Intex Upgrade Pump Recommendations

[CarlyK82]

We had the blue blob, 18x48 pool last year and we decided that we wanted to go the ultra frame route this summer and then be able to keep it up all winter as well.So we are planning on buying the 18x48 ultra frame (we wanted the 52 inch one, but we cannot find it anywhere that doesn't cost a small fortune). I would love a bigger one, like the 20 or 26 foot one, but unfortunately we had to build a fence around our pool, and the boyfriend did a spectacular job of making an octagon just for it, so 18 is as big as we can get.

I read a lot last year and this year I am inspired to add the through the wall skimmer and also do a "real" pump, as opposed to the pump that we got last year (through Walmart when they had that awesome gift card deal). So, is there any recommendations that anyone can offer?

 

[JasonLion]

The larger of the two Intex sand filters is a fairly decent pump/filter and not too expensive. The next step up is better still but significantly more expensive.

 

[Evotistical]

I just got a 56671EG and it is awesome for my 5000 gal 16' pool, I'm pretty sure it will do well for a 18' 6000 gallon pool. Less vacuuming, and less changing filters. What a switch from a 1500GPH cart filter.
http://www.vminnovations.com/Product_5640/index.html
^I had never heard of the place above, but the shipped the next day, and the day after that it arrived. Plus there the cheapest on the net, usually 56671EG cost around 250-400.
Weather or not you got with them 56671EG is where its at
I haven't seen a bad review or intex 2000-2650 sand filters(other than user error, or mistaken buys). Also its good up to 18,000 gallons, but way nice for 5/6000.



Or if you want to splurge(and don't have a salt water system), go with the 56681EG.
http://www.vminnovations.com/Produc...altwater-System-and-Sand-Filter-Pump-Set.html
I couldn't get this one because I didn't have enough money to buy it in one unit. So I just bought the Salt chlorinator, and sand filter separate. Its the same price as 2 separate pieces, but less real estate is taken up in the back yard.

Also my friend has the 18' one and ours look identical. So if you want to save a little (200$) by getting 1' less on the sides, go for the 16'. all together with all of the startup cost(water, salt, equipment), chemicals, sand...yada, only cost me a grand.

Lowes has the 16' pool on sale for 449(usually up to 700ish)
http://www.lowes.com/pd_317878-1190...l=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=intex&facetInfo=
Ooo and target has it for $319!!
http://www.target.com/p/Intex-Gray-...13800613&CPNG=&ci_src=5784816&ci_sku=13800613

 

[JasonLion]

If you do go for a SWG, I strongly recommend purchasing them separately. The combo unit poses problems when either the pump or SWG fails, as they must be replaced together, even though one of them will probably still be working.

 

[CarlyK82]

Thanks a bunch for the tips! That 2650 Sand Filter is super cheap & with free shipping, it surely beats the deal I was going to through through with Walmart. They had one for $229 with a $50 egift card back.

But I do have the combo SWG that I bought last year from Walmart when they also had that deal with the gift card. It's just figuring it out how to get it all together is what worries me. I'm more of the, "ooh we need this, this would be awesome" and then the boyfriend attempts to figure it out while I stand there and ask "are we done yet?" LOL

We did end up getting the 18x48 ultra frame. Got it at Target & it was the same price as Walmart, so couldn't go wrong there. Right now we are working on finding the foam & then finishing up the "octagon" that we have around the pool. I am full of all of these wonderful, brilliant ideas that I have seen on here.

But thanks guys for the recommendations. I am jumping on the sand filter most definitely.