Hi guys! So I've used your techniques for a few years now and absolutely adore them! We never seem to be able to get our pool closed and always end u ppl with a swamp at startup! This year has been the easiest so far, SLAM is in full force. We purchased a used sand filter for cheap and put in new sand to clear it up since changing de twice a day during SLAM is miserable. I love being able to backwash, rinse, and go. So the plan was to use the de filter as our normal summer filter once we get this sucker clear. My question is, would I be able to use both during the clearing process? Hook my pump to the sand filter, run the return to the de filter, then to the pool. That way the sand could trap most particles, the de could get the super fine, and clear water back to the pool? My theory is I wouldnt have near as much clogging of the de filter if the sand filter is grabbing first. I just dont know if that's too much strain on my pump, or if I could concurrently run another pump, so pump, sand filter, pump, de filter, pool... I know it sounds like over kill, i just really am ready to have this sucker clear! ??? Its on it's way, I'm just impatient!
Can i use 2 filters or am i defeating the purpose?
- Thread starter catrina_sweetie
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,705
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I believe your pump would struggle to push the water through both filter medias.
Better is to add some DE to the sand filter. See Add DE to a Sand Filter - Trouble Free Pool
Better is to add some DE to the sand filter. See Add DE to a Sand Filter - Trouble Free Pool
I was trying to figure that option out. Would I just add de to the skimmer? And since it's so fine will the sand catch it? I'm starting to wonder if I should downgrade the hp on the pump when using the sand filter. I have a 1.5 hp pump and wonder if I hook up a 1 hp if it might filter better? I made a mistake of playing into propaganda and bought some floc since I now have the capability to vacuum to waste with the sand filter. Waste of money and time, which I knew, but again, little miss impatient here! I really just need to slow my role and let this thing clear the way I know it will! But... I do have some clarifier from before I was schooled... ?????
- May 3, 2014
- 62,705
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You know our stance on floc and clarifier. Some minor instant gratification for long term mess of replacing your filter media.
Read the article I linked above about adding DE to the filter.
Up to you on the pump. You have way too much pump for your setup. A two speed would save you alot on electricity.
Read the article I linked above about adding DE to the filter.
Up to you on the pump. You have way too much pump for your setup. A two speed would save you alot on electricity.
Do you intend to swim next week, with highs between 55 and 70? What's the hurry? Not much difference between cloudy water and clear water if you aren't using it.
There’s a term for it....... pop.... pool owner patience..... for a reason. You have 2 real battles. First is to keep the FC at slam levels as close to 24/7 as possible. The more you keep on it many times a day, the quicker it goes. The second stage is waiting for the filter to suck it all out once it’s dead by both pumping and vacuuming. Many filter cleanings will be needed for most people.
When people (who are simply too busy with other stages of life) slack on either stage, the length of the SLAM extends and they get even more impatient. It’s rather ironic if you think about it.
When people (who are simply too busy with other stages of life) slack on either stage, the length of the SLAM extends and they get even more impatient. It’s rather ironic if you think about it.
Ahhh! I did not see that link! Thank you soooo much! And I do know better! I tried the floc before we replaced the sand in the sand filter knowing we would be replacing it with in a week of using it. I figured what the hay, see if it worked. Big fat nope! Ya live and ya learn I guess, sometimes the hard way! I have 4 pumps at this point, as we were awful at maintaining over the winters. I finally got them all out and did some fishing around and have all of them in running order! Problem is they are all 1.5 hp. Maybe I can trade for a smaller pump!
I'm on the slam, just waiting for the filter process. And it's more a mental thing. With this quarantine I'm in a bit of a slump, and sitting on my deck with a sparkling pool does wonders for my mind!!! ??? Although having the kids ask daily to get in once it's clear might not... ???
Holy cow SAME. I’m stuck not opening because it’s so cold, Which I want to open anyway just for aesthetics, but then I have to constantly battle the kids wanting to go in 50 degree water for extended periods of time. I’m all for a polar bear plunge but hate being the meanie that makes them get out before frostbite/hypothermia sets in......... But I have nothing but free time at home to daydream looking at the pool cover and wishing it was open. Just. Can’t. Win. Lol
You can use multiple filters, but they must be plumbed in parallel, not one after the other. You could plumb in a bypass, so you use one or the other with the turn of a valve or 2. Use your sand to start, then switch to the de once it clears up a bit.
You know there is almost never a reason to replace the sand, right?
Sand doesn't wear out. Pool stores and maintenance companies want you to think it goes bad, but it doesn't. They want to sell you the sand and maybe the service of changing it.
The only time you generally need to change it is when you use floc or clarifiers that gum up the sand.
- Sep 1, 2011
- 547
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool Universal40
My theory is let them swim till they quit or their lips turn blue. Either way they quit bugging me to swim for a few days.
