Thanks so much for posting this tutorial/unboxing. I have this exact unit still in the box and have been holding on to it for over a year and just at the right time you posted this video.thanks from the bottom of my heart!!!
I've been watching TH-cam videos for the past few hours on this subject your is the only one that wasn't over complicated making it cost more than it should
I was looking to upgrade my cartridge filter to a sand filter after my pool turned green. Wasted 8 filters getting all that algae out. I wasn't sure how to convert to a sand filter until I saw your video. Thanks!
Thanks. This year we swapped the sand for “ruby sand” it’s a pool sand alternative. Seems to be working better than previous year and does not get clogged up as fast… it would seem.
Didn't see you mention having to back wash and rinse before starting up in filtration mode straight out of the box. Helps flush all the air out of the tank and contaminants.. Great video I just swapped to a similar size sand filter this year from paper filter hell and looked up a bunch of videos. Yours was great thank you sir!
I went and bailed out 3ft of swamp water from a summer waves pool and took it home for free but no filter included. Hopefully, I can find one of these for cheap to hook up to it! Thanks for the video!
Glad I could help! We opened up last week and still works well. I’m sure it doesn’t do as good as a larger product but it is good enough for our smaller pool
@@TheHappyHootie I agree. We got a 14ft pool and I asked my mom if we could buy this sand filter but we don’t have the money right now sadly. So we’re shooting for next year to purchase it. For now we will just need to give our pool lots of extra TLC!
This video definitely saves me from patching that skimmer hole. I will be using a FlowClear model that has its own basket do having two baskets will help even more
The first link I clicked on isn't avaliable, Is there another one that will work I have the same pool , just wondering if another kit comes with the block off plate or if i have to buy it separate
Thanks to your video I just did this same exact set up. But my filter pump that came on the pool won’t stop leaking after I took the motor out and did all the other steps
Depending on where it is leaking … it’s likely a seal issue. If it is where the bottom screws on the skimmer basket your rubber ring may be twisted and you will need to make sure it is seated. If it is the hose where it fits the pump make sure it is snugged down .
Hey, great video ! Newbie here, just picked up the same exact pool and want to upgrade to the same sand filter, question why did you remove the pump from the skimmer? Can it be left on? Thanks
Well.. the sand filter has its own pump. I think that due to different flow rates it would not be a good idea to leave the “skimmer pump” in place. Just leave the skimmer basket and pipe it to the new pump. As a recommendation. (As we have done this year) 1) make sure the pump is level. And 2) try and find some “ruby sand” or equivalent. It’s a pool sand alternative that doesn’t seem to choke up as bad as regular pool sand. Requires less back-flushing and seems to keep the water cleaner as it allows more gallons per minute to flow through the media .
Thank you so much! I feel like the pump that came on my pool is pushing water out okay, but not sucking it in very well. I’m having problems with my water now becoming cloudy and specks of little black algae all the time despite chemicals. I would love to hear an update as to how you think this pump is cleaning the water. What difference have you seen? Also, how long do you run your pump daily? Thank you so much, I think I’m going to try this.
If its pumping out black algae you may want to have your water tested. You can take it to a local pool store and they will test it for free. We add a bottle of algae preventer every year. We haven't had the pump long enough to give a long term review at this point.
Thank you so much. I recently bought the same pool and the same sand filter. I’m having some issues with the pressure gage which has never moved since hooking it up and low water pressure from the sand filter to the pool. After watching several videos I have a few things to try before I take it back. I greatly appreciated your video and just wanted to say Thank You!!!! Have you had any problems since it’s been running for awhile now. Also if you happen to have any other advice for me please let me know. I’m fairly new to this so I’m open to any and all advice I can get. Have a great day. Thank you for your video. It was awesome!!!!
I recently bought and installed the 12 inch version of this. My problem is I can't vacuum with this filter, I lose pressure and it's hard to get the pressure back up. Any advice? I do not not want to vacuum to waste due to water loss.
