Filter Size Contradictions: Rhyme and Reason...

[downrangedoug]

In trying to decide which cartridge filter to purchase, I have been looking at TFP Members' signature lines from older posts related to choosing a proper-sized filter. I’m a little confused on what I’m seeing:

One member will have a 13,000 gallon pool with a 250 sq ft filter.
The second member, who is recommending to “go big,” has a larger 16,000 gal pool and yet a smaller 200 sq ft filter.
Then, the third person responding in the thread has only an 11,200 gal pool and has the largest of the three filters - a 325 sq ft. I don’t understand…

The pool I am considering is a Sharkline Matrix 28’ round (about 18,400 gal). It would be great to just clean the cartridge(s) once at the end of the swim season (Western Maryland – May-ish through October). Any thoughts on a minimum cartridge size that puts me into this parameter?

 

[mknauss]

The 'rule of thumb' is 100 sq ft of cartridge to each 10000 gallons. Now, like you, I am lazy. So I really oversized my filter (with minimal extra cost) and only clean my filters in the spring each year. And even then, I do not have any pressure rise at all.

Take care.

 

[downrangedoug]

Thanks for your response. Would your experience say that the Hayward SwimClear Single Element 200 sq ft Cartridge Filter would allow me to get away with a once per season cleaning on an 18.4K gallon pool? (realizing bather load and other factors play into this, but let's say "typical pool usage and typical backyard location)?