Pump recommendations for 24' semi-inground pool

[EricD]

Thank you both. I just came back from the pool store. Although my pump is technically AG, he used it in many installs with longer run and higher lift, including solar panels on the roof. He suspects that pollen is clogging the cartridge and hosing is not enough, so I'll try soaking it for a few days. Since this is coming from a guy who would benefit from selling me a new pump and filter, I'll follow his advice for now.

But I'll keep your suggestions as plan B in case plan A doesn't work out.

[Watermom]

It isn't a problem to use an inground pump with an AG filter. I have been doing so for the past 4 years and it is not an issue.

[mas985]

Most IG pumps will well exceed the max flow rate requirements of an AG filter, so while it may not be a problem yet, exceeding flow rates of filters will not only shorten the life of the filter but will not filter as well.

[CarlD]

It all comes down to flow rates. I have an "IG" pump and filter for an "AG" pool with no problem. It's sized correctly. So I have a 1hp Hayward Superpump 2 speed with a Hayward 200# sand filter (I think it's rated as 21", it's the T-210) and it's a perfect fit. In theory, I perhaps should have gotten a 250# or 300# filter, but the 200# is adequate, and at low speed superb. You may want to consider a combo, where the manufacturer has matched pump and filter on a single base. It's generally a safe enough combo. I actually called Hayward to check that the t-210 was adequate for the Superpump.

There's more to it than that if you really want to get into feet of head and flow rates.

Carl

[mas985]

No argument there. It was just that the OP posted the following specs for the current filter which is why I suggested a new filter if he goes with a SuperPump. It will well exceed the flow rate requirements of the filter and not a good match.

The label on the pump motor says Sta-rite JWPA5FL-2A2, 1.5HP 115V VD 3FT20A
It really just mentions power usage, not flow.
The label on the tank says model PLM100
Max work pressure: 50PSI
FIlter area: 100 sq ft
Max flow rate: 37GPM

However, I believe that most if not all pump/filter combo units are for AG pools and I think would end up with the same problem.

[EricD]

Thank you all. The friendly salesman said that my filter would not be a good match for an IG pump for the reasons outlined by Mark. So I would have to buy a new pump and filter.

If I knew what I learned here last year, I would have opted for a small IG pump/filter combo as the price difference would have been relatively small. But now, even if I could sell my AG pump/filter used, it's a more expensive upgrade. I'll try to work with the equipment I have for now.

Carl, I used Cartridge Renu, purchased at the pool store. But I will try Electric dishwasher detergent next time. I'll also look for skimmer socks.

Eric

[EricD]

Quick update: I ran the pump without the cartridge and with a pollen cloth in the skimmer basket for 2 days while the cartridge soaked in cleaning solution. Within a few hours, I collected enough pollen to make a nice yellow "snowball". No wonder the filter clogged so fast! I put the cartridge back in and it's been running beautifully.

I want to thank everyone for spending the time to help me with this issue.

Eric

[CarlD]

Wow! Sounds like that pool store guy is a keeper! There are some...I know one in Greenbrook, NJ.

Are you soaking it in electric dishwasher detergent? That's supposed to be the best. Also there's a hose attachment specifically for cleaning carts that may help.

Finally, when you put it back in, immediately get "Skimmer Socks" (also called "Filter Savers") They are pretty cheap, go in the skimmer as a liner, and will catch most, if not all of the pollen. Some years it's so bad I feel like I'm scraping yellow spackle off the Skimmer Sock. I find they last 2 weeks to a month, and usually are 3-5 of them for $10 or less, depending on the brand. They are actually one of those super cheap gadgets that really does work.

Carl