Short answer
Hayward specifies filter sand of 0.45 to 0.55 mm, “No. 20 or No. 1/2 silica”. Its S200 manual lists 200 lb. Retailer charts list the ProSeries S166T (16 in) at 100 lb, S180T (18 in) at 150 lb (one lists 125), S210T (21 in) at 200 lb, S230T at 250 lb and S244T (24 in) at about 300 lb. Those ProSeries figures are not from Hayward, so confirm on your tank label. Backwash at 6 to 8 psi over clean.
Hayward sand amounts
| Model | Tank | #20 sand | Figure from |
|---|---|---|---|
| S200 | not listed | 200 lb | Hayward manual model-specific |
| ProSeries S166T | 16 in | 100 lb | Retailer chart check label |
| ProSeries S180T | 18 in | 150 lb (one listing: 125) | Retailer, retailer check label |
| ProSeries S210T | 21 in | 200 lb | Retailer chart check label |
| ProSeries S230T | 23 in | 250 lb | Retailer chart check label |
| ProSeries S244T | 24 in | about 300 lb | Retailer answer check label |
Guidance, not a spec
What Hayward’s manual says
- Grade: filter sand 0.45 to 0.55 mm, “also known as No. 20 or No. 1/2 silica sand.”
- Loading: cap the diffuser pipe with the sand shield, fill the tank about half with water to cushion the laterals, confirm the laterals point down, pour the correct amount, and level it to about the center of the tank flange. “Use no more than the recommended amount of sand.”
- First start: backwash at least 2 minutes once flow is steady, to remove fines, then rinse.
- Backwash: when the gauge reads 6 to 8 psi above the clean pressure, about 2 minutes or until the sight glass is clear.
- Rinse: about 1/2 to 1 minute.
- Always shut off the pump before switching valve positions.
All from Hayward’s S200 owner’s manual. ProSeries manuals follow the same pattern; use the one for your model.
Changing the sand in a Hayward filter
For a top-mount ProSeries, the valve comes off the top of the tank after you release the pressure, drain the tank and disconnect the plumbing. Then the job is the standard one: how to change pool filter sand. Replace cracked laterals while the tank is empty, and the valve o-ring if it is flat.
Parts and supplies
Comparing brands? See Pentair and Intex, or the full sand chart.
Questions people ask
How much sand does a Hayward S166T take?
Retailer charts list 100 lb of #20 silica sand for the 16 inch Hayward ProSeries S166T. Check the label on your tank to confirm.
How much sand does a Hayward S244T take?
About 300 lb, per a Pool Factory answer. It is a 24 inch tank. Confirm on the label before buying six bags.
What sand does Hayward recommend?
Hayward’s S200 manual lists filter sand of 0.45 to 0.55 mm, also known as No. 20 or No. 1/2 silica sand. Any pool filter sand of that grade fits.
When should I backwash a Hayward sand filter?
Hayward’s manual says to backwash when the gauge reads 6 to 8 psi (0.41 to 0.55 bar) above the clean pressure you noted at start-up, for about 2 minutes or until the sight glass is clear, then rinse for 1/2 to 1 minute.
Can I use glass or zeolite in a Hayward filter?
Check your Hayward manual. The S200 manual we read specifies filter sand. If you switch media, follow the media maker’s amount and the filter maker’s guidance on warranty.
Sources
- Hayward S200 high-rate sand filter owner’s manual (maker PDF, hosted by The Pool Factory)
- The Pool Factory, How much sand to use with your sand filter (retailer chart)
- Club Piscine, Hayward Pro Series sand filter listing (retailer)
- The Pool Factory, How much sand is in the Hayward S244T sand filter? (retailer answer)
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.