Yes, that makes great sense and for I think for like $200-$300 more than getting a brand new sand system (the price I would have spent on some Baquacil chemicals
), I can make the move towards cartridge.
I did a pre-visit call to the store I will be going to tonight. The salesman suggested that during the winter, there was no need to bring the sand filter indoors, but to definitely bring the pump inside. I was always concerned that exposing even the sand filter to freezing conditions could cause damage / cracking / etc. If what he is saying has merit, and under his recommendation, I might just get a new pump.
I'm hoping to reach a conclusion before end of day today, cuz I want to get my pool up and running by Memorial Day
... sparkly clear for the first time in 12 years .... :-D .
Any suggestions on how to remove the tubing from the filter and pump? Even though I have loosened the hose clamps in the past, they appeared to be like "glued" on. Also, last year one of them got a hairline leak, so I had to do a quick repair using a piece of rubber and hose clamp (like you do with old copper pipes) ... I'm thinking I'll get a new pump AND new hoses. But I'm worried my inexperience in this will result in lack of patience and I might ... I don't know ... damage the tubes, threading, or whatever is inside the thing-a-ma-jig.
Or just get a brand new unit with modern pump and new sandfilter already pre-connected.
Sorry, I'm kind of thinking out loud here ... just going through some briefly indecisive moments while I can.
But I will be conclusively committing to a decision tonight ... any other suggestions greatly appreciated ...