Filter/Pump Recommendation for 13000 Gal. AGP

[lagman]

Hi All,

I need to replace my filter housing and pump this spring. I have a 13000 gallon above ground pool and I'm currently using an EcoClear filter housing and 1.5HP pump. I'm wondering if the 1.5HP pump is overkill.. It would be nice to get something that uses less electricity. Also looking for a filter housing that uses less expensive filters. Right now I pay $200 every time I need a replacement filter. Any suggestions?

I found this one that claims to handle up to 24000 gallons so I would have some headroom.. Thoughts? Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 50 sq ft System with 3/4 HP Pump

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Newdude]

I have a 13000 gallon above ground pool

I'm getting 21k+ for a 30 ft round pool (guessing) 4 ft deep. Is the one in your sig the pool in question ?

If it is, a 30ft-er is a ton of surface area, (706 sq ft) and most of the way to my 20x40. Sure the walls stop the stuff that blows across the ground into my inground, but plenty can still drop in. What's the yard look like with trees dropping crud ?

I ask because a 50 sq ft cartridge is 10X smaller than mine with 7/8ths the surface area. Do you need to clean the existing filter often? Larger filters need cleaning less often and that entirely depends on your yard, not the industry guidelines for gallons.

Right now I pay $200 every time I need a replacement filter. Any suggestions?

You can get 10 years on carts when well maintained and a balanced pool. How often do they need replacing ? Do you use flocculants and such from the pool store ? They ruin filter media and are usually responsible when we get members blowing through cartridges.

Sorry for all the questions about your question but they will all help point you in the right direction.

 

[lagman]

I'm getting 21k+ for a 30 ft round pool (guessing) 4 ft deep. Is the one in your sig the pool in question ?

If it is, a 30ft-er is a ton of surface area, (706 sq ft) and most of the way to my 20x40. Sure the walls stop the stuff that blows across the ground into my inground, but plenty can still drop in. What's the yard look like with trees dropping crud ?

I ask because a 50 sq ft cartridge is 10X smaller than mine with 7/8ths the surface area. Do you need to clean the existing filter often? Larger filters need cleaning less often and that entirely depends on your yard, not the industry guidelines for gallons.



You can get 10 years on carts when well maintained and a balanced pool. How often do they need replacing ? Do you use flocculants and such from the pool store ? They ruin filter media and are usually responsible when we get members blowing through cartridges.

Sorry for all the questions about your question but they will all help point you in the right direction.

Oops, the signature was incorrect. It's actually a 24ft round pool.

 

[Newdude]

OK. 13,530 gallons at 4 ft deep.

35% less surface area (452 sq ft) to suck up crud.

How's the yard look?
How often were you cleaning filters ?
How often were you replacing filters ?
What was wrong with them ?

 

[lagman]

OK. 13,530 gallons at 4 ft deep.

35% less surface area (452 sq ft) to suck up crud.

How's the yard look?
How often were you cleaning filters ?
How often were you replacing filters ?
What was wrong with them ?

How's the yard look? - Not many trees around. Not much crud.
How often were you cleaning filters ? - When they are new about once per month. Probably a little more later in the summer.
How often were you replacing filters ? - Every 1 to 2 years.
What was wrong with them ? Usually what happens that drives the need to change the filter or the need to clean more often is my own fault. We will get a week of really hot weather and I'll forget to take the cover off. Or I'll try to get by not running the pump all night. In both cases I end up with a tinge of green that ends up in the filter even after I shock.

 

[Newdude]

How often were you cleaning filters ? - When they are new about once per month. Probably a little more later in the summer.

So a larger filter will remove an equal % of cleanings, going larger, and the filter housing lasts a generation. Cutting your cleanings into 1/4 will add UP long term with a 200 sq ft cartridge, versus the 50 sq ft. (As an example. They may not make one that big in a combo unit). But still. I'd be looking at as large as possible if I were you. If you look at the cost increase between units, spread over 20+ years, it's peanuts.

