need new filter, may have a pump

[illinipdx]

We have a Splash superpool that's 13x25 (~10K gallons), and the Hayward 1hp pump and cartridge filter need to be replaced. I have a Pentair Maxim Predator II filter/pump that I'm using temporarily until we get this figured out. I'm wondering if I can use the pump from the Pentair Maxim (3/4 hp) and just buy a new filter. The Pentair pump does not have a pump basket before the cartridge- can one be added? If so, how?

Also, any recommendations of a filter? Guy at pool store wanted to sell me a Doughboy sand filter. If it makes a difference, the pool will only be up for 4 months/yr, then taken down and stored.

Thanks for the help.

[CarlD]

I would not use any pump bigger than 1/2 hp--it's a small pool and more will waste electricity, costing $$$.

What is wrong with your pump/filter? A Hayward 1 hp pump should be repairable--and I hope it's an AG, not IG pump or it will be too strong for your pool.

Give Hayward a call and ask what sand/pump combo they recommend--what matches their 1/2 hp pumps.

In lieu of that, I'd get the T-166 (a little over $200) or T-180 sand filter and a 1/2 hp pump. The filter's capacity will easily be greater than the pump's max, and that means it will filter better. If you can't find a 1/2, a 3/4 up-rated pump will be OK (Full-rated move more water--you don't want that.)

The real experts like Poconos and Waterbear can give you more detailed advice...mine is just rule-of-thumb. But bigger pumps are NOT better--bigger filters are.

[illinipdx]

The 3/4 hp pump seems to be working well- it just doesn't have a a pump basket. I think I found the part number for it (Pentair p/n 39106900). Can I just add it onto my pump? It would be great if I can use this pump and just have to buy a new filter.

Also, sand vs. cartridge. We'll be taking the pool down in the fall and storing everything. What will we do with a sand filter full of sand? I was thinking that a cartridge filter would be a better option for us. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help.

[CarlD]

The 3/4 hp pump seems to be working well- it just doesn't have a a pump basket. I think I found the part number for it (Pentair p/n 39106900). Can I just add it onto my pump? It would be great if I can use this pump and just have to buy a new filter.

Also, sand vs. cartridge. We'll be taking the pool down in the fall and storing everything. What will we do with a sand filter full of sand? I was thinking that a cartridge filter would be a better option for us. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help.

I don't know Pentair pumps...call Pentair and ask.

What I do is drain the water out of my filter (there is a drain cap at the bottom), remove the 6-way valve from the top, then cover the filter with a contractor's garbage bag and duct-tape it so the wind cannot whip it. It's easy to do so the tape is only on the bag, not the filter because it's tapered at the bottom. I will also set a cinder-block on top so no snow or ice can build up over the hole in the top of the filter. Works just fine for me.

I plumb everything on my pool with quick-connects so I easily pull it out in the fall.

[illinipdx]

That would work. I've plumbed with quick disconnects on all the connections too.

[illinipdx]

I found a Hayward filter/pump combo S180T92S, which includes a s180t filter and a SP1592 pump- price ~$350 shipped. Would this work as a total system replacement for my pool?

[CarlD]

I'm not the expert on sizing but I think it would.

I always worry that in the combos they may make the pump too big and the filter too small.

[illinipdx]

I have the same concern after reading everything I can find on this site. Price is pretty good, so I'm hoping that it would work.

[CarlD]

Me? I'd get either the Hayward T-180 or T-210 sand filter and one of their 3/4 hp A/G pumps--cost about $400, plus fittings. I just have my filter and pump on patio pavers--no connected base. That way, I just unplug the pump, hit the quick connects, drain the pump and it goes in the basement for the winter.