Swap Cartridge for Sand?

[jbdial1515]

I am approx. 2 days into converting our pool to Chlorine. We have a 20 foot above ground pool (circle) and now we have slightly cloudy water that is blue now. Oh yea...finally.

I have a cartridge system. The sticker on the pump says 2.5 hp AO Smith. It is a variable speed. Previously I have hated the cartridge system because I really cant backwash or vacuum to waste. A filter/cartridge does not seem to even last me 6-9 months (previously with Baquacil). The Unicel number is C-8416 and looks like they are around 100 dollars online.

Do I go head and let local pool company install a Sand Filter with the current pump ($400) or do I keep the cartridge system? I am afraid the pump is going to be too large for the sand filter?
Comments?

Thanks
JB

 

[duraleigh]

I am afraid the pump is going to be too large for the sand filter?

You can get sand filters in many sizes......including ones large enough for your pump.

 

[JasonLion]

There is also no harm in keeping your cartridge system. Asking sand or cartridge is kind of like saying Coke or Pepsi. Everyone has a strong opinion, but it is really a matter of personal preference.

 

[azgasser]

Get the sand and dont look back. I feel that the sand is easier to maintain. I only need to backwash 3-4 times a year and it takes about 5 minutes to do. If you stay with a cartridge then get an extra set of filters so you can clean them on your own time while the new ones are in the filter.

 

[mcoonan]

I have only used cartridges, never been around a sand or DE. That said, I swap my cartridges every month. Take the dirty one and hose it off, spray some cart cleaner on it and rinse. Takes me about 1/2 hour total. End of the year I take both carts put them in a tub with some dishwasher det. and let soak for a couple of hours while I take pool down. (Ya sure here in Minnneesota it getss cooold in vinter). Let them dry and store them in the shed. You can get replacement filters for $80 here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/C8413-Unicel-C-...0?hash=item3350d588d7&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
Mike

 

[X-PertPool]

I prefer sand to cartridge filters simply because after I'm done cleaning a sand filter my hands are still dry (oh and I'm not covered in everything that WAS on the cartridge) :-D