New Pool Owner

[Pappy]

That is exactly the system that we have, and it is a vast improvement over the cartridge filters. The pump is too big for the filter though and I wound up making and installing a restricter plate between the strainer basket and pump inlet to keep stuff from blowing through the sand. Read the "Eblade thread" PoolDoc referenced earlier (I'm not completely clear on how the conversion from Summer Escapes skimmer to Intex hoses worked out). Plunger valves are not absolutely necessary but are helpful. Intex is the cheapest place I found for the "optional parts" not included in the box. Plunger valves were around $8.00 + shipping direct from Intex.

http://www.intexcorp.com/index.php/r...ter-pumps.html

I will also say that the "sand filter DE enhancement" is beneficial for this system. I was able to find 10lbs HTH DE in stock at a local WalMart. Last time I looked, the wallyworld website had the wrong picture up, but a correct description (I'd not order from them based on this, but if it shows "IN STOCK", you can verify it's the right stuff visually). I add 1/8th cup doses til the pressure stays up about 1 psi from clean.
http://pool9.net/de-test/

Good luck!

Pappy