Is pool filter sand safe to use?

E

evident

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Dec 24, 2008
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Newtown, PA
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dave
Kind of disheartened when reading the health warnings on the pool filter sand bag i got at the pool supply store.

basically saying breathing in the silica dust in PFS will cause silicosis, cancer and etc. are the warnings blown out of proportion? I haven't had much luck with cleaning the quickrete playsand i got. it's been really cold out and i thought the PFS would be a little bit easier to clean, which it is. but now if there's cancer risks w/ using PFS, i dont think it's a good idea.

i'm pretty frustrated at this point and i'm thinking about just spending $60 and getting some carib-sea tahitian moon sand :confused:
 
Do you know anyone with a swimming pool? Are they still alive? I'm not going to scientifically prove that it CAN'T be dangerous, but if you use reasonable precautions, such as opening the bag outdoors and pouring the contents into a bucket first, I think you'll be fine. You could certainly put on a dust mask while pouring it into a bucket prior to rinsing. Once you wet it down and the dust isn't an issue you should be good to go. I believe it's the inhalation of the dust that can be bad. That's why I suggested doing that much of the rinse-out outdoors and with a mask on if you'll feel safer. Once you start the rinsing process you'll eliminate the dust and the potential danger that goes with it. I believe that gas pumps where you buy gas states a cancer/health risk, but you still fill your car up...right? Anyone with REAL scientific knowledge feel free to chime in.
 
Any dust inhaled into your lungs can cause issues.
Silica dust is known to be a problem. The government and insurance companies require the labels to protect the bagging company. A simple commercial dust mask will protect you and only costs a dollar or so. As soon as you wet it the sand, dust shouldn't be an issue.
Tahitian moon sand isn't dust free.
 
There is more than one type of pool filter sand - be sure to get the one without additives. There's a "Pool filter sand plus", that is supposed to help keep algae at bay, etc - that type has chemicals in it that you don't want in your tank. Plain pool filter sand is quite safe and lots of use use it. Any kind of dust shouldn't be inhaled - concrete dust, sand dust, etc - all a health hazard when inhaled. But that doesn't mean it isn't safe for its intended purpose.
 
I use it on 2 of my tanks and haven't had a problem. They've been up for months.
 
Just seconding that point about purchasing plain PFS, without chemicals, chlorines or additives of any kind. Your pool supply store should be able to guide you, but if doubt there's probably a "help line" listed on the bag where you can call and speak to the mfgr.
 
fishorama said:
Pool sand comes in different sizes but none are so fine as to cause me any concern from inhaling any
Click to expand...

I want to reiterate that it's not the potential danger of inhaling the actual sand, but the DUST that the bag will contain. The dust likely comes from the particles of sand rubbing against each other in the bag, then when you open the bag and pour out the sand, you'll get a cloud of dust. THIS is what should be avoided.
 
I have been using pool filter sand for decades in my tanks and never had an issue.. Of course I wasnt snorting rails of the crap off my glass table either.. and BTW, that is something I dont recommend.
 
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