SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS 16 Inch Pool Sand Filter Pump For Above Ground & Inground Pool | Complete System 3/4 HP (0.55 THP) Horsepower 3720 GPH Pumps | For Pools Up To 15600 Gallons | 7 Way Valve | 71610

I'm on year 3 now and it's still going strong on this year's pool open. Throw that aquarium pump cartridge filter that came with the pool directly into the trash.A few tips to ensure success that I've learned over the past few years.1. Your outdoor plug should already be GFCI, make sure it works. If not, install/replace it.(I wouldn't want to depend on an inline GFCI I can't independently test, ya'll crazy depending on a test button).2. Use a timer. The 14in model pulls 400W, which translates to around 40-50$ a month in electricity (obviously, exact cost depending on your area) if you run all the time. As long as you are turning over the volume of the pool at least a couple times a day, 24/7 is overkill.3. Silicone grease. The instructions do mention this, but do not ignore them. You should really be plastering this on literally every single connection and extra on any rubber gasket or o-ring. Even the hose+barb connections from the pump to the filter valve can use a little. Overtightening fittings to try to fix leaks will just break the plastic threads and teflon tape won't make it watertight. The grease and only moderate tightness is what will make leaks stop. Also, if you don't grease the gasket on the clear strainer cap regularly, you'll also break the fins off when it gets stuck.4. Remember that living algae is super tiny and will not be filtered (and any filter that fine will clog up instantly). You fix your pool turning green by maintaining 10ppm chlorine (not just adding chlorine) for as many days as it takes until the water is clear.

I can get a little winded in my reviews, but if you can bear with me, you might read a useful thing or two. To start with, I've been using this filter pump about 6 weeks. I'm using it on a 15'x42" above ground pool from the time both were removed from the box. Assembly was...mostly...straightforward. The instructions aren't exactly bad, but I really didn't find them sufficient for my own needs. I ended up going to YouTube and found a guy who walked through this exact same model's setup and I found that immensely more helpful. Most things needed are included in the boxes except a few tools and some o ring lubricant. Why wasn't a small bit of the lubricant included with everything else? You got me. But I did need to buy some and had read on Google that it's not a great idea to use alternatives (Vaseline or coconut oil or whatever else). The screws mounting the motor to the base were an unbelievable pain, but I ended up managing. Sand for this product is also not included, but it can be purchased from a pool supply, hardware store, or even here on Amazon (where I obtained mine). Adding the sand and getting the lid part of the unit nice and flush isn't quite the one and done process the instructions suggested. I got the tube nice and centered and still couldn't get the lid level after filling it with sand, thus requiring me to hand empty the entire thing and start over multiple times. I finally found that adding a bit of sand, trying the lid carefully, adding some more, trying again, etc was the only way I was finally able to have the lid sit flush at the right angle enough to get the ring clamped on. Another issue I ran into was that even though the pool hoses I had were the same size as the pump's, the pool hoses were a baby bit not as snug as the ones included with the pump. So no amount of tightening on the clamp rings stopped leaking and I had to stop, replace all the hoses, and reattach. I still have a tiny bit of dribble no matter what was done trying to fix it, but it's not enough to stress over with regular water loss. I do feel it's worth mentioning that I live in Texas and this unit is in non stop sun most every day. It's run like a champ anyway. The operation of the unit had seemed a little daunting, but as long as you remember to unplug everything before switching functions, it's super simple. I would suggest buying one of these on a damaged box type of deal if you're able. I was able to save a decent bit this way and everything I received was in brand new, not damaged condition when it got to me. As far as function, I can tell a night and day difference when I'm using the filter enough and when I'm not. I use no cover at all on my pool (including during Hurricane Beryl that I was in some of the worst wind of) and other than vacuuming the big stuff off the bottom every couple of days, the pump does all the rest. It's much stronger than the included pump that comes with the pool, and a lot less to worry about since it doesn't use those paper filters. (I used this type in the past and it's a lot more maintenance.) I think I've covered everything of note except to say that....Yes, I'm happy with this purchaseYes, I would purchase this product againYes, I absolutely would recommend this product

Quiet, Powerful, and Great Price – Just Needs Better InstructionsFor the price, this filter is a great deal. It runs very quietly and has strong suction—perfect for keeping my tank crystal clear. Definitely use the included hoses and metal clips to secure everything properly into the filter.My only complaint is the instructions—they’re not very clear, and it took some trial and error to put it all together. