Looking to switch form sand to cartridge. Timing and Sizing.

[Bob2010]

Due to the location of my equipment I am looking to switch from sand to cartridge. I am unable to deep clean my sand due to the location of the filter and no easy way to let water overflow the tank. Moving the filter for deep cleaning would not be feasible. Due to this I suspect with time I will have to accept suboptimal filtering or have someone change out the sand every few years ( in my area deep cleaning is not offered that I can find, only changing).

The pool is in it's first season of use. I am wondering without deep cleaning what would be a reasonable length of time to expect the sand to filter well for. Pool season mid may - mid October depending on weather and heater extension.

1) Based on the above when should I look at making the switch to at least make use of the sand before it becomes an issue. After 2-3 seasons?

2) when making the switch what size cartridge would you suggest? From my reading here larger always seems to be better, but I don't want to buy an overly large filter if it is not going to make any difference in terms of cleaning frequency due to the short season. I was initially looking at the Hayward swim clear 425 sq feet when browsing through some.

Thanks

 

[1poolman1]

Due to the location of my equipment I am looking to switch from sand to cartridge. I am unable to deep clean my sand due to the location of the filter and no easy way to let water overflow the tank. Moving the filter for deep cleaning would not be feasible. Due to this I suspect with time I will have to accept suboptimal filtering or have someone change out the sand every few years ( in my area deep cleaning is not offered that I can find, only changing).

The pool is in it's first season of use. I am wondering without deep cleaning what would be a reasonable length of time to expect the sand to filter well for. Pool season mid may - mid October depending on weather and heater extension.

1) Based on the above when should I look at making the switch to at least make use of the sand before it becomes an issue. After 2-3 seasons?

2) when making the switch what size cartridge would you suggest? From my reading here larger always seems to be better, but I don't want to buy an overly large filter if it is not going to make any difference in terms of cleaning frequency due to the short season. I was initially looking at the Hayward swim clear 425 sq feet when browsing through some.

Thanks

Most people NEVER do a deep cleaning on their sand filter. Sand will last "forever". Depending on the size sand filter, you may have to add a bag or two after about 5 years as some is always lost to backwashing. One bag to a 3sq. ft. filter (usually a 300lb. filter) has been what I have experienced of the many that I have installed.
If you go cartridge, yes, bigger is better as the amount of dirt they hold is amazing. Depending on the amount of debris that gets into your pool (foliage, etc.), likely only need cleaning once a year.

 

[Bob2010]

Most people NEVER do a deep cleaning on their sand filter. Sand will last "forever". Depending on the size sand filter, you may have to add a bag or two after about 5 years as some is always lost to backwashing. One bag to a 3sq. ft. filter (usually a 300lb. filter) has been what I have experienced of the many that I have installed.
If you go cartridge, yes, bigger is better as the amount of dirt they hold is amazing. Depending on the amount of debris that gets into your pool (foliage, etc.), likely only need cleaning once a year.

Pool is covered most of the time with auto cover so debris load will be minimal other than probably initially start up post winter.

That is good to know about sand filters. New to the pool ownership but based on some reading here I was getting the impression deep cleaning of the sand is needed very couple years.