How often were you replacing filters ? - Every 1 to 2 years.
What was wrong with them ? Usually what happens that drives the need to change the filter or the need to clean more often is my own fault. We will get a week of really hot weather and I'll forget to take the cover off. Or I'll try to get by not running the pump all night. In both cases I end up with a tinge of green that ends up in the filter even after I shock.

OK we can help fix that issue for you by keeping better tabs on the water balancing. Like I said, carts should last up to 10 years. My old set were 8.5 years and going strong when we moved.

 

[lagman]

Hi All,

I need to replace my filter housing and pump this spring. I have a 13000 gallon above ground pool and I'm currently using an EcoClear filter housing and 1.5HP pump. I'm wondering if the 1.5HP pump is overkill.. It would be nice to get something that uses less electricity. Also looking for a filter housing that uses less expensive filters. Right now I pay $200 every time I need a replacement filter. Any suggestions?

I found this one that claims to handle up to 24000 gallons so I would have some headroom.. Thoughts? Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 50 sq ft System with 3/4 HP Pump

Thanks,
Dan

Ok, after more research I determined I need at least a 150sq ft filter. To save on electricity I'm also considering a variable speed pump. I've narrowed it down to this combo. Any thoughts or opinions?

Pump: BLACK+DECKER Above Ground Variable Speed Swimming Pool Pump, 1 HP https://a.co/d/coJk8FC
Filter: Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 150 sq ft Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 150 sq ft - Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast or Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 200 sq ft Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 200 sq ft - Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast

 

[Newdude]

The Black and Decker pumps have been doing well for some members who got them. (So far). I don't know much about small pumps to have any to recommend, but always hardcore recommend VS pumps. Let's ask @Mdragger88 what she has seen come up lately.

For $100 more I'd go with the 200 cart that will cut 33% of your cleanings for the next 10 years.

 

[Mdragger88]

For the pump definitely consider the warranty- if it’s the same specs as another but a better warranty then go for it. Some folks have also compared the black & deckers to some calimar pumps - they look to be cousins.
Vsp is ideal for energy savings but a 2 speed would also fit the bill for less coin perhaps.
How do you vacuum the pool?
Have you considered/ do you plan to get a salt water chlorine generator?

As @Newdude mentioned- the filter getting how you described is a chemical balance/ algae issue - a larger filter won’t solve that it would just take a little longer to get overwhelmed.
Check out
Pool Care Basics - specifically the ABC’s article to prevent that.

Cartridge Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

 

[lagman]

For the pump definitely consider the warranty- if it’s the same specs as another but a better warranty then go for it. Some folks have also compared the black & deckers to some calimar pumps - they look to be cousins.
Vsp is ideal for energy savings but a 2 speed would also fit the bill for less coin perhaps.
How do you vacuum the pool?
Have you considered/ do you plan to get a salt water chlorine generator?

As @Newdude mentioned- the filter getting how you described is a chemical balance/ algae issue - a larger filter won’t solve that it would just take a little longer to get overwhelmed.
Check out
Pool Care Basics - specifically the ABC’s article to prevent that.

Cartridge Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

I'm considering a chlorine generator at some point in the future. Would the variable speed pump limit me in that? Which VSPs do you recommend?

 

[Mdragger88]

I'm considering a chlorine generator at some point in the future. Would the variable speed pump limit me in that? Which VSPs do you recommend?

No - in fact, a vsp is ideal with a swg since you can run it on low rpms basically around the clock & set the swg to a lower percentage to produce chlorine all the time. A nice steady iv drip of fc!
If you plan to add a swg in the future getting the vsp now makes alot of sense.
Which vsp you choose will depend on your budget & warranty tolerance really.

 

[lagman]

No - in fact, a vsp is ideal with a swg since you can run it on low rpms basically around the clock & set the swg to a lower percentage to produce chlorine all the time. A nice steady iv drip of fc!
If you plan to add a swg in the future getting the vsp now makes alot of sense.
Which vsp you choose will depend on your budget & warranty tolerance really.

On that topic, are there any SWGs the group recommends for a smaller pool? Also am I correct to assume you no longer need to shock periodically if you run it at the appropriate level 24/7 with a VSP?

