Newbie- Sand Pump question

[Srisberg]

Hi everyone!
This is my first ever pool and a 15” sand pump came with it. From everything I have learned in pool school and the TFP forums I highly doubt that it is adequate, but just the I would still like to know more about it if you all wouldn't mind helping.
5265 gallon, above ground, oval, steel pool with vinyl liner, planning to purchase swg
Below is a picture of the information I found under “specs”.
15” sand pump, 1500 gallon
Thanks everyone, I appreciate any help you can give me

 

[Newdude]

Hey srisberg and Welcome !!!

I highly doubt that it is adequate, but just the I would still like to know more about it if you all wouldn't mind helping.

Small pools have less surface area for crud to blow in, which is the primary source of things needing filtering. Above ground pools limit it even further to strictly airborne debris because it won't blow across the yard and get sucked in like an inground pool would.

I'm sure you're long closed up for the winter but pics would help if you had any saved.

 

[Srisberg]

It’s in storage and hasn’t been set up yet, I’m just trying prepare ahead of spring.

 

[Newdude]

How about any links ? I'm guessing it's an all in one box kinda pool ?

 

[Srisberg]

How about any links ? I'm guessing it's an all in one box kinda pool ?

Than you so much for helping Yes, it‘s an all in one. Here is the Amazon link Amazon.com

 

[Newdude]

Ok SWEET. So the 'pool in a box' (or multiple boxes) have terribly undersized equipment. You can upgrade it several sizes and still be too small, so the cost rarely gains the performance expected.

It doesn't make sense to buy traditional above ground equipment at a good chunk of the whole pools cost either.

I always reccomend stalking the used marketplaces (FB / etc) and apps for somebody selling gently used traditional equipment on the cheap. It happens all the time that people take the pool down and the equipment still has years left on it. I sold my own for $150(?) when we inherited an aboveground after moving.

 

[Srisberg]

Ok SWEET. So the 'pool in a box' (or multiple boxes) have terribly undersized equipment. You can upgrade it several sizes and still be too small, so the cost rarely gains the performance expected.

It doesn't make sense to buy traditional above ground equipment at a good chunk of the whole pools cost either.

I always reccomend stalking the used marketplaces (FB / etc) and apps for somebody selling gently used traditional equipment on the cheap. It happens all the time that people take the pool down and the equipment still has years left on it. I sold my own for $150(?) when we inherited an aboveground after moving.

That’s great advice! The summers here in Maine are beautiful but tend to be way too short, not ready to make a major pool investment since most of our time is spent on a pontoon. This is a “test“ pool to prove I’ll use it and they aren’t too much work, wish me luck

 

[Newdude]

wish me luck

We don't need no luck here. No Ma'am. We have science and over 300k folks road testing it and tweaking it over 17 years. We got you.

You have all winter to pick at the info bit by bit. Every last iota of it is dirt simple, but it's a bit of information overload at first.

Read up and ask away Pool Care Basics
Purchase Test Kits Compared
Download PoolMath
Follow FC/CYA Levels
Witness How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[Srisberg]

We don't need no luck here. No Ma'am. We have science and over 300k folks road testing it and tweaking it over 17 years. We got you.

You have all winter to pick at the info bit by bit. Every last iota of it is dirt simple, but it's a bit of information overload at first.

Read up and ask away Pool Care Basics
Purchase Test Kits Compared
Download PoolMath
Follow FC/CYA Levels
Witness How Clear is TFP Clear?

Thanks a million

 

[PoolStored]

If this ^^^ is true, you will need 240 service. I would double check this specification. If true, you will likely need a dedicated 240 circuit pulled to the pool.

 

[Srisberg]

Thanks a million

View attachment 550778

If this ^^^ is true, you will need 240 service. I would double check this specification. If true, you will likely need a dedicated 240 circuit pulled to the pool.

Yikes, to be honest I lived in Europe so long that 220 didn’t even stand out to me, even though it should have. The good news is I actually have do have one available; we had it installed a second panel with a 220 for a sauna that we wouldn’t be use during pool the pool season. Last night after my chat with new dude I decided to simplify my life by purchasing the Intex shown below. I think that it meets the requirements I learned in Pool School; double the gallons of the pool and with enough turnover.I also learned that “not all sand is equal“ so I plan to purchase #20 sand for the pump. Do you think this will be adequate ?

INTEX QX2600 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater Systems with Electrocatalytic Oxidation: Keeps Water Clear – Removes Bacteria – Reduces Chemical Use – 24-Hour Timer – Up to 15000 Gallon Pools​

Amazon.com

 

[PoolStored]

Yikes, to be honest I lived in Europe so long that 220 didn’t even stand out to me, even though it should have. The good news is I actually have do have one available; we had it installed a second panel with a 220 for a sauna that we wouldn’t be use during pool the pool season. Last night after my chat with new dude I decided to simplify my life by purchasing the Intex shown below. I think that it meets the requirements I learned in Pool School; double the gallons of the pool and with enough turnover.I also learned that “not all sand is equal“ so I plan to purchase #20 sand for the pump. Do you think this will be adequate ?

INTEX QX2600 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater Systems with Electrocatalytic Oxidation: Keeps Water Clear – Removes Bacteria – Reduces Chemical Use – 24-Hour Timer – Up to 15000 Gallon Pools​

Amazon.com

Yes, get #20 SILICA pool filter sand...don't get exotic. Sand has been used to filter water for thousands of years, will work great.