Well... you got me there. We use a pool robot (i think its the dolphin 2?) that we just toss in and set it for an hour. I do not use the pump as a vacuum. I know that when we did use a hose vacuum you had to fill the lines to prime it before starting it. perhaps this is the issue? Good luck
In short… yes … another sand filter works as well. Summer waves sold a 1.25 inch hose and some are 1.5. Any pump you buy typically either has hoses or adapters to retrofit most pools.
I do not know the grain as I threw away the bag. And dumped the extra in my kids sand pit. It was purchased from menards as pool filter sand so I assume it is what is needed. I will likely have to add a bag every yesr
@@upnorthofcali7399 works fine since we changed the sand to ruby pool sand. We don’t cover the pool at all. Yes we have to clear out the skimmer basket as it gets filled up but it’s doing it’s job
Not at first but it does seem to lose suction rather quickly when attempting to use it to vacuum. Typically when I open and need to do a first vacuum I siphoned out using the hose hooked up to the water jet (while disconnected ) to allow gravity to suck the water out as waste.
So... yes... it was better. Pool is shut down for the season here in the midwest now. I will say the biggest plus was not having to deal with the blessed small filters! I was going through those paper filters so frequently it was like pouring money down the drain. This cost more but it was easy to maintain. It drained easily enough and we left the top off (loose) and drain plug open so it would dry fully in the shed.
Damn i should have got this filter because they give you that cap so you can gut the skimmer. Ill have to figure something else out for that. Do you think it would still work fine if you leave everything inside the original skimmer pump?
I would not as you then have 2 pumps if I understand you correctly. If I misunderstood then I apologize. If the valve was open in the first pump and it was unplugged… maybe? But would advise just finding something for the baseplate. Cut out a piece of plastic from the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket perhaps?
It still works well. I am sure there are better filters out there but for the price it seems to do what it says. I would say if you had a bigger pool (24-30 foot) I would guess this would be underpowered. For our 20 foot pool it is working well.
I understand now you’re referring to the cloudiness of the water. We added the correct amount of sodium bicarbonate and it adjusted the pH of the water. It is clear now but we still absolutely love this pump compared to the paper filters
@@TheHappyHootie Exactly. I did ask because of the cloudiness. That can go away so no problem there. Very good by increasing your pH if it was low. I do believe that a lot of poolman and pool owners overlook the level of the Stabilizer/ Conditioner/ Cyanuric Acid(CYA). By having this level at 90-100 it will help you retain chlorine longer and save money.
Thanks so much for posting this tutorial/unboxing. I have this exact unit still in the box and have been holding on to it for over a year and just at the right time you posted this video.thanks from the bottom of my heart!!!
Hope you enjoy it!
I've been watching TH-cam videos for the past few hours on this subject your is the only one that wasn't over complicated making it cost more than it should
We are coming up with more good videos. If you have recommendations please feel free to let us know
This is way better than the original filter. Just ordered mine, cant wait to change it. Best video out there that ive seen thank you.
No worries at all. Get good sand. Recommend Ruby Sand or some kind of coarse pool sand. Don’t skimp and get the cheap stuff. It makes a difference
@@TheHappyHootie thank you I will. I can’t wait I know it will be worth it.
I was looking to upgrade my cartridge filter to a sand filter after my pool turned green. Wasted 8 filters getting all that algae out. I wasn't sure how to convert to a sand filter until I saw your video. Thanks!
Thanks. This year we swapped the sand for “ruby sand” it’s a pool sand alternative. Seems to be working better than previous year and does not get clogged up as fast… it would seem.
Sadly those hose are no longer available and it has been a pain to adapt to a newer pool
I really appreciate you making this video. I just bought my first sand filter and I will certainly be referring to this video when it gets here.
It’s winter now but it ran last season and will be firing it up again in spring. Hope yours worked well for you
Didn't see you mention having to back wash and rinse before starting up in filtration mode straight out of the box. Helps flush all the air out of the tank and contaminants.. Great video I just swapped to a similar size sand filter this year from paper filter hell and looked up a bunch of videos. Yours was great thank you sir!
