from recycled glass that has been activated through a process that gives it unique filtration properties. The activation process creates a negatively charged surface on the glass particles, which enhances their ability to trap contaminants.

How Does AFM Work? AFM works by physically filtering out particles from the water and also by attracting and capturing dissolved pollutants through its charged surface. It can filter down to a very fine level, often around 4-5 microns, which is significantly better than traditional sand filters.

Pros of AFM Superior Filtration: AFM can filter out particles as small as 4-5 microns, providing cleaner and clearer water compared to traditional sand filters.

Chemical Reduction: By improving the filtration efficiency, AFM reduces the need for chlorine and other chemical disinfectants, which can lower operational costs and reduce skin and eye irritation for swimmers.

Longer Lasting: AFM has a longer lifespan than traditional sand filters. It doesn't degrade or clump together, maintaining its efficiency over time.

Environmentally Friendly: Made from recycled glass, AFM is a sustainable option that repurposes waste materials.

Bio-Resistance: The surface of AFM is less prone to biofouling, meaning it resists the buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms that can lead to filter clogging and reduced performance.

Lower Maintenance: AFM filters require less frequent backwashing and cleaning, saving water and reducing labor.

Cons of AFM Higher Initial Cost: AFM is generally more expensive to purchase initially compared to traditional sand filter media.

Installation Complexity: Switching from a sand filter to an AFM filter may require adjustments or upgrades to the existing filtration system, which can add to the cost and complexity.

Availability and Awareness: AFM may not be as widely available as traditional sand, and not all pool maintenance providers may be familiar with it, which could limit access and support.

Initial Cloudiness: When first installed, AFM can cause some initial cloudiness in the pool water as the fine particles settle. This typically clears up after a few filter cycles.

Activated Filter Media offers a range of benefits for pool owners, including superior filtration, reduced chemical use, and lower maintenance requirements. However, these advantages come with a higher initial cost and potential installation challenges. For those looking to improve water quality and sustainability in their pool maintenance, AFM is an attractive option worth considering.

Replacing sand with AFM is a straightforward process, albeit with some considerations. Before installation, check the required amount of sand for the filter. Then, calculate the quantity of AFM needed, which is reduced by 15 percent due to its lower bulk density. For filters smaller than 31 inches in diameter, use a combination of 50% AFM Grade 1 and 50% AFM Grade 2. For larger filters, employ a mixture of 50% Grade 1, 25% Grade 2, and 25% Grade 3. Before filling the filter, inspect the filter laterals for any damage, and half-fill the filter with water to protect them. Fill the filter with the appropriate grades of AFM and allow it to soak or run pool equipment on filtration for 24 hours. Backwash after 24 hours and continue regular backwashing at least once a week.

Brightline Filter Media

There are some filter solutions that not only improve your filtration but save your customers money and very well could present greater value for your services. That solution is Brightline glass filtration media.

What makes Brightline glass filtration so appealing?

From the start, Brightline glass filter media provides an environmental benefit to us all. Brightline uses 100 percent recycled material that is clean and avoids your glass purchases from ever seeing a landfill. Once collected, it goes through a thorough manufacturing process to clean, crush, and screen to the correct blend of material sizes to maximize filtration. This process results in a highly productive, efficient, and dependable filtration solution for all pool customers, from residential to commercial opportunities.

Some of the major beneficial features of Brightline are:

• Easy replacement for sand: If you already have a sand filtration unit, you’re in luck. Brightline is an easy and safe replacement for sand and does not require any mechanical adjustments to your system. Just remove the existing sand and replace with Brightline.

• Can last up to 3 times longer than sand: One of the major benefits of glass is that it can filter for up to 3 times longer than sand due to its inert structural properties. It’s harder than both standard glass and sand, which means it can withstand the water pressures and contaminants better. While sand does eventually erode, requiring replacement, Brightline will not.

• Filters 6 times better than sand: Filter media size does matter if you’re trying to maintain the cleanest looking pool. To do this, you need something that doesn’t compact, has the right size ratio to water flow requirements, and works uniformly regardless of how long that filter media has sat in your filter. With Brightline you get filtration down to 5 microns in size versus sand that typically is around 30 microns.

