Pool Pump Options (AG SW, 15K)

[armedmetallica]

Hello TFP land! IT's warming up - time to get into full gear.

I have an ancient Clearwater II cartridge filter and some replacment pump. I believe the pump is overpowered (it literally forms a lazy river in my pool).

It is pretty good at keeping my water clean, BUT it sucks. The motor is loud, has two speeds, but only one speed works, I have lots of drips here and there around the pre-filter basket, the pressure gauge doesn't work (I've replaced it twice in the last 4 years) is a 240 V pump. I can never put this thing on a timer because at times things pop off (i've had the pressure gauge crack off, hose pop off etc). Again, because I think the suction side is so strong. I see whirlpools and hear gargling.

Okay - so enough justifying WHY I want something better.

So I want something slow, quiet, that I can mostly set and forget. My pool gets lots of sun, but also lots of shade in the evening (past 6ish). Lots of leaves in the fall - in fact, with my current pump, the suction is so strong that in about 1 hour it will choke the skimmer with leaves.

I use an aquabot pool rover to clean the bottom so I'm hoping that I can go with a weaker pump and keep my water safe and clean.

Are these things any good? https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-Krystal-Clear-Sand-Filter-Pump/33153775

I see the Polaris setups that are literally 10x as much - do folks see a 10x improvement? Since the Intex also has a SWG add-on, I'd eventually like to replace my SWG too (again, it's an older unit - that isn't made anymore).

Downsides to keeping my pool clean with a cheap walmart filter and an aquabot?

 

[CJadamec]

Unless its broken there's not any real need to change your filter. You mention hoses blowing off. How is your pool plumbed is it done with the plastic flexible hoses with hose clamps? Have you considered plumbing your pool with PVC pipe instead?

I wouldn't recommend the intex set up from walmart its not intended for your size pool.

Can you list what type of pump you have currently? You are sure the pump motor is a 230v motor?

A standard 3/4 or 1hp 2-speed above ground pool pump is all you need. On low speed the pump should be virtually silent.
Something like this http://www.inyopools.com/Products/03500018050934.htm

 

[armedmetallica]

Unless its broken there's not any real need to change your filter. You mention hoses blowing off. How is your pool plumbed is it done with the plastic flexible hoses with hose clamps? Have you considered plumbing your pool with PVC pipe instead?

I wouldn't recommend the intex set up from walmart its not intended for your size pool.

Can you list what type of pump you have currently? You are sure the pump motor is a 230v motor?

A standard 3/4 or 1hp 2-speed above ground pool pump is all you need. On low speed the pump should be virtually silent.
Something like this http://www.inyopools.com/Products/03500018050934.htm

Hose are the flex kind with metal clamps. I have considered PVC - but don't know if it's possible to set that up so that the pump and stuff are removable for winter storage? I've used threaded connectors on low pressure stuff.

I will attach a picture shortly, but I have strong reason to believe it's a 230V motor. The sticker on the pump says 230/115V - but the plug is one of those twist on kinds like a dryer, and I believe it's on a double breaker. Can't confirm that until I get back home.

and the Filter IS broken ... the point where the the output from the pump connects to the filter, the threaded connection is no good - so basically on the housing of the filter itself.

Sorry - for the non-technical terms here.

Walmart also had another relatively cheap sounding one:https://www.walmart.com/ip/Swim-Time-Sandman-18-Sand-Filter-System-with-1-HP-Pump-for-Above-Ground-Pools/19861880

 

[armedmetallica]

you are right, it is a 125v 20A.

 

[armedmetallica]

Here's an album:

Pool Pump