Quick verdict
The easy, affordable default. It won’t polish the water like a cartridge or D.E. filter, but for low fuss and low cost it’s hard to beat.
Ideal for
- Owners who want the simplest maintenance
- Value-focused in-ground pools
- Areas where backwashing water isn’t a concern
Not ideal for
- Owners wanting the finest filtration
- Well/drought areas (backwashing wastes water)
The full picture
Sand filters endure because they're the easiest filter to live with, and the Hayward Pro Series S244T is the mainstream 24-inch choice for in-ground pools. Filtration is coarser than cartridge or D.E. (roughly 20–40 microns), but the sand is cheap, lasts years, and when the filter gets dirty you just turn the multiport valve to backwash — no elements to pull and rinse. The self-cleaning simplicity is the whole appeal: it's the fit-and-forget option for owners who value low maintenance and low running cost over the finest possible water.
Hayward Pro Series S244T Sand Filter (24 in) at a glance
- Filter type
- Sand
- Filter area
- 24 in tank / 3.14 sq ft
- Flow rate (GPM)
- 62
- Filtration (microns)
- 20–40
- Backwashing required
- Yes
- Filter media
- Pool filter sand
- Tank material
- Corrosion-proof thermoplastic
- Valve
- Top-mount 6-position multiport
- Pool type
- In-ground
- Notable feature
- Backwash with a turn of the multiport handle
Source: Compiled from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated owner feedback. Specs and prices change — confirm with the retailer before buying.
This is a research-based review — our analysis draws on manufacturer specifications, manuals, warranty terms, and verified owner feedback rather than our own hands-on testing, and we note where a detail couldn't be confirmed. How we review
The in-depth review
Sand filters endure because they're the easiest filter to live with, and the Hayward Pro Series S244T is the mainstream 24-inch choice for in-ground pools.
Why sand still wins for many owners
The appeal is simplicity and cost. Sand is cheap, lasts years, and when the filter gets dirty you just turn the multiport valve to backwash — no elements to pull, rinse, and re-seat. Running cost is low and the whole thing is forgiving of neglect. Filtration is coarser than cartridge or D.E. (roughly 20–40 microns), but for a lot of pools that's perfectly clear water. It's the fit-and-forget option.
The honest caveats
You're trading clarity and water for simplicity. Sand filters the coarsest of the three types, and every backwash sends pool water down the drain — a real downside on a well or in a drought area. The sand itself needs refreshing every 5–7 years as its edges wear smooth.
Performance breakdown
Research-based editorial judgments from specs, warranty terms, and verified owner feedback — not lab measurements. How we score
Pros and cons
What works
- Cheapest media, lasts years
- Simple multiport backwashing
- Very low maintenance
- Forgiving and reliable
What doesn't
- Coarsest filtration of the three types
- Backwashing wastes pool water
- Sand change every ~5–7 years
- Won’t polish water like D.E.
Best alternatives to Hayward Pro Series S244T Sand Filter (24 in)
Pentair
TA60D
Pentair
Pentair Tagelus TA60D Sand Filter
Best Pentair sand filter
Pentair’s durable fiberglass-reinforced sand filter — a uniform sand bed and clamp-style multiport valve for reliable, low-cost filtration.
Pentair
CC150 (160317)
Pentair
Pentair Clean & Clear CC150 Cartridge Filter (150 sq ft)
Best mid-size cartridge
The right-sized cartridge filter for typical pools — 150 sq ft of fine filtration and no backwashing, at a friendlier price than the giant multi-cartridge units.
Pentair
FNS Plus 48 (180008)
Pentair
Pentair FNS Plus 48 D.E. Filter (48 sq ft)
Premium D.E.
A premium D.E. filter with a tough fiberglass-reinforced tank and a single-nut grid pack — the clearest water with slightly easier servicing.
Hayward
W3DE4820
Hayward
Hayward ProGrid DE4820 D.E. Filter (48 sq ft)
Finest filtration (D.E.)
The clarity champion — a diatomaceous-earth filter that polishes water down to a few microns, for owners who want the cleanest possible pool.
Frequently asked questions
How fine does a sand filter clean?
Roughly 20–40 microns — coarser than cartridge (10–15) or D.E. (3–5). It keeps water clear for most pools, but won’t polish out the finest particles the way D.E. does.
How do I clean it?
You backwash: turn the multiport valve to "backwash," run the pump to flush trapped dirt out the waste line, then rinse and return to filter. It’s the simplest routine of any filter type — no elements to pull.
How often do I change the sand?
Every 5–7 years typically. The sand’s sharp edges wear smooth over time and filter less effectively; refreshing it restores performance cheaply.
Can I use filter glass instead of sand?
Many owners do — filter glass media drops into the same tank, can filter slightly finer, and often lasts longer. It costs more upfront than sand but is a popular upgrade.
What size pool does the S244T handle?
It’s the mainstream 24-inch size for typical residential in-ground pools. Make sure its flow rating suits your pump; larger tanks are available for bigger pools or longer cycles.
Why choose sand over cartridge?
Lower upfront cost, cheap media, and the simplest maintenance. The trade is coarser filtration and water wasted during backwashing — cartridge wins on clarity and water savings.