Am I choosing a good combination? pump & filter size

[SunnyOptimism]

So this 300lb sand filter will hook up to the above pump just fine even though it says its for in-ground pools?

The distinction is arbitrary. The controlling factors that go into sizing a sand filter (or any filter) are water volume and turn-over rate. My in-ground pool has a volume only slightly bigger than your above-ground pool (16,000 gal versus 14,400 gal). However, my equipment pad has much larger pumps and filters because of the longer plumbing runs and various water features; therefore I need bigger pumps to run my pool. So labelling a pump as "above-ground" or "in-ground" is really nonsense. What matters is how much water you need to move and filter and the best way to do that in a reasonable amount of time.

[leena]

ok, Im planning on ordering the Hayward 1hp, 2 speed pump SP15922S Power Flo Matrix and the Hayward S244T Pro(300lb) Sand filter thru amazon. Its thru Pool Supplies Superstore which was a little disappointing. Had hoped for Amazon Prime but its still free shipping.

So If anyone sees a potential problem with this combination, please chime in soon as I plan to make the order today. Thanks, will post my results when we get it all hooked up. Hope to take a pic of my before and after water.

And POOL sand from Home Depot or Lowes is ok?

[SunnyOptimism]

No idea on sand (I'm a DE filter guy) but I would say as long as it is pool sand then wherever it is cheapest....

Good luck and I look forward to seeing the pictures.

[mas985]

So labelling a pump as "above-ground" or "in-ground" is really nonsense.

Sorry but I have to disagree with this. There are some fundamental differences between a AG pump and an IG pump. Most AG pumps are NOT self priming so would not work on an IG pool at all. Also, the rating of AG pumps tends to be much higher than the equivalent IG pump. For example, a 2 HP Optiflo (AG) has about the same flow rate as a 1/2 HP Northstar (IG) so you need to be really careful about using an IG pump on a AG pool because it could very easily exceed the maximum flow rate of the filter.

[CarlD]

Sorry but I have to disagree with this. There are some fundamental differences between a AG pump and an IG pump. Most AG pumps are NOT self priming so would not work on an IG pool at all. Also, the rating of AG pumps tends to be much higher than the equivalent IG pump. For example, a 2 HP Optiflo (AG) has about the same flow rate as a 1/2 HP Northstar (IG) so you need to be really careful about using an IG pump on a AG pool because it could very easily exceed the maximum flow rate of the filter.

mas985 is perfectly correct. However, I use the Hayward Superpump 1hp 2spd with a Hayward 200# top-mount sand filter and have for a dozen years with no problem. I could use it with a bigger filter and if I ever have to replace the filter I will. However, with my pump you cannot safely use a smaller filter. In-ground pumps are usually "full-rated" and AG pumps are usually "up-rated", meaning loosely they are assigned more HP than they have. More simply, a 1hp up-rated will not flow nearly as much water as a 1 hp full-rated.

Sunny, I'm going to say it again: Please check your information before you post it.

[leena]

ok, so you are saying the pump & filter I have picked out IS OKAY together or NOT OKAY together for my pool? 1hp, 2speed above ground pump and the 300lb in ground filter........both Hayward

There is only $10 difference in the 250lb or 300lb filter but I don't understand about the sizing so am just going by what everyone says about the bigger sand filters being better

[CarlD]

ok, so you are saying the pump & filter I have picked out IS OKAY together or NOT OKAY together for my pool? 1hp, 2speed above ground pump and the 300lb in ground filter........both Hayward

There is only $10 difference in the 250lb or 300lb filter but I don't understand about the sizing so am just going by what everyone says about the bigger sand filters being better

It is perfectly reasonable to contact Hayward and ask if the pump, filter and your pool are compatible, but given the description of your pool, a round AG pool, I personally don't foresee any problem. But the final decision, as always, is yours.