• Inhibits bacteria growth: Additionally, because of Brightline’s embedded properties, it reduces the risk of bacteria growth. Because of Brightline’s static charge, it allows for debris to clear freely during backwashing, reducing the risk of residues being left behind that could capture or stick to debris, thus not fully cleaning the system.

• Requires 20 percent less media: Because of the structural integrity and shape of Brightline glass, less material takes up more room. Because of this fact, you need 20 percent less material than sand for the same size filter. This means less weight and overall cost.

• Environmental benefits: Filtration performance, lower overall cost, and longevity of use are all great features of Brightline glass filtration. However, the one the company is most proud of is the net positive impact on the environment. Every bag of Brightline sold keeps 40 pounds of glass from going into a landfill.

• Efficient backwash: Unlike sand — where the bulk of the filtration happen on the top surface inside the filter — Brightline glass utilizes the

Brightline Filter Media entire filter bed and does not pack or channel. As a result, Brightline requires less backwashing time, frequency, water, and chemical maintenance than sand.

With Brightline, the benefits are clear. You get all the enhanced filtration and more than you would with sand. There is one more feature that is not stated but also true. As a Brightline supplier, you can provide the best filtration experience to your customers, which will support the level of value they see in your services. Additionally, you’ll spend less time replacing heavy and potentially dangerous sand and can dedicate more time pursuing more jobs and larger opportunities, all while providing an enhanced service to your existing customers.

Filter Balls

Properties: Made from highdensity polymer materials, often designed to have a specific surface charge.

Provides high surface area and mechanical stability.

How It’s Made: Polymers are processed and formed into small, uniform balls.

Pros: Durability: High resistance to chemical degradation and physical wear.

Efficient Filtration: Can filter down to around 5-15 microns.

Longevity: Long-lasting and requires less frequent replacement compared to sand.

Cons: Cost: Generally more expensive than sand.

Specialized Use: May be difficult to backwash.

Manufacturer example: Aqualoon Aqualoon Aqualoon filter ball media is designed to replace the filter sand for pool sand filters.

Aqualoon filtering media sits inside a sand filter tank and retains the finest particles, keeping the pool water clean.

These state-of-the-art media are constructed from a network of tightly woven polyethylene strands.

A1.5-pound box replaces 50 pounds of heavy, hard-to-manage sand. Enjoy cleaner, clearer water that’s less reliant on costly chemicals, with filtration that’s only matched by expensive, dangerous DE filter systems.

With a greater capacity for particulates than sand, it also requires less backwashing. Some users recommend washing the filter balls by placing them in a laundry bag and throwing it in your clothes washing machine.

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is made from organic materials such as coconut shells, wood, or coal that have been carbonized and activated to create a high surface area.

It’s known for its ability to remove organic contaminants and chlorine.

How It’s Made: Organic materials are heated in the absence of air (carbonization) and then treated with chemicals or steam to activate them.

Pros: Organic Removal: Highly effective at removing organic compounds, chlorine, and chloramines.

Improved Water Taste and Odor: Enhances the overall water quality by removing unwanted tastes and odors.

Cons: Short Lifespan: Needs frequent replacement as it becomes saturated with contaminants.

Cost: Can be expensive due to frequent replacements and initial purchase cost.

Compatibility: Often used in conjunction with other filtration media rather than as a standalone solution.

Manufacturer example: Haycarb PLC.

How to Use Haycarb PLC Pool Sorb Activated Charcoal in a Pool Filter 1. Selection: Choose the appropriate Pool Sorb product for your pool’s needs.

2. Preparation: Pre-rinse the activated carbon thoroughly to remove fine dust particles.

3. Implementation: Combination Method: Utilize activated carbon as a supplementary layer within the sand filter.

Dedicated Carbon Filter: For best results, install a separate activated carbon filter unit.

4. Maintenance: Regularly backwash to maintain the effectiveness of the filter media.

Monitor water quality and replace the activated carbon periodically to ensure consistent performance.