A Quick Opinion PLEASE!!

[mshumack]

The first choice (Hayward and Jacuzzi) are both great products. Well established companies and easy to get parts. If the price is right go for it. Don't worry about the differences between sand and DE, both will do the job. Many people perfer the sand for its ease of maintenance.

The second choice is for items that I am not familar with (brands). They may still be good products. There are a few questions you should ask. How long has the manufacturer been in business? What is their sales volume? Where can you buy parts? If they don't support the product five years down the road your in trouble. Can you get an O-ring if you need one? Do they have a website with product manuals, etc.?
Unless you can answer these questions positively, I would stick with the brand names.
IMHO

[sock monkey]

Thanks for the opinions! Both set ups are comparable in price - $300 (used)

There actually is a dealer about 45 min away from me that sells the mybluepools micromedia filter. I'm assuming they also sell the parts..but I'll call...

[sock monkey]

thank you, Mshumack..you were right! I called the local dealer for this filter, and they do not carry it anymore...they said they were having difficulty finding parts. Mybluepools is just labelling, the company is really Astral. I'm thinking JACUZZI now where I was very ready to buy the other one before. You really helped me out!