Replacing a sand filter opinions?

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Loren Oscar

New member
May 13, 2025
3
Saint Louis MO
First off, thanks for having me! I am rather new to the world of underground pools. My fiance has had one for many (20+) years and I'm trying to learn in hopes of being able to help and offer more advice to her.

So our current situation is this. When the local pool service guys came out a couple weeks back to open the pool they noticed a long crack on the sand filter. We are waiting for a quote back from them but I am hoping that with the help of friends we could replace the sand filter ourselves. I have watched a few videos and such and feel that I have the skills available to me to do so. That said, I am wondering if I would need to replace it with the exact same model or if a similar model by a different maker would also work. The current model is a Pentair Tagelus purchased in 2003 and the one we are looking at is a more reasonably priced Xtremepower model. I believe both to be 24" size. I am attaching pertinent pictures and appreciate any and all help! Loren
 

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Welcome to TFP.
Check the ground to centerline of the pipe from the pump. If it is not the same for the replacement sand filter, then you will need to cut the PVC and either extend or shorten. So have some different PVC fixtures on hand such as a coupler and short pieces of straight pipe.
It looks straight forward.
If you have not glued PVC before, buy some extra pieces to practice first. You should dry fit all first then disassemble to glue. When gluing, insert and do a twist to seat the 2 pieces together.
Also, take note of the various ports on top of the new filter - inlet from pump, waste and outlet to heater. If they are not in same configuration as existing filter it may mean more plumbing work.
 
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My old sand filter did me wrong for decades. Actually a way undersized choice for my other equipment and pool. So I'm biased. I switched up to a cartridge filter. Cleaning is a bit messy, buy if you go big, it can be only once a year (!) It does a far, far better job of capturing "stuff". (But many others do love their sand). Cartridges can last several/many years. Install is no different than the sand you are looking at, and there is no "multiport" selector that can be a maintenance item. Since you are in the land of winter, you should add in a 3-way diverter valve just before the filter, so you can discharge to waste - only needed for lowering your water in the fall, if you do that. Or the very rare time when there is a fantastic amount of junk in the pool you'd rather not send to the filter.
The PVC plumbing would be virtually the same amount of work with either choice. It is actually a pretty quick/easy DIY job.
 
Using one national supplier for costs:

A replacement Tagelus is about $780, plus sand(+~$130)
A Pentair CCP 420 that I love - about $1529
The XtremePower - $420 plus sand

The issue on the Amazon find is replacement parts. While not a lot can go wrong, you may need spider gaskets or o-rings for the multiport, at some time - generally if someone moves the handle while under pressure. Unlikely any other brands will fit. Equipment from the majors will generally have very long time availability for parts.
So there is a risk that the less expensive will be come more so, if you have to replace it due to lack of parts.

While I push my cartridge (the CCP 420 is great, and your pool looks very close to mine in size), and never needing backwashing is fantastic. - The double or more cost can be a big pill to swallow.

Here's more info with determining how big a filter you should have: How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

If you add your pool and your equipment to your signature here, others with much greater knowledge can help with your size selection. Create Your Signature - Further Reading
 
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sande005 said:
My old sand filter did me wrong for decades. Actually a way undersized choice for my other equipment and pool. So I'm biased. I switched up to a cartridge filter. Cleaning is a bit messy, buy if you go big, it can be only once a year (!) It does a far, far better job of capturing "stuff". (But many others do love their sand). Cartridges can last several/many years. Install is no different than the sand you are looking at, and there is no "multiport" selector that can be a maintenance item. Since you are in the land of winter, you should add in a 3-way diverter valve just before the filter, so you can discharge to waste - only needed for lowering your water in the fall, if you do that. Or the very rare time when there is a fantastic amount of junk in the pool you'd rather not send to the filter.
The PVC plumbing would be virtually the same amount of work with either choice. It is actually a pretty quick/easy DIY job.
Click to expand...
Good info! Thanks!
 
I redid all my plumbing last year, and had to cut out and replace a cracked valve this spring. Making sure to measure 4 times, and cut once, no problems.

I had a separate issue with a valve that had been installed by a pool company. They sent guys out to deal with it. I was appalled at how sloppy/poor their cuts were, how they used parts that I though would be to short too slip into another, how inattentive to precleaning, etc. Yet at the end, after waiting the 2 hr drying time, everything worked with no leaks. And is working a few weeks later. They were extreme in their inattention and and lack of carefulness. Not saying you shouldn't do as good a job as you can, but there can be a pretty wide margin to end with a working assembly, so no fear if you are concerned!
 
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