Which Sand Filter Pump Is Recommended For What Intex Pool Size
The 1200 GPH pump flow rate is enough for Intex pools smaller than 16 feet. It would have to run too many hours each day to clean the water of larger Intex pools.
The sand filter pumps with a flow rate greater than 2000 gallons per hour is strong enough for Intex pools that are 16 feet or bigger. Of course, the greater the pump flow rate the faster it will circulate the pool water.
What Type Of Sand For Pool Filters
Our help files have stories of some who have inadvertently added the wrong type of sand to their pool filter. Masonry sand or Play sand wont work in a pool filter, use only a high quality Pool Filter Sand.
Pool Filter Sand, is specifically graded silicone quartz, .45-.55 mm in size, otherwise known commercially as #20 silica sand. You will find it to be clearly labeled Pool Filter Sand.
Our help files also have a few entries of folks who purchased a cheap product labeled pool filter sand, that turned out to be a very poor substitute. Buying a well known brand of pool filter sand from a pool retailer you trust may make a difference in the quality and cleanliness of the filter sand you buy.
How Do You Fix The Laterals On A Sand Filter
- Turn off your water supply.
- Remove the laterals from the sand filter by loosening them with a screwdriver.
- Clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the laterals and replace it with new sand or gravel if needed.
- Reattach the laterals to the sand filter, tightening them with a screwdriver.
- Turn on your water supply and check for leaks before using again.
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The Best Small Swimming Pool Filter Reviews
Lets look at the various small pool filters or small pool filter pump systems on the market for your swimming pool.
Below, I present you with the very best filter systems available today. This includes everything good and everything bad that you should know about each product.
Ill do this by dividing them up into different categories that include:
- Sand Filters.
- Diatomaceous Earth
Why Are Sand Filters Better Than Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters, such as the Intex cartridge filter pump, require replacement every few weeks. Sand filters can function for much longer, between 2 and 5 years, before the old sand is replaced by new sand. Replacement depends on how much dirt and organic matter are collected by the above ground swimming pool.
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Best Choice Products Pro 2400gph 13 Sand Filter Above Ground Swimming Pool Pump 10000gal
Best Choice are one of the most popular manufacturers of pumps and filter systems for above ground pools. The Pro 2400GPH model is easy to install and easy to use.
This sand filter pump system complies with CSA standards.
The Pro 2400GPH 13 also fits most current surface pools and is a cost-effective low maintenance option to keep your pool clean and free of sediments.
The sand filter drum measures 23.5 H × 13W with capacity 42 lb. sand filter. Has a size of 18.5 x 26.5 x 23.5 inches and weighs 26.2 pounds.
This system has a powerful 2.4 gallon per minute pump and a 4 function valve.
The Bad
- You need to buy sand separately as this will not come with the filter.
The Good
- The sand bed has a large capacity, which allows it to trap a greater amount of dirt and use longer filtration cycles.
- It works with elevated pools of up to 10,000 gallons and has a self-priming pump.
- The pump is thermally protected and the filter basket is included.
- The size of the sand is 0.018-0.022 inches. This tiny size means it will catch a lot more dirt and sediments.
- It is labeled ETL listed. This means that the product has been independently tested and meets the applicable safety standard.
- It has a large capacity sand bed.
- Comes with a 60 day guarantee.
How Much Salt Do You Need For Your Pool
First, check your salt chlorine generators operating manual. Find out what level of salt your chlorinator works at most of the time it will be either 3500 ppm or 4000 ppm. Once you have identified the operating level of your chlorinator, on calculating the right amount of salt for your pool.
We recommend that you measure your salt levels as part of your regular pool maintenance routine. This measurement will give you a more accurate salt reading, so you know exactly how much salt to add to your pools water. .
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What Is A Small Pool
Well its a smaller than normal pool. They offer good alternatives to the cost and time of larger buried pools. The costs are generally much lower because the equipment is different and maintenance definitely does not take as long.
Most people have no idea how small a swimming pool can be.
When you think of small pools, the images that pop into your head are probably kid pools. A tiny pool where you can simply sit or something for the kids to splash around in.
However, a small pool can be anything that includes the following:
- It can store less than 20,000 gallons of water.
- The pool is 600 square feet or less in size.
- The fact that they are small does not mean they are not for swimming.
- The shape of the kidney is the most common form. Followed closely by square and triangular shapes.
- While small pools can be used safely for exercise purposes, they are not recommended as they generally are no more than 6 feet deep.
Here are the main different types of small pools that are available:
- Training pools.
- Above ground pools.
