Sometimes you just want people to tell you what to do

Jun 24, 2013
67
New Jersey
We follow the pool school methodology for our chemicals to a T. We've read and read on the systems to use for that. But now I've got a pump that's screaming and a super old sand filter, and I just simply need to replace them with the right size and reliable pump and filter. I honestly don't have the energy to research the minutia of data to find out what is the best option like we did for our chemicals.

So I'm hoping someone can recommend to me a specific filter and pump combo with a twist lock plug that is appropriately sized for an 11,000 gallon above ground pool in the Northeast? I never take the easy way out, but I'm giving myself permission this once.
 
I’m sorry I can’t look up a specific pump for you. Hurricane Beryl knocked out my power and my phone is super slow on data. I do know that the 1 hp Hayward Superflo(?) would be a good match for your pool. An 18” or larger sand filter would also serve you well. Hayward makes a good one, Jandy and Waterway are also popular.
 
We follow the pool school methodology for our chemicals to a T. We've read and read on the systems to use for that. But now I've got a pump that's screaming and a super old sand filter, and I just simply need to replace them with the right size and reliable pump and filter. I honestly don't have the energy to research the minutia of data to find out what is the best option like we did for our chemicals.

So I'm hoping someone can recommend to me a specific filter and pump combo with a twist lock plug that is appropriately sized for an 11,000 gallon above ground pool in the Northeast? I never take the easy way out, but I'm giving myself permission this once.
Is the filter leaking? Is the MPV bad? If not, just replace the sand and get a new pump If so, or its just time to replace them, there are several options for a combo system, but you will likely have to change the cord to the pump. Is this operating on 120V or 240V?
 
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The MPV isn't bad, but it's unreadable what position you are in. And I can't find a replacement pressure gauge. The pump is 120V connected to a single pole 20 amp breaker with an inline GFI near my panel in the garage. The twist lock outlet is outside near the pool.
 
The MPV isn't bad, but it's unreadable what position you are in. And I can't find a replacement pressure gauge. The pump is 120V connected to a single pole 20 amp breaker with an inline GFI near my panel in the garage. The twist lock outlet is outside near the pool.
Pressure gauges are generic. Labels are available for the MPV of Hayward and Pentair.
 
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The pressure gauges I have bought have never fit. I guess I'll try Amazon.

The limited reading I've done has said that sizing my pump to my filter is crucial, and I have no idea the specs of my filter, brand, etc. Everything is worn off. So how do I choose the proper pump to make sure I don't over or under work my filter?
 
You can measure the diameter of the filter to tell the size. For an 11k pool you don’t want to go smaller than an 18” sand filter. A 1 hp single speed pump will work for anything 18” or larger. The only risk is getting a filter too small for the pump.
 
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Your signature says you currently have a 2 speed 2 hp pump.
Do you run it on low? If so, does it do well (skim effectively)?
What is your budget?
 
I'm honestly not sure what kind of pump I have currently because everything is worn off of the pump. I *think* it is a dual speed 2 HP pump. We typically run it on low to filter, and high to vacuum. We've never been super impressed with how clean our pool gets with our setup. Mainly our water is rarely crystal clear.

But I don't trust the former homeowner to have done things right, so starting from scratch feels like the right decision. My budget is affordable, above average quality equipment. I'm not really sure what that means yet.
 

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I'm honestly not sure what kind of pump I have currently because everything is worn off of the pump. I *think* it is a dual speed 2 HP pump. We typically run it on low to filter, and high to vacuum. We've never been super impressed with how clean our pool gets with our setup. Mainly our water is rarely crystal clear.

