Swimming pool filter question?

Question

I have a 16' x 48" above ground pool; it's just one of those small pools from Wal-Mart. I purchased the pool about 1 year ago, and virtually ran the filter 24 hours a day since day one. I change or clean the filter 2 times per week. Today the motor stopped running, and I'm guessing it's just broken. Since I'm buying a new filter, I'm thinking of upgrading to a sand filter. If I do go with a sand filter, what kind should I look for, and where should I get it from? Your opinions are appreciated.

Answer 1

I'm not sure, I just have a regular pool filter.

Answer 2

I worked at a pool store when I was in college. You don't need to replace the filter if the motor of the pump died. You only need to replace to motor and/or pump.

If you are going to buy a new filter, the 3 main options now are to go with sand, D.E., or cartridge. Sand filters to about 10 microns and D.E. to 4 or 5 microns. If you are going to buy one, go to a real pool store (not WalMart) and talk to someone who knows what they are doing. You will have to make sure that the filter you are buying is compatible with the pump/motor you have to replace based on the HP of the pump/motor, how much and how fast it's pumping water, and how that relates to the filter and the amount of pressure it's designed to handle. When you go to the pool store, make sure you tell them how many gallons of water your pool holds, what kind of sanitizer you use, and what your pool is made of. In your case, I'm guessing it's vinyl.

Good luck.