For ease of maintenance, you also may want to look into cartridge filters, also. I replaced a sand filter 2 years ago with a Hayward Xtream, and love it. Rinsing the element only takes a few minutes with a hose. And, depending on the amount of debris in your pool, it only has to be cleaned a few times a season. I think the only drawback is with the initial setup, you can't vacuum to waste. But, all I did was install a pvc splitter valve between the pump and filter.