Short answer
Both take #20 silica pool filter sand. Above-ground combo units such as Intex’s use 12 to 16 inch tanks taking about 50 to 120 lb. Inground filters such as the Pentair Triton II and Hayward ProSeries run 19 to 36 inch tanks taking about 175 to 925 lb. The sand change job and the backwash rule are the same; the bag count is not. Check your label for the exact figure.
Side by side
| Above ground (combo units) | Inground | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical tank | 12 to 16 in | 19 to 36 in |
| Sand, published figures | 50 to 120 lb | 175 to 925 lb |
| Examples | Intex SX2100, SX2800, 16 in | Pentair Triton II, Hayward ProSeries |
| Valve | Top-mount, often 6 position | Top or side mount multiport |
| Sand grade | #20 silica | #20 silica |
| Change sand | Every 5 years (Intex) | 5 to 7 years (Inyo Pools) |
Sand filter types
-
01Above ground
Above-ground combo sand filter pump
Best for: Intex and other above-ground pools
- Tank
- 12 to 16 in
- Sand
- 50 to 120 lb
- Glass
- Listed by Intex
- Pump and tank on one base, quick to set up
- Intex lists sand and glass capacities on its product pages
- One or two bags per refill
-
02Inground
Pentair Triton II
Best for: inground pools that need a large, serviceable tank
- Tanks
- 19 to 36 in
- Sand
- 175 to 925 lb
- Valve
- Side mount
- Pentair publishes sand and turnover figures for each size
- Swing-away diffuser for access to the sand
- Combined sand and water drain
-
03Inground
Hayward ProSeries
Best for: inground and larger above-ground pools
- Tanks
- 16 to 30 in
- Sand
- About 100 to 500 lb
- Valve
- Top or side mount
- Sand figures from retailer charts; check your label
- Hayward manuals call for #20 silica
- Common replacement parts widely sold
What is the same
- The sand: #20 silica, never play sand.
- The change: drain, scoop, check laterals, half fill, pour, backwash, rinse.
- The backwash rule: 6 to 8 psi over clean, per Hayward.
- The dust: wear a mask when pouring.
Figures by brand
Model-by-model sand figures are on the sand chart, with brand guides for Intex, Hayward and Pentair. Sources: Intex, Pentair, The Pool Factory.
Questions people ask
Is above-ground pool filter sand different?
No. Above-ground sand filters use the same #20 silica pool filter sand. Intex specifies #20 silica for its Krystal Clear pumps. You just need fewer bags.
Can I put an inground sand filter on an above-ground pool?
Some owners do, but the pump, plumbing and the pool’s rated flow need to match. Check the filter and pump makers’ ratings for your pool size before you mix equipment.
How often do above-ground sand filters need fresh sand?
Intex says every 5 years for its pumps. Change sooner if the signs appear: cloudy water, short cycles between backwashes, or clumped sand.
What size sand filter do I need?
It depends on pool volume, pump flow and how many hours a day you run it. Makers list a maximum pool size or turnover for each model; Pentair’s brochure, for example, lists gallons per 8, 10 and 12 hour turnovers for each Triton II size.
Sources
- Hayward S200 high-rate sand filter owner’s manual (maker PDF, hosted by The Pool Factory)
- Intex SX2800 14 in Krystal Clear sand filter pump, specifications (maker)
- Pentair Triton II fiberglass sand filter brochure (maker PDF, hosted by propools.com)
- The Pool Factory, How much sand to use with your sand filter (retailer chart)
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.