Hayward S180T Sand Filter Tank Needs Replaced

[garrybunk]

I have a Hayward S180T sand filter tank (new Spring 2011) which started spurting water from a crack in the side while closing the pool last fall. I'm assuming it's not worth trying to patch/seal it and I'd expect it would just fail at another location. My pool is a 13,500 gallon above-ground pool with a 1HP single speed pump motor. I just replaced the upper portion of the multiport valve last Spring, so I'd like to keep a replacement tank compatible with this valve. I've never replaced or added sand, but have flushed the tank a few times. I never felt the need to replace the sand.

I'd like recommendations on how best to proceed with replacing this tank on a budget (money is tight). It seems that the tank is oversized for my 13,500 gallon pool. Should I downsize to a cheaper/smaller model? Would I see any real consequences from doing so? I see a 16" Doheny tank which states "16” Tank - For pools up to 16,800 gallons (up to 21’ round, 16’x32’ oval)" - it fits per the gallons, but my pool is 24' round and I don't know why this would matter.

What about the lower "budget" models (i.e. Amazon)? There seem to be some to definitely stay away from, but does anyone know a budget brand that actually holds up? (I've read reviews of some cracking after on a year or two, but are those from user error / undersized / subject to too much pressure?) Right now, I think I'm liking the Doheny tanks as a decent alternative to the Hayward, anyone have any experience with their tanks? It looks like the Hayward Mutiport valves would fit, but it doesn't say.

Lastly - what about the sand? Stick to standard good old pool sand? Switch to an alternative? (Remember, I'm trying to keep cost down.)

Photos attached.

Thanks!
-Garry

 

[TinFoilHat]

There is no way to fix it and you need to replace it before it bursts open. Buy the largest filter you can for the least maintenance and maximum filtering.

 

[Bill1974]

Typically it's almost the same cost to replace the entire unit and not just the tank. Last time I replacement mine the height was a little different as well and needed some of the plumbing changed as well.

 

[1poolman1]

I have a Hayward S180T sand filter tank (new Spring 2011) which started spurting water from a crack in the side while closing the pool last fall. I'm assuming it's not worth trying to patch/seal it and I'd expect it would just fail at another location. My pool is a 13,500 gallon above-ground pool with a 1HP single speed pump motor. I just replaced the upper portion of the multiport valve last Spring, so I'd like to keep a replacement tank compatible with this valve. I've never replaced or added sand, but have flushed the tank a few times. I never felt the need to replace the sand.

I'd like recommendations on how best to proceed with replacing this tank on a budget (money is tight). It seems that the tank is oversized for my 13,500 gallon pool. Should I downsize to a cheaper/smaller model? Would I see any real consequences from doing so? I see a 16" Doheny tank which states "16” Tank - For pools up to 16,800 gallons (up to 21’ round, 16’x32’ oval)" - it fits per the gallons, but my pool is 24' round and I don't know why this would matter.

What about the lower "budget" models (i.e. Amazon)? There seem to be some to definitely stay away from, but does anyone know a budget brand that actually holds up? (I've read reviews of some cracking after on a year or two, but are those from user error / undersized / subject to too much pressure?) Right now, I think I'm liking the Doheny tanks as a decent alternative to the Hayward, anyone have any experience with their tanks? It looks like the Hayward Mutiport valves would fit, but it doesn't say.

Lastly - what about the sand? Stick to standard good old pool sand? Switch to an alternative? (Remember, I'm trying to keep cost down.)

Photos attached.

Thanks!
-Garry

A "top mount" sand filter will come with a new valve, they are not interchangeable between brands unless it is specified in the instructions. Tank dimensions only have to be slightly different and it will leak.
Doheny's has been around a long time. For years they were only available to larger commercial facilities; hotels, apartments, gyms, etc. Now they are marketing to the homeowner as well.
Use sand in a sand filter. Stay away from Zeo products, just for ease of use. If you want, you can get a "glass" product, but I never found any great difference, especially for a home pool. Glass is more expensive, but sand last "forever." Be aware that, as with any sand filter, you will probably need to add a bag of sand after five years or so as a small amount of sand is lost at each backwash.