Equipment Selection

[Johnnym1]

I am still using the original 25-year-old OG cartridge filter but the stainless canister has some pinholes now and it time for a new filter. I am considering changing to a sand filter for two reasons - 1. Cleaning the filter is easier and 2. My well water is very hard, so backwashing with the hard pool water will allow replenishing with collected rainwater which will gradually lower the hardness.

I am thinking of installing the following:
Calimar 1.5 HP VS pump
Hayward S244S sand filter (side mount)

What do you think?

 

[PoolStored]

For the $100, I'd get the 3hp Calimar VSP. Will move the same amount of water at a lower speed, and lower power consumption.

I would get the largest filter you can afford and fit on your pad.

 

[Lake Placid]

I am doubtful that through normal backwashing cycles you would remove enough water to significantly reduce your hardness level. However you would have the option to pump to waste which if you had enough collected rainwater available you could impact hardness levels through multiple cycles. Of course any filter with an MPV would allow this option, as well as a cart setup with correct the valves and plumbing installed for a pump to waste option.

 

[Johnnym1]

For the $100, I'd get the 3hp Calimar VSP. Will move the same amount of water at a lower speed, and lower power consumption.

I would get the largest filter you can afford and fit on your pad.

So even though the 1.5 HP should be more than adequate for 2 turns, the 3 HP running at a lower speed would be even more efficient? It seems like there would be a minima in the efficiency curve that you could get past by going too large.

 

[Johnnym1]

I am doubtful that through normal backwashing cycles you would remove enough water to significantly reduce your hardness level. However you would have the option to pump to waste which if you had enough collected rainwater available you could impact hardness levels through multiple cycles. Of course any filter with an MPV would allow this option, as well as a cart setup with correct the valves and plumbing installed for a pump to waste option.

That is a good point, although since I need to replace the filter anyway my main goal is to make the cleaning easier. Now that I have some rainwater to use I could at least stop the continued accumulation of hardness. I agree that aspect could be accomplished regardless of type of filter.

 

[PoolStored]

So even though the 1.5 HP should be more than adequate for 2 turns, the 3 HP running at a lower speed would be even more efficient? It seems like there would be a minima in the efficiency curve that you could get past by going too large.

Yes. Turns is a myth...https://www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php?title=Turnover_of_Pool_Water