I noted in another thread that you are high in DIY, and short on $$. Same situation here.

Knowing that Intex/Summer Escapes and many other low cost starter pools have very poor filtration/circulation, I've been slowly working on my 15' x 48" Intex, trying to work out some of these inherent problems.

Here are a few pics of what I've been doing in that respect:

I have been able to pick up a pair of used 2500 gph units, One with a bad motor, and the other was leaking between pump and motor. I took the cartridge canisters from both, and using 1-1/2" PVC pipe and fittings, plumbed them in parallel. Using the good pump from one of them, I've come up with this:



I've given myself a spot for a third canister, if I can find one. Even with two, the filtration difference is noticeable. I do use Unicel cartridges in them (C-5315) giving me 30 sq ft of filter area. Still not as much as it should be by the 1:100 rule, but getting closer. Note: I do keep my pool a little fuller than Intex intended, so it calculates out to 4800 gal.

These canisters are easy to remove from the base, just a couple of clips on the transfer tube, and a large nut on the bottom of the canister.

I've also been hard plumbing my pool. I started with the returns, adding two using Hayward vinyl liner fittings with the 1-1/2" internal threads.







Doing this has given better water circulation in the pool, and definitely helps with keeping it clean and clear.

Yes, I used an electrician friend's trick and warmed the PVC pipe to bend it around the pool, allowing for less connections so lower potential for breakage/leakage. PVC will flex some in this situation, so should give a few good years of use.

I am also planning on installing a Hayward SP1091LX or similar through the wall skimmer, and a low suction port next year, to complete the hard plumbing.

I may try a cheap 1 hp pump, given that the Intex pumps aren't known for being very efficient.

Let me know if you have any questions on how I've done any of this.