Help with picking pump/filter system.

[lukw646]

I have an 18'x52 AG with 150lb Sand filter and 1hp Hayward pump which is dead. I really don't have a good area for backwashing. So I would like to change to a cartridge filter with a 3/4 pump or a 2 speed pump. Any suggestions? Thanks for a great forum.

Thanks,
Dave

[Watermom]

I can't answer your question about a recommendation for a new pump, but just be sure you want a cartridge. Everyone I have ever heard talk about theirs has complained about what a pain it is and how expensive they are to replace.

[lukw646]

I was really looking for something a little easier to maintain. I don't have a great area to backwash my sand filter. Plus, the first year our sand filter kept the water crystal clear, but has gotten worse every year since. It is only 4 years old and I have changed the sand twice, replaced the guts and multivalve of the tank, hand scrubed the inside of the tank and plumbing, resealed all the joints and now the pump is dying. I did the chorline tablets for the first two years, the "sustain" way the 3rd year (which was a nightmare to keep our pool balanced), last year I found this sight and changed to the simple and correct way and the pool is clear but not as great as the first year. Would like to go with DE but to backwash I need to run a 100' line to drain. I backwash at least once a week sometimes more because the filter pressure starts dropping after a couple of days. So again, any advice is helpful.

Thanks again,
Dave

[Poconos]

Dave,
What kind or pressures are you running? The last line in your last post says the pressure starts dropping after a couple days and that would be odd. When the filter starts plugging the pressure rises. Not sure why the filter doesn't seem to be working as well as it originally did because sand doesn't go bad unless it gets gooped up somehow. My sand is starting it's 10th season. The 150# filter for the 1 HP pump is not a good match. Pump too big and/or filter too small and that may be your problem. Trying to ram too much water through the filter. I agree with Watermom about the cartridge filters. This forum is full of complaints about the maintenance and costs. My own opinion is they would be OK in a spa or hot tub where you filter a small volume of water that doesn't get too dirty, but a big pool...no. Watermom is getting away with a 1/2 HP pump for a 24' AG and seems to be working fine. Think she has a 200# sand filter. If you do decide to stay with a sand filter there is a trick of adding a small amout of DE to the thing to get better filtration. The small amount would not cause a backwashing problem as to where to dump it.
Al

[lukw646]

Poconos, Too much pump/not enough filter?? I am willing to give it another go. Would the 150# filter and a 1/2 or 3/4 hp be a good fit? What I meant by pressure dropping was. The pressure of the water coming from the return was dropping. I can feel the water coming out of the return was not as strong. My problem with backwashing is I really don't have anyplace to run it to. It is over 100 ft to our ditch (we do live in the country) out front of the house. However, if I can get my filter system set up and functioning properly I assume backwashing would be less frequent. Again, thanks for all the suggestions and help.

Dave

[Watermom]

What is the actual pressure reading on your filter? (in p.s.i) How often are you having to backwash? I have a 24ft AG with a 1/2hp pump and a 200 ft sand filter. I very seldom have to backwash. Maybe only once every few weeks? I watch my filter pressure, and when it rises by 8-10 psi, then I backwash.