Short answer
Both are silica pool filter sand in 50 lb bags. Quikrete’s data sheet lists US sieve #20 to 40, 0.85 to 0.425 mm, “narrowly graded clean dry silica sand.” HTH’s 50 lb bag is listed by retailers at 0.45 to 0.55 mm, 20 grade, for in-ground and above-ground sand filters and salt systems. We have not tested either. Buy whichever your store has, in the amount on your filter label.
The specs, side by side
| Quikrete Pool Filter Sand | HTH Pool Filter Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | No. 1153 | SKU 811831 (retailer listing) |
| Material | Silica sand | Silica sand |
| Grade | US sieve #20 to 40 | 20 grade |
| Grain size | 0.85 to 0.425 mm | 0.45 to 0.55 mm |
| Bag | 50 lb | 50 lb |
| Stated use | Pool filtration systems designed for silica sand | In-ground or above-ground sand filters; salt compatible |
| Spec source | Quikrete data sheet | Retailer listing |
The Quikrete figures come from the maker’s own data sheet. The HTH figures come from retailer listings; we did not find an HTH data sheet, so treat them as listing claims. Ace’s listing also says to replace the sand every 3 to 5 years, or sooner with continuous use.
The two brands
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01Home centers
Quikrete Pool Filter Sand (No. 1153)
Best for: owners near a home center or hardware store that stocks Quikrete
- Grade
- #20 to 40 sieve
- Size
- 0.85 to 0.425 mm
- Bag
- 50 lb
- Maker data sheet calls it narrowly graded, clean, dry silica sand
- Made for systems designed for silica sand
- The wider listed range overlaps Hayward’s 0.45 to 0.55 mm spec
-
02Pool aisles
HTH Pool Filter Sand
Best for: owners who buy chemicals and sand in the same pool aisle
- Grade
- 20
- Size
- 0.45 to 0.55 mm (listing)
- Bag
- 50 lb
- Listed for in-ground and above-ground sand filters
- Listed as salt system compatible
- Specs from retailer listings, not a maker sheet
How to choose
- Match the grade your manual lists. Hayward lists 0.45 to 0.55 mm; Pentair and Intex say #20 silica. See #20 silica explained.
- Buy the label amount. The calculator turns your filter into a bag count.
- Check the bag. Dry, sealed and labeled pool filter sand. Skip torn bags.
- Consider the alternatives if weight matters: sand vs glass vs zeolite.
More options: best pool filter sand.
Questions people ask
Is Quikrete pool filter sand #20?
Quikrete lists its Pool Filter Sand (No. 1153) as US sieve size #20 to 40, with particles from 0.85 to 0.425 mm. It is sold for swimming pool filters designed for silica sand.
Is HTH pool filter sand good for salt pools?
Retailer listings for HTH’s 50 lb pool filter sand say it is for in-ground or above-ground sand filters and compatible with salt systems. Silica sand itself does not react with salt water.
Which is better, Quikrete or HTH?
We cannot say one is better: we have not tested them, and their published grades overlap. Both are sold for pool sand filters. Choose by availability and by the grade your filter manual lists.
Is Quikrete pool filter sand the same as Quikrete play sand?
No. Quikrete sells them as separate products. Play sand is not graded for filters; buy the bag that says Pool Filter Sand.
Sources
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.