Above ground pools have a little bit of a bad reputation. Many people think of them as play pools and not really a viable swimming pool option. However, they can be a great option for recreation and exercise for your family, if you can manage to avoid the common problems that most above ground pools face. Many pool service men have observed that the most common problem afflicting above ground pools is that they tend to have less clear water than in ground pools. This is primarily due to a mismatched above ground swimming pool pump and swimming pool filters.
Above Ground Pool Problems
This is usually due to poor marketing both by the suppliers and the manufacturers. Basically the desire to please the consumer, who is largely ignorant of the implications has resulted in too large pumps being matched with too small filters. This is largely a money issue. Larger filters cost additional money; larger pumps do not – a large pump will usually run about $10 more than an average size one. Therefore the consumer feels like they are getting a great deal when they purchase a large pump, but then don’t want to spend the money on a large filter, and don’t understand the ramifications of not doing so. A mismatched set will just blow sand back through the filter into the pool with extra force.
Unfortunately the manufacturers have pandered to the suppliers and as a result appropriate matches of above ground pool pumps and filters can be difficult to find. One pair that will work on pretty much any size of above ground pools is 1/2 HP Hayward “Super” pump and a 22″ Hayward “PRO” sand filter (mfg. model #SP220T), a Hayward 1.5″ “Vari-Flo” multiport valve (mfg. model #SP071113), and a cord set (#SPX1550WA [25 ft long] or #SPX1250 [6 ft long]). However, it’s not the only option. As an educated purchaser of an above ground pool, be sure to discuss the different pump options in detail with your supplier to ensure that you get a pump that functions as well as an inground swimming pool pump.
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