Hi, I'm switching from DE to sand, and trying to figure out the right size. My specs are: 18K gal, 2.2 HP pump, and the current filter is Hayward DE4820. One weird thing is the outside of the filter says the next size down from 4820, but when I replaced the grids inside I realized they were 4820. The pressure was always a bit high, usually around 20. I'm thinking Hayward 30" based on what I've read but that just seems so big to me, wanted to check with the experts here first!
Sand Filter Size?
- Thread starter Arliss
- Start date
- Jun 24, 2021
- 15,889
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Any reason you are not considering a cartridge filter?
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How to select pool equipment - Further Reading
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Last edited:
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,809
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Get the largest filter your budget allows. Larger means less cleaning the filter.
If you are set on a sand filter, consider something like the Hayward S360SX - 36" diameter, 700 pounds of sand - or similar.
If you look at a cartridge filter, something like the Pentair CCP520 or similar.
Possibly look at the Waterway brand in similar sizes.
I used to have the Hayward S360SX. I switched to a Pentair CCP420 (pool is only 12k gallons).
I would never go back to a sand filter. I clean my cartridge filter once a year - only because my OCD won't let me wait any longer.
If you are set on a sand filter, consider something like the Hayward S360SX - 36" diameter, 700 pounds of sand - or similar.
If you look at a cartridge filter, something like the Pentair CCP520 or similar.
Possibly look at the Waterway brand in similar sizes.
I used to have the Hayward S360SX. I switched to a Pentair CCP420 (pool is only 12k gallons).
I would never go back to a sand filter. I clean my cartridge filter once a year - only because my OCD won't let me wait any longer.
Last edited:
- Jan 7, 2012
- 2,122
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
As others have suggested, I would strongly suggest a cartridge filter. The plumbing is simple, there's no backwashing, etc.., and they're easy to disassemble and clean.
Get the largest cartridge filter possible. It will offer better efficiency and extend the time between cleanings (I can easily go 18 months).
Unfortunately we are on a tight budget so I'm looking for the smallest workable size for the pump and pool size I've got. Is 30" too small of the amount of water or the power of the pump?
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,809
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You're going to be backwashing or cleaning it more often.
What brand and model are you looking at?
Do you have a place to contain 5+ minutes worth of backwash water at full pump speed?
Have you looked at the cartridge filters yet?
The smallest size would be like the dinky filters in Florida - way too small and need to be cleaned weekly or monthly at best.
What brand and model are you looking at?
Do you have a place to contain 5+ minutes worth of backwash water at full pump speed?
Have you looked at the cartridge filters yet?
The smallest size would be like the dinky filters in Florida - way too small and need to be cleaned weekly or monthly at best.
- Jan 7, 2012
- 2,122
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
A large cartridge filter is money well spent. It's a few hundred dollars to upsize, but that upgrade is worth every penny.
Trying to find the smallest is going to bite you later. Why not just delay the upgrade until funds are available for the right size? Or is this to fix one that’s broken?
So, a Hayward 30" sand with valve (which you must have) costs $1250-$1375 (all prices just general google, and not including any tax, shipping, or install costs).
A replacement DE filter same as yours is $1300-$1600
A CCP420 cartridge filter is $1200-$1500.
While the CCP420 is a bit smaller than the prior recommended, it will still serve you well - will only need to clean once a year, at worst twice a year. Cartridges last several years, unless abused. Cost differentials are moot, and mostly dependent on where you shop. And, how much of the DIY plumbing you are willing to do.
A replacement DE filter same as yours is $1300-$1600
A CCP420 cartridge filter is $1200-$1500.
While the CCP420 is a bit smaller than the prior recommended, it will still serve you well - will only need to clean once a year, at worst twice a year. Cartridges last several years, unless abused. Cost differentials are moot, and mostly dependent on where you shop. And, how much of the DIY plumbing you are willing to do.