 

[mknauss]

Also am I correct to assume you no longer need to shock periodically

I suggest you review Pool Care Basics and watch

 

[Mdragger88]

On that topic, are there any SWGs the group recommends for a smaller pool?

A 24’ round pool with an average water depth of 4’ is roughly 13,500 gallons.
It is recommended to get a swg that is rated for at least 2x’s your pool’s volume because the ratings are based on them running 24/7 & you likely don’t want to do that.
13,500 x 2 = 27,000 gal. So you should look for one rated for 30k gal or more since there is no 27k rated system. In MN you may be able to get away with a 25k system depending upon your average fc consumption & length of season.
The smaller the unit the more you have to run it to make enough fc each day,
the larger the unit the less you need to run it (& your pump) which means energy savings & longer cell life.
To further complicate matters different manufacturer ratings aren’t always apples to apples so compare the outputs (lb/day) amongst the choices.

Here’s a good comparison chart for outputs, warranties etc.
(If you’re on a mobile device turn it sideways to see the full chart)

Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

www.discountsaltpool.com

 

[lagman]

Hi All,

I have a small 24' ~13K gallon above ground pool with a PermaSalt (copper ionizer) system. PermaSalt works ok for me most of the year but when it gets above 90 degrees it just can't keep up so I end up spending lots of $ on chemicals. Instead of going through that again, I've decided to purchase a SWG for the upcoming season and ditch the PermaSalt.

I've reviewed this site, which has been recommended by others in the forum: Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

I have also been reading the reviews of this much cheaper model by Intex: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073S4XG46?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_XZ5GRJWW4224HCRBAC72&th=1

Most of the negative reviews on the Intex say either the cell or the whole unit itself only lasts 1 or 2 seasons. Additionally, I will probably be running it close to max since my pool (13K gal.) is close to the limit of this SWG ($15 gal). That being said, it comes with a 2 year warranty, so even if I replace it every 2 years it will take many years before I have spent anywhere close to the SWGs recommended at the link above. Also, these more expensive units require cell replacement and most of the cells alone are more than 2x the cost of the entire Intex unit. Unsure how long these cells last.. Presumably longer than 2 years.

I am leaning toward giving the cheaper Intex SWG a shot. Worst case, I will need to buy a new one every season and will eventually determine I just need to fork over the $ for a better unit that lasts longer Has anyone else been down this road? Just looking for suggestions.

Thanks!
Dan

 

[Newdude]

As said above, 'properly sized units' need to run full time (15k unit on 15k pool, etc) during the peak season to produce enough FC. All cells have a finite life from usage and the quicker you reach those hours, the quicker you're buying another one. I get the lure of the budget friendly models, but if you go that route ensure you find the expected lifespan so you can compare apples to apples. All things intex are temporary products and the cells may only be rated for 3k hours of production VS the 10k expected on the more robust units. It may end up too close to call, or your budget may decide one or the other this/next time. Either way, go in with your eyes wide open.

 

[lagman]

As said above, 'properly sized units' need to run full time (15k unit on 15k pool, etc) during the peak season to produce enough FC. All cells have a finite life from usage and the quicker you reach those hours, the quicker you're buying another one. I get the lure of the budget friendly models, but if you go that route ensure you find the expected lifespan so you can compare apples to apples. All things intex are temporary products and the cells may only be rated for 3k hours of production VS the 10k expected on the more robust units. It may end up too close to call, or your budget may decide one or the other this/next time. Either way, go in with your eyes wide open.

Thanks, I really appreciate the the advice! Yes, I know going this route would be a risk. I read the Intex manual and it says for my pool I need to run it for 6-8 hours per day. Even if I double that, if I get a 3K hour life out if it I figure that is at least 2 seasons for me.. We have a very short swimming season here in MN (it has snowed in June.. seriously). So spending $250 every 2 years it would take me at least 8 years to spend as much as even the cheapest SWG on the list that can do 25K gallons, which is over $1000, and the cells for that unit are almost as much as the unit itself. I may regret it but I think it will at least be a step up from the PermaSalt system I currently have

 

[Newdude]

We have a very short swimming season here in MN

You have that going for you, for sure. You'd be BURNING hours off the lifespan in AZ on the other hand.