I went and bailed out 3ft of swamp water from a summer waves pool and took it home for free but no filter included. Hopefully, I can find one of these for cheap to hook up to it! Thanks for the video!
FINALLY! A REVIEW WITH THE ITEM I NEED! THANK U!
Glad I could help! We opened up last week and still works well. I’m sure it doesn’t do as good as a larger product but it is good enough for our smaller pool
@@TheHappyHootie I agree. We got a 14ft pool and I asked my mom if we could buy this sand filter but we don’t have the money right now sadly. So we’re shooting for next year to purchase it. For now we will just need to give our pool lots of extra TLC!
This video definitely saves me from patching that skimmer hole. I will be using a FlowClear model that has its own basket do having two baskets will help even more
Sounds good! Update us after a bit and let us know how it works!
Thanks so much for these detailed instructions. I am definitely going to purchase this pump! Really great video!!
Thanks… we try. Using it again this year. Seems to be working fine.
Thanks for the help! I am so excited to try this on my pool!
Glad it could help
Hi is that safe to have the pump on while the kids swimming?
Yes. We run our pump all the time while our kids are in it.
The first link I clicked on isn't avaliable, Is there another one that will work I have the same pool , just wondering if another kit comes with the block off plate or if i have to buy it separate
Great video ! Thank you, you just helped me decide between 2 différent summerwave pool
We are coming up with more good videos. If you have recommendations please feel free to let us know
Thanks to your video I just did this same exact set up. But my filter pump that came on the pool won’t stop leaking after I took the motor out and did all the other steps
Depending on where it is leaking … it’s likely a seal issue. If it is where the bottom screws on the skimmer basket your rubber ring may be twisted and you will need to make sure it is seated.
If it is the hose where it fits the pump make sure it is snugged down .
Hey, great video ! Newbie here, just picked up the same exact pool and want to upgrade to the same sand filter, question why did you remove the pump from the skimmer? Can it be left on? Thanks
Well.. the sand filter has its own pump. I think that due to different flow rates it would not be a good idea to leave the “skimmer pump” in place. Just leave the skimmer basket and pipe it to the new pump.
As a recommendation. (As we have done this year) 1) make sure the pump is level. And 2) try and find some “ruby sand” or equivalent. It’s a pool sand alternative that doesn’t seem to choke up as bad as regular pool sand. Requires less back-flushing and seems to keep the water cleaner as it allows more gallons per minute to flow through the media .
awesome review. I'm sold. Those paper filters are trash! Thanks!
Get good sand… recommend ruby sand . It’s a little speedy but you only need one bag… makes a big difference
Thank you so much! I feel like the pump that came on my pool is pushing water out okay, but not sucking it in very well. I’m having problems with my water now becoming cloudy and specks of little black algae all the time despite chemicals. I would love to hear an update as to how you think this pump is cleaning the water. What difference have you seen? Also, how long do you run your pump daily? Thank you so much, I think I’m going to try this.
If its pumping out black algae you may want to have your water tested. You can take it to a local pool store and they will test it for free. We add a bottle of algae preventer every year. We haven't had the pump long enough to give a long term review at this point.
How do you vaccum this pool?
Thank you so much. I recently bought the same pool and the same sand filter. I’m having some issues with the pressure gage which has never moved since hooking it up and low water pressure from the sand filter to the pool. After watching several videos I have a few things to try before I take it back. I greatly appreciated your video and just wanted to say Thank You!!!! Have you had any problems since it’s been running for awhile now. Also if you happen to have any other advice for me please let me know. I’m fairly new to this so I’m open to any and all advice I can get. Have a great day. Thank you for your video. It was awesome!!!!
We have not had issues. It’s winter now… but this spring we will fire it up again.
I recently bought and installed the 12 inch version of this. My problem is I can't vacuum with this filter, I lose pressure and it's hard to get the pressure back up. Any advice? I do not not want to vacuum to waste due to water loss.
