What size sand filter and pump?

[b2001]

I've got the same question, but I'm wanting to convert from a cartridge filter to a sand filter. I'm being told to use a Hayward 210 or 240 sand filter which I don't have a problem with. My pool is 18 x 36 or so - 14,000 gallons - above ground, also. I have an existing Purex Triton Maxim pump - part number 39908690 with an AO Smith BN35 motor. It is marked "HP 2.0 SPL" but a parts list indicates that the motor is 1 hp.

I also want to go to a 1/2 or 3/4 hp pump/motor, but I'm being told that "above ground" and "standard" pumps are not exactly equivalent - that, say, a standard 3/4 hp pump that would be used on an in ground pool is really equivalent to an above ground pool 1-1/2 hp pump. In other words, the 1-1/2 above ground pump is ideally matched to the 210 or 240 sand filter ...

A couple of pool catalogs that I've gotten in the mail only offer 1-1/2 pumps for that size sand filter on the combo units.

What size pump do I really have, and if it is oversized - what size above ground pump - pentair or hayword - do I need to go to for maximum efficeincy and cost savings? Thanks ....

[CarlD]

Wow, you're pushing my knowledge--our mech expert (Poconos) and the pool dealers should be able to help you.

You can also call Hayward. I didn't get a "set", so I called Hayward and found that their t210 (top mount valve) and their SuperPump 1hp 2speed were, they said, a fine combo, even though they aren't paired and you don't get a base. Hasn't been a problem--24" pavers make a fine base--I don't even bolt the pump down. I run it on low most of the time and never have a problem.

So call Hayward, call your pump manufacturer. Ask the folks who make them.

[b2001]

Thanks for the response, Carl. I haven't called any manufacturers yet. In the short term, I'm going with the pump I have now. I incorrectly listed its size above - the motor is 1 1/2 hp.

I was real interested in the two speed pumps, but at least Hayward's are all 230 volt - I've got 115 volt.

[The Raddish]

I am by no means an expert, but personally, I am going to be using the pump and filter recommended on this page of www.poolsolutions.com. Specifically, this paragraph:

A combination that will work fairly well for almost ALL above ground pools -- regardless of pool size -- is a 1/2 HP Hayward "Super" pump (mfg. model #SP2600X5), a 22" Hayward "PRO" sand filter (mfg. model #SP220T), a Hayward 1.5" "Vari-Flo" multiport valve (mfg. model #SP071113), and a cord set (#SPX1550WA [25 ft long] or #SPX1250 [6 ft long]). 1999 list price on this combo is $764.00. Any pool dealer in the US or Canada can sell this combination to you. You'll also need hoses, connectors and . . . 250 pounds of filter sand. Make absolutely certain that the sand comes in bags that are factory labeled as filter sand, and make sure that the pump and filter have exactly the model numbers shown above. This combination can be used either as original equipment, or to replace what you've got now.

I've already purchased the filter, but I will be using my 1hp AG pump for a little while longer. I think it is on it's last leg anyway, so I'll likely replace it with Ben's recommended pump later this summer. I got the pump here for $247 shipped, which is easily more than $100 less than anywhere locally. It shipped out of Florida and arrived at my door two days later in pristine condition.

[b2001]

Thanks for the link. I trying to convert from baquacil to chlorine and from a cartridge filter to a sand filter, so I've been doing a lot of reading lately. Sonehow missed the above referenced article.

At least my electrical is worked out. Good luck on your electrical although sounds like you got it under control.

[Aranon]

B2001
Why are you switching from a cartridge to a sand system. I can't decide which one to get. I was wondering why the switch. I have heard that cartridge filters do not do well with baquacil sytems and are really designed for chlorine systems.

I was just wondering why the change. I would hate to buy a Cartridge system and then be unhappy with it and want to change later.

Aranon

[b2001]

I'm under several oak trees. Rains really mess up my pool - I get a lot of organic crap from the trees into my pool. So I can go from a pristine pool to a cloudy murky pool in a matter of a few hours after a rain, even with maintaining my chemicals and proactive shocking.

I'm very proactive with cleaning out my cartridges - when the pressure starts rising, I remove the filter, seperate it from the cartridge, and thoroughly wash it down inside and out with a pressure nozzle on my hose. As time goes by, pressure will rise more quickly, and I'll have to wash it more often. As this happens, it takes longer and longer to recover from a rain. I've noticed that if I leave a fllter out to dry for several days, it improves in performance some - so I always have at least two filters on hand.

I started using a skimmer basket sock last summer - it catches a lot of crap that thereby does not make it to the filter. However, it must also be continuously cleaned up or it will clog. A lot of times, it has a complete layer of "orange-brown" sludge - baquacil "goo".

With maintaining my chemicals, vacuming, scrubbing the sides of my pool weekly, and maintaining the cartridge filters as mentioned above, I can get my pool most of the way to "pristine".

However, I can't get it completely there. It could be that bacquacil and cartridges don't do well together - it does appear that baquacil precipitates out and the cartridges filter this finer "goo" out, while the sand might let it pass. Also, my trees and storms might come into play. After spending $300 to $350 a year on cartridge filters (2 to 3), I'm wanting to make a change to see how that goes.

As I said in another thread, I believe that I'm going to buy a sand filter and hook it up in parallel to my cartridge and run the sand most of the time and the cartridge for final poslishing - I'll end up only buying one cartridge filter a year and in a couple of years will have paid for the sand filter.

You might not have the above issues if you're going to use chlorine and you're not under a bunch of trees. I hope this helps some ...