I'd Like to Convert My Filtration to a Sand Filter

[Poconos]

Jim,
Never heard of a filter being plumbed on the suction side. But, since you have the pump external, why not just plumb it in on the pressure side? You're going to have to backwash eventually and this is the only way you can do that.
Al

[cheshamjim]

Al, shows you what I know. This the only pool I've ever owned and I don't have a clue about how a conventional system with a sand filter works.

So, is there anything inherently limiting about my one filter / one return system?

You're saying that a sand filter could be plumbed into the return line, right? If it were plumbed into the suction side all the junk would have to be pushed into the pump and to the return when back washing. Plumbiing on the return side, a valve would divert the backwash to waste, right?

Do you think such a modification would suffer some efficiancy over a conventional system that is designed for a sand filter?

-Jim

[aquarium]

I'm a new (to me) pool owner and my pool is the same size as yours, and it has only one skimmer, but two returns, plus the one for the Polaris 180 cleaner. It seems to me that you will need to remove everything you have and use the skimmer opening only for a new conventional skimmer. Then plumb that back to the new location for the conventional pump and sand filter. A second return line would be better, on the opposite side of the pool and away from the skimmer. It's a can of worms for sure, so maybe a younger pool boy/girl would be better?

[cheshamjim]

Aquarium, they don't come any younger than me around here. Besides, I work cheap.

Still looking for suggestions and/or opinions ... please.

-Jim

[Poconos]

Jim,
Configuration should be.... skimmer --> pump --> filter --> other things like heaters, chlorinators etc --> return to pool.
Not sure about your comment

"You're saying that a sand filter could be plumbed into the return line, right? If it were plumbed into the suction side all the junk would have to be pushed into the pump and to the return when back washing."

If the filter was on the suction side there is no way to backwash.

As for the 1 skimmer and 1 return, not ideal but will certainly work. I'd aim the return jet off to the side and away from the skimmer to get better circulation.
Al

[cheshamjim]

Hi Al.

Please forget what I said about installing a sand filter on the suction side. Never having had a regular filtration setup, I have absolutely no understanding of what path the water takes when pumped through them.

"As for the 1 skimmer and 1 return, not ideal but will certainly work."

This is kinda what I wanted to hear, except for "not ideal." Do you mean that a sand filter properly installed in my system might not be as efficient as my exsisting arrangement?

Thanks for the advice.

-Jim

[Poconos]

Not at all. What I meant by the 'not ideal' comment referred to circulation. Having the return jet and skimmer on the same side and close to each other is not ideal. I would just aim the return jet away from the skimmer, toward the side, to get the best circulation in the pool as possible. You'll be OK. Go for it.
Al