1.5 HP pump on 19" filter

[astargel]

Hi all! I have been reading information on pool filters / pumps, and now I have to ask....

I have an 18' AG pool with 52" walls. It has a 1.5 HP Waterway pump on a 19" sand filter.
Is this a bad combo? I read about how some pumps push the water too fast thru the filter and then it doesn't have time to collect the dirt. If this is a bad combo, what is a better one? Do I have to replace everything or just one or the other? Thanks!!!!

[Watermom]

A 1.5 hp is overkill for an 18' AG. A 1/2 hp would be plenty. You don't have to replace both. I would replace the pump. How many lbs. of sand does a 19" filter hold?

[CarlD]

If it's an "uprated" pump, as most AG pumps are, it may not be nearly as powerful as a 1.5 "full-rated" IG pump. If it's full-rated, you'd probably already see problems with it.

If it was sold as a matched pair on a common base, odds are it's OK, even if not necessarily optimal. You can probably get better filtering by replacing the filter with a bigger one, or going down to a 1/2 to 3/4 hp pump. It will save electricity, too.

However, if you are NOT having problems and your pool is clean, any change is an expense and only you can decide if it's worth it.

[Watermom]

Just an FYI: I have an inground pump on my above ground pool. I think a lot of people think that you can't do that.

[CarlD]

Just an FYI: I have an inground pump on my above ground pool. I think a lot of people think that you can't do that.

Me, too. I have a 1hp 2spd with a 200# sand filter.