Quick verdict
A durable, easy above-ground sand filter. Corrosion-proof one-piece tank and simple backwashing — the right-sized sand option for above-ground pools.
Ideal for
- Above-ground pools
- Owners who want simple, durable sand filtration
- Easy winterizing (combo drain)
Not ideal for
- Large in-ground pools
- Owners wanting cartridge/D.E. clarity
The full picture
The Sand Dollar SD40 is Pentair's above-ground sand filter, and its trick is a one-piece blow-molded tank that's completely corrosion-proof and light enough to handle. At 19 inches with a 6-position clamp-style valve and a 40 GPM rating, it's sized for typical above-ground pools, and it includes the practical touches above-ground owners want: a combination water-and-sand drain for easy winterizing and straightforward multiport backwashing. It won't match cartridge or D.E. clarity, but for a durable, no-fuss above-ground sand filter that sets up easily and lasts, it's a smart, affordable pick.
Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 Above-Ground Sand Filter at a glance
- Filter type
- Sand
- Filter area
- 19 in tank
- Flow rate (GPM)
- 40
- Filtration (microns)
- 20–40
- Backwashing required
- Yes
- Filter media
- Pool filter sand (~150 lb)
- Tank material
- One-piece blow-molded (corrosion-proof)
- Valve
- 6-position clamp-style multiport
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Notable feature
- One-piece corrosion-proof tank; combo water/sand drain
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
The Sand Dollar SD40 is Pentair's above-ground sand filter, and its whole design is aimed at making sand filtration easy and durable for above-ground owners.
Built for above-ground life
The signature feature is a one-piece blow-molded tank — no seams to corrode or leak, and light enough to position without a struggle. At 19 inches with a 6-position clamp-style valve and 40 GPM, it's sized for typical above-ground pools, and it includes the touches that matter outdoors: a combination water-and-sand drain that makes winterizing simple, and the same familiar multiport backwashing sand owners expect. It sets up easily and asks very little of you.
The honest caveats
It's a sand filter at above-ground scale, so filtration is coarse (20–40 microns), capacity is modest, and backwashing wastes pool water. It's not meant for large in-ground pools — it's a right-sized above-ground unit, and that focus is the point.
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
- Corrosion-proof one-piece tank
- Sized and priced for above-ground pools
- Simple multiport backwashing
- Combo drain eases winterizing
What doesn't
- Coarse sand filtration
- Small capacity (above-ground scale)
- Backwashing wastes water
- Not for large in-ground pools
Best alternatives to Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 Above-Ground Sand Filter
Pentair
SD60 (EC-145322)
Pentair
Pentair Sand Dollar SD60 Sand Filter (22 in)
Larger above-ground sand
The larger Sand Dollar — a 22-inch corrosion-proof sand filter with more capacity, suitable for bigger above-ground pools or small in-ground setups.
Hayward
W3C9002 (C900)
Hayward
Hayward Star-Clear Plus C900 Cartridge Filter (90 sq ft)
Best compact cartridge
The compact single-cartridge filter — cartridge clarity and no backwashing for smaller pools and spas, at an approachable price.
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.
Hayward
Hayward Pro Series S244T Sand Filter (24 in)
Best value sand filter
The classic, low-fuss sand filter — cheap to run, forgiving, and dead simple, with a multiport valve that backwashes at the turn of a handle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SD40 for above-ground or in-ground pools?
It’s designed for above-ground pools, with a 19-inch tank and 40 GPM rating suited to typical above-ground pumps. For in-ground pools, look at a larger in-ground sand, cartridge, or D.E. filter.
How much sand does it need?
About 150 pounds of pool-grade filter sand. You add it once at setup and refresh it every 5–7 years as the sand’s filtering edges wear smooth.
Why a blow-molded tank?
The one-piece blow-molded tank has no seams to corrode or leak and is light enough to position easily — a durability and handling advantage for an above-ground filter.
How do I winterize it?
The combination water-and-sand drain lets you fully drain the tank for winter, which prevents freeze damage — a genuinely useful feature in cold climates.
What’s the maintenance like?
Minimal: backwash via the multiport valve when pressure rises, and refresh the sand every several years. It’s the low-fuss above-ground option.
SD40 or a cartridge filter pump?
The SD40 is a dedicated sand filter you pair with a pump; an Intex-style cartridge filter pump is an all-in-one that’s cheaper and simpler but filters via a cartridge you replace often. Choose based on whether you want sand simplicity or all-in-one convenience.