Recommend me a filter please

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mark44x

Member
Apr 13, 2025
8
New Jersey
I just purchased a 24' x 54' round pool that I will use for a saltwater setup.
I know I want to do a cartridge filter. I will be a first time pool owner. My search on the internet shows this is approximately 15,000 gallons of water and the rule of thumb is 100 sq ft of filter surface per 10,000 gallons of pool water as a minimum.
The recommended filter where I purchased the pool from has the Hayward XStream 150 Cartridge Filter System 1.5-HP Power-Flo Pump which I see is 150sq ft.
I see bigger is better and recommended sq ft for my size pool is 200-225.
So I have searched up some cartridge filters that fit in that 200-225sq ft range.
I have found Pentair - EC-160353 Clean & Clear RP 200 sq. ft. and the Hayward SwimClear Multi-Element Cartridge Filter 225 Sq.Ft.
Are there any other recommended filters I should look into purchasing? Or did I find the two best options?
 
mark44x said:
I just purchased a 24' x 54' round pool that I will use for a saltwater setup.
I know I want to do a cartridge filter. I will be a first time pool owner. My search on the internet shows this is approximately 15,000 gallons of water and the rule of thumb is 100 sq ft of filter surface per 10,000 gallons of pool water as a minimum.
The recommended filter where I purchased the pool from has the Hayward XStream 150 Cartridge Filter System 1.5-HP Power-Flo Pump which I see is 150sq ft.
I see bigger is better and recommended sq ft for my size pool is 200-225.
So I have searched up some cartridge filters that fit in that 200-225sq ft range.
I have found Pentair - EC-160353 Clean & Clear RP 200 sq. ft. and the Hayward SwimClear Multi-Element Cartridge Filter 225 Sq.Ft.
Are there any other recommended filters I should look into purchasing? Or did I find the two best options?
Click to expand...
In general, it is best to purchase the largest cartridge filter that fits your budget. I would go to a minimum 300 sq ft, 400 sq ft is better. It allows for longer time between cleaning. The Pentair or Hayward filters are fine.
 
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mark44x said:
My search on the internet shows this is approximately 15,000 gallons of water and the rule of thumb is 100 sq ft of filter surface per 10,000 gallons of pool water as a minimum.
Click to expand...
That is the industry rule. But let's say you have a row of big trees down the property line and the wind howls your way. You need a boatload of filtering and your neighbor with the same pool needs none. And that's neighbors, imagine across the land ?

Above ground pools can usually get away with slightly smaller filters because once crud hits the ground, it won't blow across the yard and sink like it would with an inground.

Got pics of the yard ?
 
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The Arborvitae tree picture is the side of the property is where we will be placing the pool. The wife wants the pool in the back of the yard by the arborvitae trees. I want the pool closer to where I took the picture from ( the deck ). There is really no issue of big trees in the area.

prop.jpgprop1.jpg
 
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Nobody ever complained because their cartridge filter was oversized… Filter maintenance, while certainly manageable, is probably one of the least enjoyable aspects of pool ownership regardless of filter style. Best you space it out as much as possible. Go big or go home.
 
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mark44x said:
There is really no issue of big trees in the area.
Click to expand...
I took 14 oaks down for my 1st pool that were in the immediate area. I then spent 15 years watching the rest of them shed leaves / crud that would float perfectly sideways for 250 feet before deciding to drop like bricks over the pool. You'd be amazed. :ROFLMAO:

But you're definitely starting off way better than my old place. 225 would probably do, 300s range would help ensure you only needed one cleaning a year. (Something that isn't fully apreaciated until you don't have to do it). At worst, you'd clean them at the end of the spring crud and again at closing.

And also it's nice for parties and such. People shed alot of sweat / oils / sunscreen and it's nothing to tell two other families to stop by on Saturday and your 15k gallons will be approaching hot tub levels of bather load with 1000 gals per person. It can take a day or two to recover and the smaller the pool, the smaller the get together overwhelms the filter.

Place the return with the prevailing winds (Google it up by you) so the wind doesn't work against you. The slightest breeze stops skimming dead in its tracks.
 
I'd recommend checking the cost of replacement cartridges before you decide on a filter. Some cartridge sizes are very common, so replacements are inexpensive (not that you'll need to replace them that often, but...). Some are unique and pretty expensive (thinking about you, Sta-Rite System 3).
 
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InyoRich said:
I'd recommend checking the cost of replacement cartridges before you decide on a filter. Some cartridge sizes are very common, so replacements are inexpensive (not that you'll need to replace them that often, but...). Some are unique and pretty expensive (thinking about you, Sta-Rite System 3).
Click to expand...
Quickly looking it up doesn't seem very expensive for replacement cartridges for pentair or hayward.
Clean and clean replacement filters for a 4 pack close to $200.
Around $150 for a 4 pack of replacement filters for the hayward swimclear filter
 
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Newdude said:
That is the industry rule. But let's say you have a row of big trees down the property line and the wind howls your way. You need a boatload of filtering and your neighbor with the same pool needs none. And that's neighbors, imagine across the land ?

Above ground pools can usually get away with slightly smaller filters because once crud hits the ground, it won't blow across the yard and sink like it would with an inground.

Got pics of the yard ?
Click to expand...
I almost forgot about the Pump!!! I got the cartridge filter covered.
Any recommendations for the pump?
Pentair Superflo VS looks highly recommended. I am trying to figure out what size pump I would need for 15,000 gallons.
Hayward Super VS also highly recommended.
They are both on the expensive side.
 

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If my mortgage payment like Pentair pump died tomorrow I'd be buying a Calimar 3HP. I could buy several for the same money and statistically speaking the first one would be all I needed.

In your case their 1.5 HP is plenty.
 
Newdude said:
If my mortgage payment like Pentair pump died tomorrow I'd be buying a Calimar 3HP. I could buy several for the same money and statistically speaking the first one would be all I needed.

In your case their 1.5 HP is plenty.
Click to expand...
Hmm I see it for $450.
That's a big savings from looking at the Pentair or Hayward pumps.
It looks like it has good reviews across a couple websites also.
Thank you for that recommendation.
 
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mark44x said:
It looks like it has good reviews across a couple websites also
Click to expand...
They came out just after Covid shortages. Several members have gone with them and they've gone strong so far. The manufacturer also stepped in quickly when there were issues, because nothing is perfect.
 
Newdude said:
If my mortgage payment like Pentair pump died tomorrow I'd be buying a Calimar 3HP. I could buy several for the same money and statistically speaking the first one would be all I needed.

In your case their 1.5 HP is plenty.
Click to expand...
I just bought a Calimar yesterday. Wanted the VS to go with my new SWG and figured tariffs were a coming… A 3hp. My whisperflo is still fine, but I’ll warehouse it in case of future need.
 
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