Howie,
I think it is hard to be certain what color a particular brand of pool filter sand is. You have to remember that pool filter sand is sold to go in pool filters, where it is not visible. Accordingly, most users don't care about the color.
I have found some pool filter sand to be white, others to be tan, and still others to be a mix. Your best bet is to take a peek in the bag or look around on the floor near the pool filter sand bags, to get an idea of what you will be buying.
There used to be a pool supply store in the same shopping center as House of Tropicals, in Glen Burnie. The sand I got there was fairly white. Of course, that could change without any notice.
I don't have a problem with white pool filter sand showing fish waste or algae, but I'm sure it varies from setup to setup.
Matt