Moving On Up - Intex 16 inch Sand Pump for 18 x 48 Coleman - Question about Pool Outlet and Inlets

[Davis S.]

All - So far so good with the Coleman 18 x 48 , with chemicals and pool crystal clear and clean, albeit with a lot of maintenance by my wife and I. Like any others, realizing the existing cartridge ump just isn't doing such a great job as it seems to struggle to keep up, is load nd the filter cartridge seems to get dirty and clogged daily. Managed to snag an Intex 16 inch Sand Pump at an unbelievable price ( Amazon pricing error when it seems they are going for 2x time MSRP if they were even in stock). Back to my question though, It seems what with this pool and the existing hose and threading, it is for the most part plug and play to the unit with the existing hoses and adapters. However, i notice the Unit comes with Intex Aeration Pool Jet. I cant seem to find many videos and insight on this as how to either :

1) Change both the inlet ( 1 existing jet) and outlets ( 2 existing with pull of plugs). I have a skimmer at times attached to one of them and they pull off easily although do tend to allow a bit to much leaves and the line into the system ( i may do the pantyhose trick when i swap out units. Assuming this cannot be done and I can really keep the existing set up as is with Coleman / Bestway Hardware from both the inlet / outlet existing tubing all the way down tot he unit.

2) Just change the inlet / jet. Intex shows the new aeration technology, not sure if that will improve the performance of the unit or what not. Again, not clear if this can be done while water is in the pool or if existing hardware can handle the increased pressure and force.

Also, I am seeing three options to fill the sand filter. Sand itself, with prices varying from $12 ( HTH branded ) to $25 dollars a bag of 50lbs( the unit says it takes 126 lbs , but ive seen some people say it doesnt take that much, with others saying more) . Also seeing glass substrate which seems a bit more pricey and then some pople searing by foam balls. I am thinking that sand is best bet for the remainder of the season. Finally, it also seems like i can run the pool skimmer without having to close of one of the ports as i do know with the existing Bestway pump ( which barely works anyways)


The last thing I want to do is drain any water as i have perfect balance in the pool as is the last week or so. Any direction or videos or input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kellyfair]

Ok, first, sand! Don’t waste your money on the glass stuff, sand works fine. Not sure what the foam balls are. LOL

I have an older model so I don’t have the aeration, and I don‘t want it or need it. I don’t see what the purpose is, but I do worry that it will cause the ph to rise. My ph is so stable that this would be an unwelcome thing.

Need more information before I can comment on the rest, since I am not familiar with Bestway. What type of hoses do you have and what diameter is needed to connect to the pump? Since you say your skimmer is attached at times, sounds like it is an over the wall skimmer?

You can use both returns and just connect them with a tee before running a single hose to the pump. Or, you could close one off, but personally I like having two, at different heights. If disaster strikes and water level drops below my through wall skimmer, my pump won’t be running dry.

 

[kellyfair]

Oh, and no matter what you decide, there are ways to do what you need without draining water.

 

[Wobblerlorri]

Bestway/Coleman uses 1.25 inch hoses and fittings. I think the Intex sand filter and pump use 1.5 fittings. What you can do for now is use these

Amazon.com : Swimline Hose 1 1 Adapter, White : Intex Pool Drain Hose Connector : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Swimline Hose 1 1 Adapter, White : Intex Pool Drain Hose Connector : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

They're adapters that convert the 1.5 fittings on the pump to 1.25 inches for the hoses. Nifty little things.

Even so, you'll want to plan on changing the fittings on the pool to 1.5 inch fittings. I'm planning to do that this fall, when we lower the level of the water below the skimmer anyway (I have a Hayward through-wall skimmer).

 

[scout123]

I use the HTH sand and like it. You don't need or want the aeration. You can either use an adapter with the new pump/hose or cut a hole in the pool wall to use larger fittings. I cut the holes. With my first pool, I did it after it had been filled all the way. The trick is to have someone in the pool with a bowl that will go over the fitting. You'll lose some water, but now a lot. This year, with a new pool, I cut the holes when the water level was just below the openings, and that was much easier with less worry that I'd lose too much water. Just up to you if you want to do it now or wait. I see plenty of people who use, and are happy, with the adapter.

 

[Zone]

I have a 18x48 Intex the outlet jet is already a 1.5" on mine. The two inlets are 1.25" but my original pump came with a T plunger to accept both 1.25" and convert to a 1.5". So Kept them as is with a skimmer on one of the inlets.

Seems to work fine the skimmer on the sand filter never has much if any air bubbles so I assume it is getting enough water. I have the 3000 GPH pump.

 

[Davis S.]

Thanks All. While the 2 inlet ports are 1.25 from the pool they come to a T- that is then into the 1.5 hose into the existing Bestway pump that came with the pool, same with the outlet on the other side. As far as i understand this would make it plug and play for the most part comparative to the smaller Intex and Bestway Pools.

As with the aerator, looking at the instructions ( pump is coming tomorrow) it appears there is a special fitting on both sides of the vinyl to accept the intex aerator but as noted by many, it would seen that this is not criticla to the functionality of the system and is just an " add-on" although it does seam as if there is the ability to aim the jets.

When the item comes, i will try and as always thanks to everyone for the input.

 

[splashpad]

As with the aerator, looking at the instructions ( pump is coming tomorrow) it appears there is a special fitting on both sides of the vinyl to accept the intex aerator but as noted by many, it would seen that this is not criticla to the functionality of the system and is just an " add-on" although it does seam as if there is the ability to aim the jets.

Once you understand the ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry (as taught here)... then the factory aerator "makes sense" (tongue in cheek), using pucks drives PH down, aerator brings it up, there is a literal circus in the pool

Having the ability to add attachments and aim the jets is nice! Our Intex return included an aerator insert we don't use, but still have the housing/cover to aim the water We create a lazy river in our pool, it's awesome!