Are Filter Balls Better Than Sand? (Know The Truth!)

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Can You Use Filter Balls in a Sand Filter?

Do you have a sand filter for your pool? The answer is most likely to be yes as a sand filter using sand media is the most popular way to keep the pool clear and clean. It is a time tested technology. But have you heard of Filter Balls? Can You Use Filter Balls in a Sand Filter?

Filter Balls are an innovation that can be used to replace the traditional sand filter media in your pool sand filter. Filter Balls weigh less, last longer and filter particles as small as 3 microns. However, they do have a few operational problems.

At first sight, it seems that Filter Balls are the future and sand filter media should no longer be used. However, before you jump to any conclusions let me take you through all aspects of Filter Balls and compare it with Sand Media.

What Are Filter Balls? Are They Light Weight?

Filter Balls are 100% synthetic. They are made from polyethylene fibers and look much like cotton balls. Filter Balls are reusable and eco-friendly.

Manufacturers claim that 3 pounds of filter sponge balls can replace 100 pounds of sand filter media. Most 24” sand filters need 250-300 pounds of sand. You could replace all of that with just 7-9 pounds of filter balls.

That is, quite literally, a huge load off your back.

Do You Backwash with Filter Balls?

The Filter Balls can be backwashed, just like sand or glass media. In fact, the frequency  of backwashing required is less than that required for sand.

Having said that, many users complain that the backwashing does not really clean up the filter balls. The backwash water to waste appears quite clean, and not dirty as it should be.

The filter balls have been trapping the dirt, but the dirt does not get dislodged during backwash. 

The better alternative is to take out the filter balls from the pool filter and wash them with laundry detergent in the washing machine. The filter balls come with a plastic mesh bag, just for this purpose.

Just make sure that the washing machine runs on the “rinse” mode long enough to remove. If any detergent is left inside the filter balls, it will find its way into your pool and show up as soap bubbles!

How Often Do Pool Filter Balls Need to Be Replaced?

Filter Balls are made of polyester. They are highly durable and have a very long service life. You just need to wash them in the washing machine, once a week during the pool season.

The claim by the manufacturers is that it does not get stuck in the laterals and other filter plumbing. Customer reviews do not corroborate this claim.

One of the many reviews on Amazon, for a popular brand of Filter Ball, is reproduced below:

“Great concept, but they did not work. They clogged the hoses and clumped into a hard slimy clump in the filter. Pool was cloudy and dirty all summer.”

Are Filter Balls Better Than Sand?

Going by the claims by the manufacturers, Filter Balls are significantly superior to sand or glass media. The claims are that Filter Balls:

1. Can trap contaminants as small as 3-5 microns. (possibly true)
2. Improve flow of water through the filter (possibly true)
3. Can be removed and cleaned in the washing machine (true)
4. Reduce the frequency of backwash (true as they can be cleaned in the washing machine)
5. Are cheaper (true)
6. Do not clump or harden (not all customers agree)
7. Does not block the laterals or hose (not all customers agree)
8. Are a great replacement to sand or glass media (not all customers agree; many have gone back to the tried & tested sand media)

My conclusion is that Filter Balls are conceptually a great idea. However, the engineering and product quality has not yet developed to satisfactory levels. 

I would not recommend rushing to replace the sand media with filter balls, yet! Instead use either FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand or HARSCO METALS & MINERALS Filter Glass

Recommended Pool Products

Best Sand Media

Aqua Quartz pool filter sand does not stain and ensures easy maintenance at a lower cost by filtering out dust, algae, suntan lotion, oil, leaves and insects. This ecologically safe sand does not solidify and will help prevent clogging and channeling. It is inert, odorless, chemical free, 100% natural sand.

FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand

Best Glass Media

HARSCO METALS & MINERALS Filter Glass is made from 100% recycled materials. The glass filter media cuts down on backwash time as well as loss of pool water and chemicals. Improves water clarity by 25% over sand. 

Filters down to 5 microns, unlike sand only 30 microns. Use 20% less media (by weight) than with sand. Environmentally sound and last 3 times longer than sand.

HARSCO METALS & MINERALS Filter Glass

Best Sand Filter

The Hayward Pro Series Sand Filter for in-ground swimming pools will provide you with hassle-free, effective filtration. The weather-proof tank is constructed of a tough, color-fast polymeric material.

Even water distribution over every square inch of sand is ensured by an integral top diffuser, self-cleaning under drain and 360 degree slotted laterals. Advanced full-flow technology reduces energy costs by achieving excellent filtration, so you can run your filter less.

Thorough backwashing allows for crystal-clear water. Filter is complete with tank, 7-way multi-port valve, sight glass and pressure gauge. 7-way Valve Positions: Filter, Waste, Winter, Closed, Backwash, Recirculation, Rinse.

Hayward Pro Series Pool Sand Filter

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.