Should I upgrade my filter?

[blessedbeingmom]

We have recently installed an above ground Intex metal-framed pool (15' x 48") and it came with a filter than is 1000 GPH. I did a lot of reading before we bought & installed our pool, and a lot of people suggest that the pools are sold with inadequate filters. Would it be a worthwhile investment to consider upgrading to a stronger filter to keep our pool cleaner? I'm thinking with 2 adults and 3 kids that we may have a fairly high bather load, especially if friends or family come over.

I was considering something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BXCU9W?ie=UTF8&tag=poolbooks&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003BXCU9W

What do you think? Thanks for any advice!

[aylad]

If it's a larger filter than the one you have, it's always gonna be better!! ;) Seriously, it's always going to be better to have an oversized filter than to have an oversized pump. The more filtering space you have, the quicker you're going to be able to filter out water problems, too. If you decide to go with it, make sure you read the feedback on the site--indicates that you may need to use different hoses with it.

Some people with intex pools have upgraded to a sand filter--not sure if there's one available for your pool or not, but you might want to check and cost-compare.

Also, if you do decide to buy this filter, PLEASE read through this thread first http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=10006 because if you go through the link Ben has posted, PoolForum makes a commission from the sale!!

Janet

[blessedbeingmom]

Okay, here is what I managed to find out. We have Intex Filter/Pump Model 637. On the Intex site, it says both 800 GPH and 1000GPH, so not sure which is truly right. According to their site, it has 1 & 1/4 inch hoses. The filter it uses is Type A, which is 4 inches in diameter & 8 inches tall.

The 2500GPH pump is model 633T (with timer). It uses 1 & 1/2 inch hoses, so we would have to get an adapter, I believe. Here is what Intex has to say about that.
http://faq.intexstore.com/faqsup/pub/FaqSupportServlet?action=openFaq&country=&qid=49&lst_prd=13&lst_subcategory=15&lst_cat=13&lst_subcat=15&frmcontact=


This pump uses Filter Type B (I believe) which is 5 & 1/2 inches in diameter and 10 inches tall (so it would be 2 inches taller & 1.5 inches wider than the one we have now).

The timer would also be helpful for our upcoming vacation.

What do you think?

[aylad]

I'll let the pump/filter matching experts give their opinions, since that's not really my forte--but again, the bigger filter cannot hurt and I'm sure will do a better job than the smaller one....

Janet

[Poconos]

Someone familiar with these combos hopefully will chime in. My only comment would be to just go with what you have and only think about changing anything if you have problems. Get the water right, kick back, and enjoy. Keep in mind with cartridge filters they will plug up fast if you have an algae bloom or a lot of dirt in the pool. Get familiar with the test kit and the chemistry and you should have no problem.
Happy 4th.
Al
This is July 2, and for 3 mornings now it has been 40 on my deck. Did I say July 2 ? Pool looks like a nuke plant cooling tower.

[AnnaK]

Hi Tricia,

There are a number of timer devices on the market which you could install to run the pump while you're on vacation. Some are used for pumps that are hard-wired into the box and, if I remember correctly, Intex pumps are plugged into a protected outlet. For that, you can get an indoor/outdoor timer like the ones that run exterior Christmas lights, for instance.

You may want to go with a different pump and filtration setup in the future but Al gave great advice: for now, use what you have, learn all you can about testing and balancing the water, and look at a new filter only if the existing one just doesn't cut it. Spend your money on the vacation :)