pool filter recommendations for 12 foot round above ground pool

[swimcat]

Would appreciate any recommendations for a new filter/possibly new pump filter.

I had a cartridge system that was built into the pool skimmer (pix attached ). This system was proprietory to a local pool store on Long Island, NY ("Island Recreational"). Skimmer cracked on bottom and I sealed it with jb weld. I do not want to go back to using a cartridge in the skimmer but would rather keep the skimmer empty & add an outside the pool filter.

I am using a 1.5 hp pump. I know that is too big for my pool but last year the local pool store tried to fix my old 3/4 pump a few times and loaned me a pump. Pump was not in warranty and repair cost was $25. Last summer, when the 3/4 hp failed again late in the season, the pool store service told me I could just keep the 1.5 hp pump. That seemed like a better deal than getting my $25 back and buying a new pump at the time.

I can buy a new pump, if necessary, but would prefer to save money & just buy new filter at time. Am leaning toward sand because I got tired of washing cartridge.

Also, does anyone know anything about the "super slime bag", which appears to be a slime bag in a canister?

Thanks much,
Maureen

 

[CJadamec]

That pump is way over kill for you pool but you already know that it's costing you a lot of money electrically to keep it running.

There are a ton of sand filters out there You don't need a very big one for your pool. I'm not sure what you were looking to spend on a new filter but THIS is a nice looking 19"sand filter with a 1hp pump for not a whole lot of money.

If you are keeping the 1.5 HP pump I wouldn't get smaller than a 19" sand filter or you risk trying to push more water thru the filter than it can handle.

 

[richierich]

Hey neighbor. Island rec and all their products are terrible, but I'm sure you know that. I'd buy a much smaller pump. Cartridge filters are great if you get a big enough one you only have to clean it a few times a year.

 

[ike0069]

I'd go with an Intex pump/sand filter combo unit. You can get a 16" filter with 3/4 HP pump which is plenty for your size pool, for $155 on Amazon and that will be the best deal around. I have the same size pump and filter (not Intex) and it works perfect for my 22ft pool running the pump 12 hrs/day.

If you want just a sand filter, you could use a 14" but that will be too small for your pump. Getting a larger filter will be as much or more than the Intex combo and then you still have the wasted electricity of using a 1.5 HP pump.

 

[swimcat]

Thank you all for the feedback. I'll follow your suggestions and get a smaller pump with an appropriate sized filter. Seems like the smartest thing.

Yes, for those folks who know Long Island, NY, I do not recommend Island Recreational. I got a nice price for my pool there in 2006 (everything, including the original pump) came to under $600, including installation) but the fact that Island Rec. sells mostly proprietary products makes repairs and replacements difficult. I didn't realize that having a system whereby the cartridge fit right into the skimmer was not the normal system for a small pool - for a lot of reasons, I've realized its much better to have a separate system. I do have to say that the service shop at Island Rec. tried to help me in any way possible but the service techs were limited by the products I had already bought from Island Rec.

Thanks again!

 

[swimcat]

F/up question to my original questions about a filter/pump recommendation. Great advice for you all!

I went ahead and bought the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 16-inch, 110-120V with GFCI. Set it up yesterday - set up was not too hard. I didn't buy adapters for the hoses or sand yet. Would these hose adapters ("INTEX 1.25" to 1.5" Type B Hose Adapters for Pumps & Saltwater System | Set of 2") work to connect the intex 1 1/2 inch hoses to my non-intex above ground 1 1/4 inch fittings? Pix or my current setup attached (I hope). Thanks again!

- - - Updated - - -

My upload of my current pool inlet connection pipe didn't show on last message so here it is. Am using hose clamps to hold intex hoses on now but have not run filter. I suspect hose clamps may not prevent leaks and may need proper hose adapters.

- - - Updated - - -

Well, it looks like image of pool inlet hose connector still doesn't show up but you probably know what I mean. Got message that I exceeded my image quota. Thx!

 

[johninsd]

I would replace the pool fittings with the Intex 1.5" fittings rather than using adapters. I've done this on 2 pools so far and while it seems daunting to take an Exacto knife to your pool the results are worth the effort IMO. Just take your time with the knife, stabbing it through a little at a time rather than trying to slice a continuous cut. I did try the adapters before modifying the first pool but could not get them to stop leaking.

 

[swimcat]

Thanks, John. That sounds like a good idea but I may wait till next year to try it - too many family health issues going on right now for me to focus on cutting correctly. I'd rather try the adaptors for what's left of this season, even if they leak a bit, and then go with the intex 1 1/2 fittings next year. Did you have a stream with the adaptors or more of a constant dripping leak?