Well... you got me there. We use a pool robot (i think its the dolphin 2?) that we just toss in and set it for an hour. I do not use the pump as a vacuum. I know that when we did use a hose vacuum you had to fill the lines to prime it before starting it. perhaps this is the issue?
Good luck
@@TheHappyHootie no not the issue. I really just don't think this pump was made to vacuum unless using as waste. Which is a waste of water.
Would any sand filter pump work? What is the diameter of the hose?
In short… yes … another sand filter works as well. Summer waves sold a 1.25 inch hose and some are 1.5. Any pump you buy typically either has hoses or adapters to retrofit most pools.
What is the grain size of the sand?
I use a size 20 (0.4-0.8mm), but when I wash it back, half of the sand comes out.
I do not know the grain as I threw away the bag. And dumped the extra in my kids sand pit. It was purchased from menards as pool filter sand so I assume it is what is needed. I will likely have to add a bag every yesr
How many gallons per hour does it pump ? please answer this question
Site claims 1000 gph (gallons per hour)
@@TheHappyHootie ok and how did it work for you this summer? And do you have to cover your pool after every use??
@@upnorthofcali7399 works fine since we changed the sand to ruby pool sand. We don’t cover the pool at all. Yes we have to clear out the skimmer basket as it gets filled up but it’s doing it’s job
@@TheHappyHootie wow ok.... is the 14ft X 48inch summer waves... Which I believe is 3300 gallon capacity
Do you tend to have problems with this pump/filter with having very little to no suction pressure when trying to vacuum the pool?
Not at first but it does seem to lose suction rather quickly when attempting to use it to vacuum. Typically when I open and need to do a first vacuum I siphoned out using the hose hooked up to the water jet (while disconnected ) to allow gravity to suck the water out as waste.
So how did it go? Is your water staying clearer now?
So... yes... it was better. Pool is shut down for the season here in the midwest now. I will say the biggest plus was not having to deal with the blessed small filters! I was going through those paper filters so frequently it was like pouring money down the drain. This cost more but it was easy to maintain. It drained easily enough and we left the top off (loose) and drain plug open so it would dry fully in the shed.
Damn i should have got this filter because they give you that cap so you can gut the skimmer. Ill have to figure something else out for that. Do you think it would still work fine if you leave everything inside the original skimmer pump?
I would not as you then have 2 pumps if I understand you correctly. If I misunderstood then I apologize. If the valve was open in the first pump and it was unplugged… maybe? But would advise just finding something for the baseplate. Cut out a piece of plastic from the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket perhaps?
Hi!! It’s been a month since the video; how is working? Do you recommended?? Btw best video!!!
It still works well. I am sure there are better filters out there but for the price it seems to do what it says. I would say if you had a bigger pool (24-30 foot) I would guess this would be underpowered. For our 20 foot pool it is working well.
@@TheHappyHootie thank you so much for replying. I have an 18x48. I’m still debating. Thank you!
How's the conditioner in your pool ?
Not sure I understand the question. The Stabilizer is in the chlorine tabs we use.
@@TheHappyHootie yes it's also called that. Check your conditioner level with a cyanuric acid tester.
I understand now you’re referring to the cloudiness of the water. We added the correct amount of sodium bicarbonate and it adjusted the pH of the water. It is clear now but we still absolutely love this pump compared to the paper filters
@@TheHappyHootie Exactly. I did ask because of the cloudiness. That can go away so no problem there. Very good by increasing your pH if it was low. I do believe that a lot of poolman and pool owners overlook the level of the Stabilizer/ Conditioner/ Cyanuric Acid(CYA). By having this level at 90-100 it will help you retain chlorine longer and save money.
Thank you
Hope it works well for years to come
Mine is acting funny. Like the water isnt constantly going into the filter. It stops and starts
Sand may be packed in too much? Did you leave it full of sand and junk over winter? Maybe open and replace sand
Just buy intex pool and forget this summer waves junk
That is a choice :)
They’re the same . Intex , Bestway , Coleman , Summer Waves , And Funsicle are all the same company.