But I don't trust the former homeowner to have done things right, so starting from scratch feels like the right decision. My budget is affordable, above average quality equipment. I'm not really sure what that means yet.
With a 120v limitation all I am seeing is 1.5hp 2 speed options including the proline brand.
Hayward does make a 115v vsp but it says it’s only 1hp which may not do enough.
If wanting to keep the 2 speed option (good choice with a swcg- running on low all the time & always making chlorine)
These are the pumps I would consider - they are 1.5hp- Coupled with a 19” or larger sand filter


Hayward matrix, pureline, & doheny offerings are all very similar in style & warranty for those size pumps & filters. Obviously hayward & waterway are quite the known brand & replacement parts should be easy to obtain online and possibly locally.
Pureline is the house brand for inyo and they carry lots of replacement components for their products as well.
The waterway has a 2 year warranty.
None have the twist lock plug- that can be changed but you’ll need a timer if going with a swcg anyway.
For my 115v setup I use this plug in timer
Or you can go with an Intermatic hard wired timer.
For the swcg you want one that’s rated for
at least 20k gallons.
Like the filter, bigger is better here as it means you won’t need to run it as much.
If going with a 2speed 20k gal should be sufficient but if going with a single speed pump you might want to go larger (30/40k) for the swcg so you don’t have to run the pump as much to reduce energy costs.
I have a pureline replacement cell with an old Hayward Aquarite system- the cell is going on its 2nd season & so far I am happy with its performance.
Several here on a budget have been satisfied with the pureline & calimar swcg systems.
Pureline swcg (from inyo) is a 1 yr warranty,
Calimar swcg (pool supply unlimited) is a 3yr.

If you have a little more coin & prefer a longer warranty circupool is a good & popular option with multiple systems to choose from.

Both inyo & pool supply unlimited also sell hayward & pentair products if those are in your budget.

Hope this helps 😊
 
With a 120v limitation all I am seeing is 1.5hp 2 speed options including the proline brand.
Hayward does make a 115v vsp but it says it’s only 1hp which may not do enough.
If wanting to keep the 2 speed option (good choice with a swcg- running on low all the time & always making chlorine)
These are the pumps I would consider - they are 1.5hp- Coupled with a 19” or larger sand filter


Hayward matrix, pureline, & doheny offerings are all very similar in style & warranty for those size pumps & filters. Obviously hayward & waterway are quite the known brand & replacement parts should be easy to obtain online and possibly locally.
Pureline is the house brand for inyo and they carry lots of replacement components for their products as well.
The waterway has a 2 year warranty.
None have the twist lock plug- that can be changed but you’ll need a timer if going with a swcg anyway.
For my 115v setup I use this plug in timer
Or you can go with an Intermatic hard wired timer.
For the swcg you want one that’s rated for
at least 20k gallons.
Like the filter, bigger is better here as it means you won’t need to run it as much.
If going with a 2speed 20k gal should be sufficient but if going with a single speed pump you might want to go larger (30/40k) for the swcg so you don’t have to run the pump as much to reduce energy costs.
I have a pureline replacement cell with an old Hayward Aquarite system- the cell is going on its 2nd season & so far I am happy with its performance.
Several here on a budget have been satisfied with the pureline & calimar swcg systems.
Pureline swcg (from inyo) is a 1 yr warranty,
Calimar swcg (pool supply unlimited) is a 3yr.

If you have a little more coin & prefer a longer warranty circupool is a good & popular option with multiple systems to choose from.

Both inyo & pool supply unlimited also sell hayward & pentair products if those are in your budget.

Hope this helps 😊
So this helps IMMENSELY! I'd love to pull the trigger on the Waterway, but the website you shared will be charging me $300 for shipping. Do you have any suggestions for a way to get this that would avoid that? I'm in NJ.
 
So this helps IMMENSELY! I'd love to pull the trigger on the Waterway, but the website you shared will be charging me $300 for shipping. Do you have any suggestions for a way to get this that would avoid that? I'm in NJ.
Wow 😮 on many items they offer free shipping, I guess not that one though 😥.
Looks like you may have to find what you need separately.
 
For the main equipment I usually advise people to shop local, either through retail or a pool service company.
That way if there are any issues you can deal directly (face-to-face) with the people you bought from. It's also good to know that some manufacturers have pretty restricted warrantees on product that are sold online.
 
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