Training Pools
This is the most typical exercise pool. It has a triangular shape to provide the most space available for you to make forward and backward turns. This is preferred by swimming enthusiasts.
Also preferred by people who want a full body workout and competitive swimmers. This type of pool can be installed on the ground or above .
Leisure Pools
Above Ground Pool
What Settings Are Available On The Control Valve
The control valve has 6 settings for managing the water flow and cleaning routines:
- Filter: pool water flows through the sand filter and back into the pool.
- Backwash: used for cleaning the sand filter.
- Rinse: after backwashing, use this setting to rinse the sand grains.
- Waste/Drain: either decrease the water level of the pool or drain the pool.
- Recirculate: circulates pool water without sending it through the sand filter.
- Closed: closes all water flow, never select it while the pump is running.
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Intex 18 X 52 Ultra Xtr Frame Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Set With Pump
Intex 18 x 52 Metal Frame Swimming Pool
Its hot outside, but its cool and refreshing inside the Intex 18 Ft. x 52 In. Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set.This pool will be your best idea yet for your backyard. It sets up quickly, with only 60 minutes of setup necessary before you start filling it with water! Plus with a 120V sand filter pump included, you can rest easy knowing that every time you swim youll be in clear and clean waters.The inner and outer powder coating prevents rust, and ensures that youll be spending plenty of years splishing and splashing in your Intex pool.
- Spend those hot summer days relaxing or splashing around in cool, clear water
- Comes with an Intex Krystal Clear sand filter pump, made with Hydro Aeration Technology
- Sand filter pump only needs replacement every 5 years
- Frame crafted with highly durable galvanized steel
- Inner and outer powder coating on frame prevents rusting
- Comes with 120V sand filter pump, pool ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover
- Ready for water in only 60 minutes
- Water flow rate at pump : 2,100 gal/hr
- Water flow rate at pool : 1,600 gal/hr
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions : 18 x 18 x 4.3 feet
- Weight: 242.88 pounds
When To Change Pool Filter Sand
This depends on the size of your sand filter in relation to the pool, but somewhere between 2-7 years.
Small sand filters of 16, 18 or 21 diameter need to replace the sand more often, every 2-5 years, sooner if the pool is used heavily, or has sticky tree debris, or a pump that is too large for the filter size.
Larger sand filters with 24 to 36 diameter tanks can often go longer between sand changes, simply because of the larger filter area. 5-7 years is the normal interval for larger sand filters.
The best time to replace filter sand is before you need to, but if you notice poor water quality, short filter cycles , or dirt passing through the filter, it may be time to replace the filter sand.
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Old Carpet A Free Option
This is another good material that will help you decide. We really like this solution since it can be FREE if you can find someone disposing of their old carpet. Just put the carpet down under the pool, with the plush side up. The carpet provides good protection from the stones and pebbles that could cause a tear in the liner, but it does not provide as much cushion and uniform surface for cleaning as the foam tiles do.
Why Do Small Pools Need Filters
Because of pool health.
I am specifically talking about the pool equipment that can be kept healthy by maintaining a certain level of cleanliness.
This means that the water stays healthy and does not pile up with all kinds of horrible things. The fact that you can not see any dirt in the pool does not mean it is not there.
Cleaning the pool manually is both inefficient and ineffective.
You can certainly try to clean your pool manually. But you will never have enough time, strength or microscopic sight to keep your pool clean enough.
So what do you do?
This is where filters and pumping systems come to the rescue.
You need to use pool filters to move and purify the water to maintain optimum functionality.
A filter and pump system is essential to ensure that the chemicals used to maintain your pool are well balanced. If your pool is out of balance or has no filter, bad things can happen. For instance, contaminants and bacteria can quickly form if debris falls into the tank.
A pump pulls the water and pushes it through the filter to clean it and trap the dirt.Then, the filters eliminate the residues and contaminants that cause the risk of bacterial growth and the hoses return clean water to the pool.
Intensive use of the pool can also cause pool water and chemicals to become unbalanced.
Unbalanced or contaminated water causes deposits on the surface of the pool and possible corrosion of the equipment. This leads to an increase in repair costs and the need to replace equipment.
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Saltwater Above Ground Pools: A Buyers Guide
In recent years, above ground pool owners have been looking for alternatives to traditional chlorine pools. Some are motivated by health concerns since traditional chlorine can cause eye and skin irritation for sensitive folks. Others seek a more natural or cost effective system for their swimming pools. Salt water pool systems have quickly become one of the most popular alternatives to chlorine. If you’re considering starting your new pool off with salt or even just switching your pool to a saltwater sanitation system, there are several factors you’ll want to be aware of to save you both time and money.
Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to realize that not all types of pools can accommodate saltwater systems. Certain above ground pools, in particular, may not be able to make the switch without serious side effects which we’ll be covering further below.
The Intex Ground Cloth
The Intex Ground Cloth is included with most Intex Pool sets. It provides added protection for the pool bottom from rocks, twigs, or other items that could potentially puncture the liner. However, even though Intex Pools, in general, receive good reviews from the owners, the Ground Cloth is generally described as a sub-standard item and is too thin to provide much real protection. This is why many Intex Pool owners decide to opt for another option.
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Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump For Above Ground Pools
This Intex above ground pool sand filter has a six-function control valve that will filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate and drain your water. Thereby giving you a lot more control of how to treat and maintain your swimming pool water.
The flow of the pump is 1.2K gallons per hour. So it works well with any above ground Intex pool. Especially for the 18-foot ultra-box group, the 24×12 foot ultra-rectangular group and the 16-inch model Wooden frame pool.
The system measures 15 x 13.6 x 20.5 and weighs 22.8 lbs.
The Bad
- It does not come with the piston valves and the 1.5 inch inlet / outlet connections.
- Customers have complained about slow customer service response times from the Intex help desk.
- The system can be noisy.
The Good
- Intex is a well established brand in this sector.
- It includes a RCCB . This is a great security feature that helps to avoid short circuits and system overloads.
- Contains a strainer basket, which extends the life of the sand and is easy to clean.
- It has a 24-hour timer to set automatic filtration times, which helps reduce daily maintenance.
- Also, it has been proven to comply with UL / CSA standards and also complies with international safety standards.
- This pump has a 24-hour timer that allows you to set the automatic up time and a security override system that makes it easier to maintain the pool.
- The Intex sand filter pump is extremely efficient and cost-effective because the sand only needs changing every five years.
Buying Small Swimming Pool Filters Here Is Your Checklist
All pools require filters and pumps. Small pools use filters adapted to their size and specific needs. However, there are a number of different filters that can be used with small pools.
So, how do you choose the right filter for your small pool?
The first way is to speak to the small pool manufacturer and ask them to recommend the best pool filter for your specific model. This is the best option as they will be in the best position to help you select the right filter.
If your pool comes with a filter already installed, simply re-purchase that specific make, model and size.
You can use the instructions below that will help give you an idea of how to get the right small pool filter size. It can be a bit complicated and include mathematical formulas.
BUT dont worry.
I have broken down everything you need to know to make this process as simple as possible.
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How Sand Filter Works
Large tanks filled and gather with pool and are known as a sand filter. It is thicker than the other play sand. During filtering operation, the sand filter removes all sorts of impurities from the pool water through an inlet, which leads to the water distribution head inside the tank. Water enters the laterals, which have small holes. From here, the filtered water mainly circulates back into the pool.
Even though the pool filter is one of the main types of equipment in maintenance, your pools clean, so it also requires to be kept clean.
What Precautions Should You Consider Before Installation
You need to install the Intex Krystal Clear sand filter pump on a solid, level surface. The pump needs protection from rain, moisture and very cold temperatures. The pump motor is air cooled and it requires ventilation to keep itself from overheating.
This sand filter pump can only be used with non-permanent above ground pools. Do not attempt to use it with pools that are permanently installed, it wont work!
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What Should I Put Under The Legs Of My Intex Pool
The stability of the legs is vital to a sturdy Intex pool. You should NOT put the legs directly on the ground, they will sink in once the weight of the water is pushing down. You SHOULD put a wood block or concrete paver under each leg. The paver should be at least 1ft x 1ft in size and should be level with the ground.
The Best Above Ground Pool Sand Filters Online
When choosing your next pool sand filter, you should consider other factors besides the filter type.
For instance, you will need to consider factors like filter efficiency, durability and, above all, its maintenance requirements.
And last, but not least, it is extremely important to make sure that the filtration system you choose matches the size of your pool.
There are many options when it comes to sand pool filters but Ive shortlisted the best ones I could find.
Below is my review of each one, including all their negative points.
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What Type Of Pool Salt Should You Buy
When youre buying your pool salt, its important to use sodium chloride that is at least ninety-eight per cent pure. Preferably the salt is an evaporated granulated, food quality, non-iodized salt. Keep in mind that the finer the quality of salt the more quickly it will dissolve. For example, over sixty per cent of granulated salt will dissolve before it reaches the bottom of your pool. This is an important factor to consider when making your purchase. Undissolved salt can damage the colour of your pools lining.