The nice thing about consumables is that you can double down next time, or try a different way.

Before all the shortages, folks could usually find the intex type models on clearance at Walmart towards the end if the season for $100. Your local stores likely fire sale any leftovers with a long off season too. Anything intex for that matter. One member got the pool itself for $75, another stole a much bigger model at half the cost.

 

[Mdragger88]

Hi All,

I have a small 24' ~13K gallon above ground pool with a PermaSalt (copper ionizer) system. PermaSalt works ok for me most of the year but when it gets above 90 degrees it just can't keep up so I end up spending lots of $ on chemicals. Instead of going through that again, I've decided to purchase a SWG for the upcoming season and ditch the PermaSalt.

I've reviewed this site, which has been recommended by others in the forum: Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

I have also been reading the reviews of this much cheaper model by Intex: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073S4XG46?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_XZ5GRJWW4224HCRBAC72&th=1

Most of the negative reviews on the Intex say either the cell or the whole unit itself only lasts 1 or 2 seasons. Additionally, I will probably be running it close to max since my pool (13K gal.) is close to the limit of this SWG ($15 gal). That being said, it comes with a 2 year warranty, so even if I replace it every 2 years it will take many years before I have spent anywhere close to the SWGs recommended at the link above. Also, these more expensive units require cell replacement and most of the cells alone are more than 2x the cost of the entire Intex unit. Unsure how long these cells last.. Presumably longer than 2 years.

I am leaning toward giving the cheaper Intex SWG a shot. Worst case, I will need to buy a new one every season and will eventually determine I just need to fork over the $ for a better unit that lasts longer Has anyone else been down this road? Just looking for suggestions.

Thanks!
Dan

Me - …
I totally understand where you’re coming from.
I had multiple intex pools before getting a large permanent above ground pool & had several intex swgs that were aquired for very little coin. They used to be a good value for the price point before the covid pool craze happened. That 15k unit used to cost around $100 they then jumped to around $350 at the height of the price gouge
When I installed my new pool I used 2 intex swgs (a 7k & a 15k) I had one plumbed to each return. This was my setup until the final unit died. My pool is 26k gal so I had to supplement with liquid chlorine for the majority of the season as the intex units will only run for 12 hours a day unless you want to have to manually turn it back on.
I have always liked the intex units because of their built in timer & clear cell housing.
But…. The reality is that you really need 2 units to fully chlorinate your pool so that’s actually $482 every couple years. This makes the other options more than worth it when you consider how long they will last for you.
I am currently working up a spreadsheet for comparing the circupool universal units to the lesser known yet somewhat popular units including calimar & pureline. As soon as I get it done I will post it.

 

[lagman]

Me - …
I totally understand where you’re coming from.
I had multiple intex pools before getting a large permanent above ground pool & had several intex swgs that were aquired for very little coin. They used to be a good value for the price point before the covid pool craze happened. That 15k unit used to cost around $100 they then jumped to around $350 at the height of the price gouge
When I installed my new pool I used 2 intex swgs (a 7k & a 15k) I had one plumbed to each return. This was my setup until the final unit died. My pool is 26k gal so I had to supplement with liquid chlorine for the majority of the season as the intex units will only run for 12 hours a day unless you want to have to manually turn it back on.
I have always liked the intex units because of their built in timer & clear cell housing.
But…. The reality is that you really need 2 units to fully chlorinate your pool so that’s actually $482 every couple years. This makes the other options more than worth it when you consider how long they will last for you.
I am currently working up a spreadsheet for comparing the circupool universal units to the lesser known yet somewhat popular units including calimar & pureline. As soon as I get it done I will post it.

Thanks! I'd be very interested to review what you come up with. Your pool is twice the size of mine so maybe I can get by with 1.. I guess we'll see..