Converting from cartridge to sand???

[CarlD]

OK, I think I got it. A cart has two openings, in and out. A sand filter has three, and they all go through the 6-way valve that's part of it: In, Out, and Waste.

The skimmers and drain flow to the pump, through the pump's basket, then out the pump into the filter's intake. The filter's output goes to the pool's return. The waste can either have a hose that gets rolled up, or can be permanently hooked to a drain. That's really all there is.

For every person who likes Bacquacil you'll find 10 to 20 who hate it. It's a large reason for your problems. Backwashing sand is a snap, especially if you have it plumbed into a drain. But switching to chlorine will save you a ton of money and be less work. Very few people are actually bothered by chlorine--that's a fairy tale. What bothers them is a poorly maintained chlorine pool--and if you follow the rules here you'll never have that problem. Nobody is EVERY irritated in my pool--because I follow the simple rules. The bac will goop up your sand filter too, and you'll have to replace the sand. I'd convert to chlorine, complete the conversion, then put in the sand filter.

We have been adding DE to our sand filters, a number of us, with EXCELLENT results. You add 1/3 to 1 cup every time you backwash. I started over a year ago, and am still using the first 5 pound bag in the 10 pound box--which cost me all of 8 bucks. Another 5 bucks spent on a set of Skimmer sock clones and my filtering gets even better faster.

DE IS better at filtering than sand, it IS slightly more work, but with DE in the sand and the skimmer socks, I have NO complaints.

If you are Handy Andy, putting in the sand filter should be easy. If you are all thumbs and the only nail you can hit is the one on your thumb, then you'd better get help. It's easier if you use TigerFlex flexible PVC than the hard stuff, but the hard PVC is pretty easy to work with too. With TigerFlex, you use glue-on fittings just like the hard PVC...don't be conned into using internal fittings and hose clamps--TigerFlex isn't made for them and always leaks. Use ONLY fittings rated for Schedule 40 or higher (Schedule 80 is OK but expensive). Spring for LOTS of quick releases--they make life SO much easier.

[Macrosill]

Just do it!
I was in the same situation last year. I had a cartridge filter under the skimmer, in the same housing. I constantly had to clean it to keep the flow up. I would need to change it weekly if not sooner. By the end of the season both cartridges were trashed and I had to buy 2 new ones each year. I was spendign 100 dollars a season on filter, constant maintenance and always fighting algea. I opted to go for a sand filter. I got a good deal off an authorized Hayward retailer on Ebay. I purchased a 100 lbs sand filter and a Power Flo pump. I have never had more enjoyment as a pool owner as this year. The water is always crystal clear. I backwashed twice this season, so far. Ever since my upgrade the pool has been more enjoyment and ALOT less maintenance. I strongly dislike cartridge filter due to my experience. I would recommend a properly sized sand filter and pump. I have not added DE to the sand but have been considering it. The ability to backwash and vac to waste is priceless. I am sure if you follow the advice given here at poolforum you will become a happy pool owner and more of a pool user.

Brian

[tenax]

i don't think it was mentioned, but if going to a sand filter...let's not forget that as an option with much better filtering capability then sand. i switched from sand to zeobrite about a month ago and noticeable improvement in filtering.

[b2001]

I was in the same situation last year. I had a cartridge filter ... I constantly had to clean it to keep the flow up. I would need to change it weekly if not sooner. By the end of the season both cartridges were trashed and I had to buy 2 new ones each year. I was spendign 100 dollars a season on filter, constant maintenance and always fighting algea.

Pretty much my story, too. I was also cleaning daily. I was going through about three cartridges a season. I also decided to get a sand filter.

Except ... I converted to chlorine, first. I still haven't bought that sand filter. I'm still on my first cartridge filter this season. It NEVER goes above 10 psi. I do clean it once a week - I'm getting a lot of dirt blown in from a three acre lot behind that is being developed. My pool is always crystal clear.

Carl is right, bacquacil too easily clogs up the filter, making it ineffective.