Sand filter deep clean/new sand or replace filter and pump?

[phxdesertdweller]

I recently moved into a new house with old pool equipment. I live in Phoenix AZ. The house was empty for 2 years and the filter was not on the entire time. Who knows when it was last deep cleaned.
Anyway the pool has been replastered and refilled 2 months ago, filter seems to clean just fine. I'd like to do a deep clean or replace the sand but the filter is suuuper old and the single speed pump is very loud.

I just had the water checked at a pool store and everything looks good except phosphates are high at 169 ppb. Store's recommended range is 100 max. My understanding is this could happen after an algae problem but the water is new. No idea what's sitting inside the filter but I'm sure it's gross.

I got quoted on new filter and pump at $3550 installed. Pentair SuperFlo 2.2 HP VS and the Pentair Clean & Clear 420. The company says replacing a single speed pump will save a lot on electric and they are forbidden by law from installing a new single speed.

So my question, is it worth it to replace? Is this a good price for a new pump and filter? Or just rather do a deep clean for now?

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Ilan, how worth it is to you is based on how expensive is your electricity? A VS pump can run 24/7 on the lowest speed that serves your purposes. For some with SWG, it has to be fast enough to trigger the flow switch and make chlorine, and that's still lower than what you're running now. And it is true, its now against federal law to sell decent sized single speed pool pumps due to energy savings for VS.
As to the phosphate scare..... its just that. First off, your level is laughably low. Many have thousands in their pool and it causes no problem. That assumes you're keeping your chlorine up at the proper level.
Sand almost *never* needs replacement unless gummy pool store potions have been sent thru the filter, such as FLOC and Clarifier. We almost never suggest folks use those.
Want to deep clean the filter- Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Have you purchased a GOOD test kit yet??? We like either the Taylor K-2006C from Amazon, or the TFPro from TFPro

Your new pool plaster is an investment in your pool.... we want to help you maintain it and care for the water.

Maddie

 

[sktn77a]

Well, if you can afford it, now would be the time to replace your equipment. Note that the pump and filter will run you about $2000 so $1550 seems a lot for 4 hours semi-skilled labor unless they are installing some kind of automation.