New Filter and Pump

by Stephanie
(Heyworth )

I have a Doughboy above ground pool, 24' X 4', and the pump and filter is old. Is the Intex brand pump and Filter compatible for this size pool?

I have found one for 24 foot pools but don't want to waste my time if it is not compatible. It is smaller that what we have now, we have a Jaccuzzi filter and Sta-Rite pump but to replace these is outrageous, the pool was given to us, and is older, so some of the parts I have not been able to find. Any suggestions?

Hi Stephanie.

You do need to be careful about replacing the equipment with an inadequate system that will make keeping your pool clean a real problem.

I recommend that anyone who buys an inexpensive starter pool should look into upgrading their filter system as one of their first investments. Inexpensive pool packages usually start with an ineffective filter system.

The ideal system would be a two speed pump, going from 1/2 or 3/4 to 1 or 1 1/2 hp. Two speed pumps are the best, most energy effective way of keeping a pool clean. The filter can be either sand, cartridge or DE, as long as the capacity matches the hp of the pump.

That size pool, with a one speed pump, should have either a 1 hp or a 1 1/2 hp system. I would not go with anything smaller. You might try learning a little more about filter systems and looking around a little more.

Pool Cleaner

Above Ground Pool Filter Systems

Above Ground Pool Filters

Need A New Pool Pump

by Sherri
(Okeene, OK USA)

We have a 24' Doughboy and need a new pump, I think I need a 1 1/2 hp but want to verify that before ordering and for some reason can’t find a chart.

Hi Sherri.

Over the years pump HP has increased so it would depend on the age of you system. Years ago a 3/4 HP pump was more than adequate for a 24' pool. Then they decided a 1 HP would be better, and in the last five years or so it's been all a 1 1/2 HP.

I think there are two reasons for the increase in pump HP. First of all, all companies want to stay competitive. If one company is selling 1 1/2 HP pumps with all of their pools, a company with maybe a far better system with a 3/4 HP just does not sound nearly as good.

Another reason has been the increasing use of automatic pool cleaners. They tend to run better and do a better job with the extra HP. The cleaners may pick up the dirt better, but the filters do not clean the water as well with the higher HP. With most sand filters, unless it is huge, a 1 1/2 HP pump pushes the water through the filter too fast for optimum cleaning.

The best system is a two speed pump with a low and high setting. The filter works better on the low setting and the high can be used for cleaning, backwashing and other maintenance tasks.

Questions About my First Above Ground Pool

by Jim
(Louisiana)

I'm looking at getting a 27 foot above ground pool.

Here are my local options:

1) $4,300 comes with 1 horsepower pump and black vinyl "underneath" the pool.

2) Or, $4,800 with foam underneath and a 1.5 horsepower pump. Also, the salesman said that they "stretch" the liner over the edge of the pool, which is supposed to be better for some reason. I think he said the pool liner was either 13 or 17 mill quality.

I have no idea which is better, but I like the way the foam feels on my feet. I'm putting the pool in a yard where there is a row of trees, but I don't think that roots will be a big issue.

Basically, which is the better deal? What should I look out for in regards to filters? What size and type of filter is best considering the two pumps above (again, for a 27 foot pool)? I didn't even know to ask what kind or size of filter. And is foam a long lasting material for underneath the pool? I hear that foam can dry-rot, but I live in a very humid climate and I only plan on living in this home for another five years or so.

Both businesses are competing to put my pool in, and it looks like for $500 I get the foam and "better" "stretched" pool lining (?), and a pump with 1/2 extra horsepower. I'm leaning toward the more expensive option simply because of the foam and extra horsepower, even though I know it might not be needed.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

Hi Jim.

If you go with the 1.5 HP, my preference, make sure you have a second return installed. That large of a pump needs more return flow than one fitting can provide. My ideal filter is the 1.5 HP sand filter.

The stretching of the liner should not cost extra, to me it's the best way of installing a liner and I do it on all my jobs.

Check on the thickness of the liner, you should get no less than 20 mil.

I like foam, when properly installed, and I have never heard of it dry rotting, especially in the time frame you suggested.

Here are a few pages of reading that might help you with your choices.

Above Ground Pool Liner Installation

Best Above Ground Pool

Liners Online