That QX2600 comes in two versions, the 8k and 15K. If you got the 15K (SKU# 26679EG), it outputs 11g/h = .58lbs/day. In your pool, that means it can generate 13.0 FC per day running 100%, 24/7. Even if the specs are off, should be enough as most consumption during the summer is under 5-6 per day...and that is in southern climes...should be good. You probably can get by running 24/7 and 50% output or less.

 

[Mdragger88]

Yes, get #20 SILICA pool filter sand...don't get exotic. Sand has been used to filter water for thousands of years, will work great.

That QX2600 comes in two versions, the 8k and 15K. If you got the 15K (SKU# 26679EG), it outputs 11g/h = .58lbs/day. In your pool, that means it can generate 13.0 FC per day running 100%, 24/7. Even if the specs are off, should be enough as most consumption during the summer is under 5-6 per day...and that is in southern climes...should be good. You probably can get by running 24/7 and 50% output or less.

You must cut that in half- they will only run 11 or 12 hours a day unless on boost mode. There is no percentage output. You just set the hours.
That said, I ran that unit on a 6k gallon pool in the south just fine. The max I ever needed was 10-11 hours. Usually somewhere between six & 8 most of the time.

 

[Srisberg]

Yes, get #20 SILICA pool filter sand...don't get exotic. Sand has been used to filter water for thousands of years, will work great.

That QX2600 comes in two versions, the 8k and 15K. If you got the 15K (SKU# 26679EG), it outputs 11g/h = .58lbs/day. In your pool, that means it can generate 13.0 FC per day running 100%, 24/7. Even if the specs are off, should be enough as most consumption during the summer is under 5-6 per day...and that is in southern climes...should be good. You probably can get by running 24/7 and 50% output or less.

You must cut that in half- they will only run 11 or 12 hours a day unless on boost mode. There is no percentage output. You just set the hours.
That said, I ran that unit on a 6k gallon pool in the south just fine. The max I ever needed was 10-11 hours. Usually somewhere between six & 8 most of the time.

Yes @PoolStored, I did get the 15k (SKU# 26679EG) and I’m paying attention so plain old #20 it shall be! Gosh I appreciate all of the help everyone has given! @Mdragger88 I’m relieved to hear that this system met your needs in the south

Product details​

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System CG-26679EG, 110-120V with GFCI, 2650 PGH Pump Flow Rate, is an all-in-one unit that both cleans and sanitizes pool water. Sand Filters are the most efficient, desirable, and affordable methods of cleaning pool water. All-natural sand provides excellent water filtration, and with proper maintenance, can last up to five years. In combination with Salt Water System, which uses the same sanitation technology as many resorts, community, and in-ground pools, your pool water will be kept free of bacteria and algae for the ultimate swimming experience. The Intex Sand Filter & Saltwater System works best on Above Ground Pools that hold a minimum water capacity of 4,800 gallons and a maximum water capacity of 15,000 gallons
Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter & Saltwater System Pump with GFCI, Model 26679EG, 2,650 GPH Pump Flow Rate
2-Year Limited Warranty
Sand Filter

• 16-inch tank diameter holds 120lbs of #20 Silica Sand (sold separately)
• 0.6 HP motor
• Pump flow rate: 2,650 GPH
• 6-way control valve: filtration, backwash, rinse, circulation, drain and close system
• Digital timer automatically turns pump on and off - can be set for 1 to 12 hour cycles
• 25-foot power cord with GFCI
• Two 1-1/2 inch connector hoses
• Hydro Aeration inlet fitting helps improve water circulation and filtration water clarity, and increase negative ions at the water surface

Saltwater System

• Electrocatalytic oxidation (E.O.C.), combined with natural chlorine, destroys organic contaminants such as bacteria and algae. E.O.C. is so effective, the amount of natural chlorine needed and generated by the system is reduced by approximately 60%
• Chlorine Output: 11 grams per hour
• Easy to use control panel
• 2 self-cleaning modes: 6-,10-, or 14 hour cycles
• Automatic operation with 24-hour clock

 

[Newdude]

^^^^^^ all that should do great for such a small pool. Normally I wouldn't think that a 33% larger filter (when small) was worth $380, but if it comes with a SWG as part of the system, it's a win-win that won't break the bank.

 

[Srisberg]

^^^^^^ all that should do great for such a small pool. Normally I wouldn't think that a 33% larger filter (when small) was worth $380, but if it comes with a SWG as part of the system, it's a win-win that won't break the bank.

I should have mentioned shopping is my specialty……it was on sale at Walmart for $228 ! I even checked the sku# twice to make sure it was the right unit

 

[denis1304]

I use flowclear polysphere pool filtration balls instead of sand in my filter, and it works great. You wash them every week or so, and they lasted me last 3 years and will use them next year and probably longer.
Pump is also running much easier.

 

[Srisberg]

I use flowclear polysphere pool filtration balls instead of sand in my filter, and it works great. You wash them every week or so, and they lasted me last 3 years and will use them next year and probably longer.
Pump is also running much easier.

@denis1304 wow filtration balls sound like a great alternative! I’ll definitely look into them, thank you

 

[mknauss]

Sand is the appropriate media for a sand filter.

 

[Newdude]

+1. They keep trying to reinvent the wheel when mother nature has been filtering with sand for eons. The best that anyone has done so far is being able to say 'it works as well as sand'.


Search for filter balls. There's a bunch of threads about them here.