Short answer
Use the figure on your filter’s label or in its manual. As a guide, published figures run about 100 to 120 lb for a 16 inch tank, 175 lb for 19 inch, 200 to 225 lb for 21 inch, 300 to 325 lb for 24 inch and 500 to 600 lb for 30 inch. Filter glass usually takes 70 to 80 percent of the sand weight, and zeolite about half.
Guidance, not a spec
How the calculator works
- By model: it uses the figure for that model from the maker’s manual or spec sheet where we found one (Pentair, Intex, Hayward S200) and from retailer charts otherwise (The Pool Factory). Retailer figures are marked “check label”.
- By diameter: it shows the range of published figures for tanks that size. Two filters with the same diameter can differ, so the range is a starting point.
- By label figure: type the pounds from your tank and it does the bag math and the media swap.
- Glass and zeolite: glass uses the maker’s glass figure when Intex publishes one, otherwise 70 to 80 percent of the sand weight (Intex figures run about 70 percent; Vitroclean’s seller says 80). Zeolite uses about half the sand weight, as ZeoSand’s seller states.
Measure your tank
Measure straight across the widest part of the tank body, not the valve or the base. Round to the nearest inch. Common residential sizes are 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 24 and 30 inches.
Before you buy
- Buy pool filter sand, not play sand. See why play sand does not work.
- Check your filter allows the media. Read sand vs glass vs zeolite first if you are switching.
- Get an o-ring while you are at it. The lid o-ring is easy to replace when the tank is open. Full steps: how to change pool filter sand.
See #20 pool filter sand on Amazon
Questions people ask
Where do I find how much sand my filter takes?
On the label on the side of the tank, usually near the model number, and in the owner’s manual. Makers also publish it in spec sheets. That figure beats any chart, including ours.
What if I put in too much sand?
Too much sand leaves less room for the bed to lift during backwash, can raise filter pressure, and can push sand back into the pool. Hayward’s S200 manual says to use no more than the recommended amount.
How many bags of pool filter sand do I need?
Divide the pounds on your label by the bag size and round up. Most pool filter sand comes in 50 lb bags, so a filter that takes 200 lb needs 4 bags and one that takes 325 lb needs 7.
Is this calculator exact?
No. It is guidance built from maker and retailer figures, linked on the sand chart page. Tanks of the same diameter can take different amounts. Always confirm on your filter’s label or in the manual.
Sources
- Pentair Triton II fiberglass sand filter brochure (maker PDF, hosted by propools.com)
- Intex SX2800 14 in Krystal Clear sand filter pump, specifications (maker)
- 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)
- Inyo Pools, Vitroclean glass filter media listing (retailer, quoting the maker)
- Inyo Pools, ZeoSand by Blue Wave product Q&A (retailer, quoting the maker)
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.