Getting rid of Intex Sand filter, needing advice.

[hopelee9101]

Hi, as the title suggest i have an intex pool with a 1600gph sand filter and swg that came with the pool. I have hard plumbed the filter and added a thru wall skimmer over the past two years. I have also had to replace numerous parts on the filter itself that have cracked and leaked and I have had enough of intex pumps!

So the question is, I wanted to upgrade to either a good sand or cartridge filter and i need advice on the benefits or disadvantages of each one. The pool itself is a 16x32x52, at little less than 15k gallons. Usually once i open the pool the filter that i currently have does keep it clear unless i get neglectful of the maintenance.

so advice please. I am consider the:
1. Hayward Extreme agp cartridge system 100 sf system with 1hp pump (http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/P...am-Above-Ground-Pool-Cartridge-Filter-System/)
2. Pentair Sand Dollar 19.5 Inch Sand Filter System (with 1 HP pump) (http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/P...r-Sand-Filter-Systems-for-Above-Ground-Pools/)
3. Clearwater 19in. Clearwater Sand Filter System (1 HP pump) (http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/P...Filters/ClearWater-Above-Ground-Sand-Filters/)
4. Clearwater II Cartridge 75 Sq.Ft. Clearwater II Filter System (1 HP) (http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/P.../Clearwater-II-Cartridge-Filters-and-Systems/)


Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[JasonLion]

Cartridge filters save water as there is no backwashing. However they are a little bit of a mess to clean compared to the simplicity of backwashing.

With a pool that size I would recommend at least a 200 sf cartridge filter or a 24" sand filter, or something larger. A larger filter will let you go longer between backwashing/cleaning the filter and slightly improve system performance.

Then I would pair that with a two speed pump. Running on low speed for twice as long can save you 50% of your electrical costs.