Here is what I had.


Pool 15x21x52" oval
1hp two speed hayward powerflo matrix.
xtreme cartidge filter 100 s ft

Worked great first two years

Pool three years old and last year cartrige needed cleaning often. Tried all the cleaners, acid, and was down to power washing it with a light electric one. What a pain in the arse to take this out and spray it down. You vacuum upon opening the pool and the darn thing would clogg in 10 minutes. Figure filter is shot

Priced a new filter $125 - $180 depending on genuine or after market. Yeah I am going sand!!!!

I might be wrong but I bought a sand filter on craigs list for $50. A 166t(100 lbs sand) and I assumed this was ok for a pool my size.

After reading this site I have found I am wrong in filter size and pump size. My only ace in the hole is that I have a two speed pump and probably should run it on low at all times

1. Do you think it is filtering at 1hp when I am vacuuming?
Vacuuming on low dont suck the crap up that good I would think. (have not tried it yet.)

2. leak on waste outlet when running. Changed spider gasket but did not silicone it. Should I?? And what about the spring?

3. Its a sp 711 valve. I was told they dont make it and the upgrade is the 714 (top only $67) Should I buy the spring?

Pool was clear using the cartridge upon opening. Clogged two much, so I let it sit a week or two Algae grew, pollen ext...

Now I have the sand filter going. Vacuumed on 1hp, shocked, brushed, pool is semi cloudy. 2nd day running at 1 hp

CL 12-15 Adding 3/4 to a gallon at night
PH 6.5 ( low but I am adjusting Alk first)
Alk 50 ( added about 2 lbs baking soda)
Cyn acid 0 ( Open every yr and Cyn 0. Added 1lb cyn. Will get to 20-30 but takes afew days. Better slow then overshoot. I always get to 30 and I dont know why I have 0 every spring)

Sorry for all the questions. First pool and only had cartridge. Sand is a new animal to me, but I am learning quick.

Mike Howell NJ