Difference between AG and IG filters?

[kelemvor]

I think with a 55 sf cartridge filter you will be cleaning it VERY often. I am upgrading from a 125sf cartridge filter next week in part because I want the clearer water DE can provide, and because the weekly cleanings are getting old.

I don't know about AG vs IG filters, doesn't seem like it would make much difference to me; but I'm on expert on this area. What I understand to be true is that the bigger the sf of the cartridge, the longer you can go between cleanings.

At least cartridge filters (at least mine is) pretty easy to clean.. pop the cartridge out, hose it down and replace.. 5 minute job max.

[BigDave]

One difference between AG and IG may be the check valve that comes with the filter you describe above. This is nice and necessary if you don't have another valve to isolate the pool when you perform filter maintenance. I can't advise the correct size but ... as kelemvor points out larger will surely let you go longer between cleanings.

[sunlove]

Thanks for the insight. It seems like to get a larger size you pretty much have to go with an "inground filter". I'm just trying for a happy medium, don't want to over work my pump, yet don't want to have to clean it all the time either. I am thinking either the c751 at 75 sq ft. or c900 which is 90 sq ft. Hm decisions decisions.

[mas985]

AG filters tend to come in combo units with the pump where as the IG filters do not and there definitely IS a difference between an AG pump and an IG pump due to priming but really there is not much of a difference in the filters other than perhaps size. AG cartridge filters tend to come in sizes below 200 sq-ft where as IG filters come in all sizes up to 525 sq-ft.

So if you are shopping for a AG combo unit (filter and pump), then I would target the 100 sq-ft size or larger for that size pool. More specifically, because the way they match the filter and pump, I would suggest the Pentair PNCC0150OF216.

[Watermom]

I have an AG pool with an inground pump and it works just fine. 27ft AG, approx. 19,300 gallons. My pump is an inground 1/2 hp fullrated pump. It is self-priming, which I love! I've had it for several years and have been very satisfied with the performance.

[sunlove]

Thank you Mark, that is what I wanted clarification on.

[sunlove]

I purchased a hayward c900 cart filter and it should be here in 1-2 days. Hopefully we won't have any trouble installing it. Seems like a fair match up for my 50-60 gpm pump. I am still going to keep my sand filter as a back up in case of a dirty pool emergency. If I can figure out some where to hide it nearby.

Do you just store them with the sand in it? If it doesn't have any algae in it when I store it, nothing funky should grow in there, right?