Is my sand filter sized right?

[PoolDoc]

See https://www.pentairpartners.com/prod...mpParts_US.pdf , page 458 and 459

It appears that you might be able to change only the seal (#16) and impeller #(28). It looks like the diffuser (#13) is the same in all of the pumps below 3HP.

[TheGoose]

Hey guys thanks for the great replys. I definitely think that I am under-filtering my water. My original pump was a 1.5 HP with a swim-quip DE filter of approx. the same size (physical size). When I had the DE filter it was a real pain because my skimmers were non-functional at the time and I could only use the main drain. I had to load the filter by popping the basket lid off the pump, washing the DE into the suction piping with a water hose, and then re-starting (and priming) the pump. I had to do this 5-6 times to get all the DE in. The whole reason for switching to the sand filter was to avoid this problem (plus the original pump/tank were 20+ years old).

My original skimmer piping was the white flexible PVC, which collapsed and was unusable. I think that putting chlorine tablets in the skimmer baskets had some type of effect on the skimmer piping. The material was just ate up from the inside. I had them fixed last summer, they had to dig under the deck to do the job. At first I thought we would have to cut the deck around the skimmers out but they were able to dig under the deck. That made a huge difference in the way the pool operated. Imagine having to hand-skim all the leaves etc. out of the pool and only using the main drain. Could've kicked myself in the butt for waiting so long to get them fixed but I had so many other things wrong with the pool that it just got pushed back.

My pump is a straight up 1-HP, no dual speed. Since installing my SWCG a few weeks ago my water is looking much, much better, but I can still tell that the clarity is not where it should be. I don't know why I had such a hard time keeping chlorine in the pool but since installing the SWCG my water stays blue and I no longer have those little algae clingers in the corners etc. That seemed like the battle that would never end.

I'm thinking about switching back to DE. I don't mind the occassional cleaning or loading the filter every 2-3 weeks if it means my water will look better with less effort.

Thanks for all your helpful input, I appreciate the responses.

[Watermom]

Have you tried adding a little DE to your sand filter? That helps with filtration and may just do the trick for you.

Adding DE to a Sand Filter

[TheGoose]

Yeah, that is my next experiment.

[TheGoose]

Update to my thread:

My 1-HP Pentair (motor) bit the dust this spring. I was running the pump intermittently, getting ready to do some pre-spring maintenance. I did not use the pump over the winter. It ran for a few days before crapping out.

I'm trying to decide whether to replace the motor only and keep the same pump, or change the pump/motor and filter back to DE.

Pool season doesn't start until late April/Early May so I have time to think.

What would you do?

[PoolDoc]

What would you do?

Depends.

1. Does the cost of a new pump & filter fit your budget? Or, do you need to minimize costs?
2. Does your piping need to be corrected, at the pump? (Send pictures of your current layout to poolforum@gmail.com)
3. Do you have a lot of debris land in your pool, so that your skimmer really needs to be running much of the time?
4. Does it matter to you (or your family) whether your pool is REALLY clear, or just clear. (Sand filters are lower maintenance, but lower clarity as well.)

[Watermom]

Sand filters may be slightly lower clarity, but for most people, I doubt that would be able to tell the difference. I have always had a sand filter and my water always appears extremely clear. Simple maintenance is hard to beat. Just my nickel's worth.

[TheGoose]

Budget is not a huge concern.

I don't think my piping has to be corrected much, if any. Small changes of course to re-route the plumbing but I'm plenty capable.

I do have lots of trees etc (from neighbors yard) hanging over my pool, but I kinda like the shade so it's a catch-22.

I had a DE filter once before. Changing out the DE about once a month is no big deal. Pulling apart the filter and cleaning once or twice a season also doesn't seem like a lot of work for the return. I wouldn't mind going back DE, I just want to make sure that I don't do all the work but still have murky water.

What size pump/DE filter would be appropriate for a 18,00-20,000 gallon pool?

I really like my water clear. It doesn't have to be crystal, but it seems that there is very little in-between. It either seems to be crystal clear, or murky. Not much in between.