I started this thread where we discussed the merits of the different sand one can use in Discus tanks here.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=73326
Using sand always means more maintenance work but Discus love to pick through it and wild Discus especially are more at ease in a tank with at least a thin layer of sand.
Domestic Discus have changed in many ways from their wild cousins but they still like sand.
The play sand and pool filter sand are both well suited to use in Discus tanks but because they are very fine grained the oxygenated water does not freely circulate through them.
Either use a thin layer of 1/2" thick or no more than 2 inches provided you regularly and thoroughly hydro-vac it to keep it clean.