📌 Key Specs (SD60)
- Model: Sand Dollar SD60
- Filter area: ~2.3 sq. ft.
- Tank size: ~22″ diameter thermoplastic tank
- Sand requirement: ~250 lbs of filter sand
- Flow/turnover capacity:
- ~22,800 gallons (8 hrs)
- ~36,000 gallons (10 hrs)
- ~43,200 gallons (12 hrs)
- Valve: 6-function 1.5” top-mount multiport
- Pump: Typically paired with OptiFlo or equivalent above-ground pump
- Material: One-piece corrosion-resistant thermoplastic tank
⚙️ What it does
The SD60 is a sand filtration system, meaning:
- Pool water is pushed through a sand bed
- Dirt, algae, and debris get trapped in sand
- Clean water returns to the pool
- You periodically backwash the system to clean the sand
👉 No cartridges, no media replacement every few weeks.
🧱 Build quality
- Heavy-duty one-piece molded tank (no seams)
- UV + corrosion resistant plastic
- Large internal sand bed for better filtration efficiency
- Designed for continuous seasonal use (hot climates included)
👍 Key advantages
✔ Handles large pools (up to ~43k gallons turnover range)
✔ Very simple maintenance (backwash instead of replacing filters)
✔ Strong Pentair reliability (commercial-grade design philosophy)
✔ Good match for 24’ round / 24×12 rectangular pools
✔ Works well with salt systems (like AquaRite / PLC1400 setups)
⚠️ Real-world limitations
- ❌ Requires correct pump sizing (undersized pump = poor clarity)
- ❌ Needs proper backwashing every 1–3 weeks in heavy use
- ❌ 1.5” plumbing limits flow upgrades unless valve is changed
- ❌ Sand needs replacement every ~3–5 years for best performance
- ❌ Takes significant space on equipment pad
