Does Walmart Have Pool Filter Sand? Complete Guide 2024

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Quick Answer

Yes, Walmart does carry pool filter sand both in physical stores and online. However, availability varies significantly by season and location. Most Walmart locations stock pool filter sand from late March through August, with peak inventory during May and June when pool season begins.

Walmart typically carries 50-pound bags of pool filter sand ranging from $8-15, making it one of the most affordable options for pool owners. Popular brands include HTH Pool Care Filter Sand, Quikrete Pool Filter Sand, and their own Great Value brand.

Walmart Pool Filter Sand Options

In-Store Availability

Walmart's seasonal pool section usually includes pool filter sand alongside other pool maintenance supplies. The sand is typically located in the outdoor garden center or near pool chemicals. However, availability is highly seasonal - you'll find the best selection from April through July.

Online Ordering

Walmart.com offers year-round availability of pool filter sand with several shipping options:

• Standard shipping (3-5 business days)
• Express shipping for urgent needs
• Site-to-store pickup (often free)
• Walmart+ members get free shipping on orders over $35

Brands and Pricing

Common pool filter sand options at Walmart include:

• HTH Pool Care Filter Sand - $12-15 per 50lb bag, specially graded #20 silica sand
• Quikrete Pool Filter Sand - $10-13 per 50lb bag, meets ANSI/NSF standards
• Great Value Pool Filter Sand - $8-12 per 50lb bag, Walmart's house brand

What to Look for in Pool Filter Sand

Sand Specifications

Quality pool filter sand should meet specific criteria for effective filtration:

• Grain size: #20 silica sand (0.45-0.55mm diameter)
• Angularity: Sharp, angular grains trap debris better than rounded sand
• Purity: Free from clay, silt, and organic matter
• Standards compliance: Look for ANSI/NSF certification

Warning: Never use construction sand, play sand, or sandbox sand in pool filters. These contain fine particles that will cloud your water and potentially damage your filter system.

How Much Sand You Need

Sand filter capacity varies by size:

• 16-inch filter: 150 lbs (3 bags)
• 19-inch filter: 200 lbs (4 bags)
• 22-inch filter: 300 lbs (6 bags)
• 24-inch filter: 350 lbs (7 bags)

Check your filter manufacturer's specifications for exact amounts, as overfilling can reduce filtration efficiency.

Alternatives if Walmart is Out of Stock

Other Retailers

If your local Walmart doesn't have pool filter sand in stock, try these alternatives:

• Home Depot: Carries multiple brands year-round
• Lowe's: Good selection with competitive pricing
• Pool supply stores: Leslie's, Pinch A Penny for premium options
• Hardware stores: Local shops often stock seasonal pool supplies

Filter Media Alternatives

Consider these alternatives to traditional sand that may offer better filtration:

• Filter glass: Recycled glass media filters smaller particles (down to 5 microns vs sand's 20 microns)
• Zeolite: Natural mineral that filters to 10 microns and has ammonia-removing properties
• FilterBalls: Polyester fiber balls that replace 50 lbs of sand and filter to 10 microns

When to Replace Pool Filter Sand

Most pool professionals recommend replacing sand every 3-5 years, but several factors indicate it's time for replacement:

• Water clarity issues despite proper chemical balance
• Shorter time between backwash cycles
• Difficulty maintaining proper water chemistry
• Sand clumping or channeling visible during backwash

Regular maintenance extends sand life significantly. Backwash when pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above clean starting pressure, and perform monthly rinse cycles to remove fine debris.

Installation Tips

When installing new filter sand from Walmart:

1. Turn off pump and drain filter tank completely
2. Remove old sand carefully to avoid damaging laterals
3. Inspect and clean filter laterals and manifold
4. Add water to cover laterals before adding sand
5. Pour sand slowly around standpipe to prevent damage
6. Level sand surface and reassemble filter
7. Run initial backwash cycle for 2-3 minutes

Safety reminder: Always follow lockout/tagout procedures when working on pool equipment, and never work on electrical components while wet.