Hello,
Second year getting our 14 x 42 Intex Prism frame set up and running. After putting in a lot of work to remove sod and level our site, I'm ready to upgrade to a sand filter. I've done some research but would love hearing the experienced advice here. Several questions...
1. Intex has 10, 12, 14, ,and 16 inch sized sand filters; which would be best for my sized pool? Based on my pool volume, the 10 in would suffice according to their description (min 2800 to max 8400 gallons; mine is roughly 3500 gallons) Also, is it discouraged to go larger given that the 14 in states your pool size should be at minimum 5500 gallons? What would be the down side of going larger? I may at some point get a larger pool, but would be no larger than 18 ft (roughly 7000 gallons) and would like to purchase a pump that could handle that pool.
2. Are there better options than Intex? Or should I just stick with the same brand for compatibility sake?
3. Are these pumps truly more powerful than my cartridge filter? I can't even get suction on my side-mounted skimmer and this bums me out. Also, if it is more powerful, can it support a vacuum for the bottom of the pool? And since we're talking vacuums, what do you all use for your AGPs? I've not even started researching those yet.
4. Would a sand filter/pump be difficult to switch out now that my pool is already filled and in use?
5. If I decide to get a SWG at some point, can that be added to this pump/filtration system, or do you need to start all over?
Any other advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure there's something I'm missing.
Second year getting our 14 x 42 Intex Prism frame set up and running. After putting in a lot of work to remove sod and level our site, I'm ready to upgrade to a sand filter. I've done some research but would love hearing the experienced advice here. Several questions...
1. Intex has 10, 12, 14, ,and 16 inch sized sand filters; which would be best for my sized pool? Based on my pool volume, the 10 in would suffice according to their description (min 2800 to max 8400 gallons; mine is roughly 3500 gallons) Also, is it discouraged to go larger given that the 14 in states your pool size should be at minimum 5500 gallons? What would be the down side of going larger? I may at some point get a larger pool, but would be no larger than 18 ft (roughly 7000 gallons) and would like to purchase a pump that could handle that pool.
2. Are there better options than Intex? Or should I just stick with the same brand for compatibility sake?
3. Are these pumps truly more powerful than my cartridge filter? I can't even get suction on my side-mounted skimmer and this bums me out. Also, if it is more powerful, can it support a vacuum for the bottom of the pool? And since we're talking vacuums, what do you all use for your AGPs? I've not even started researching those yet.
4. Would a sand filter/pump be difficult to switch out now that my pool is already filled and in use?
5. If I decide to get a SWG at some point, can that be added to this pump/filtration system, or do you need to start all over?
Any other advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure there's something I'm missing.
