Intex Pool Decision (Depth and Filter question)

[ChetB]

Just picked up a pool on sale. It is an Intex 14'x42" Ultra Frame (~3400 gal) with a 1000 gph cartridge filter. I've read enough to not expect the filter to last long (if it does the job at all), so plan on replacing with a sand filter.

So my question is if we should keep the pool we picked up or go with the slightly larger Intex 16'x48" (~5000 gal) with 1500 gph 10" sand filter.

Is the small 10" intex sand filter enough for that pool so that I wouldn't need to replace it, this year at least? The cost of the pump/filter upgrade almost completely makes up the cost difference to move to the larger pool, unless both need the upgrade.

Then to my main question about water depth... I have two daughters (5yo and 9yo). My 5 year old will need the depth to not be more than about 36" for now. Can the 16x48 be left only filled to about 36" instead of the 42" it calls for? Are there any concerns here?

I know similar questions have been asked before, but I've been going back and forth for days while reading the posts. Hoping for some help to commit on a direction.

 

[PAGirl]

Not sure how far down the inlets are on the 48" pool. That would mostly determine how low you could go with the water line. They grow quickly, so likely by the next year she'd be tall enough. My SIL used a life vest on her son for the year it took her son to touch bottom in their pool. We had the 18' x 48" when he was small, but I can remember how old he was when he could finally touch comfortably.
The 9 year old would probably appreciate the larger pool, but it comes down to what you are comfortable with regarding safety for the 5 year old.

 

[ChetB]

Is there anyone out there that can confirm the height of the inlets on an Intex 48" pool?

 

[Richard320]

Instead of waiting for replies, perhaps you should use the search box for "Intex 14'x42" Ultra Frame" and find people who have one and ask them via PM to break out the tape measure and tell you how high the upper hole is. Maybe even narrow the search by using 2017 in there, too. You can also go to the bottom of the forum main page and see if any of them are online at the moment. You only need one reply! Good luck.

 

[R.J.]

33" to the top of the return on an 18' ultra frame, which I recommend. Kids grow up fast; it won't be long before they complain that the 18 footer is too small. As for a pump, get the 2500GPH pump. It does a great job pulling surface debris to the skimmer and floor debris to the center for vacuuming. If you get the Unicel filter, it will easily last 3 months.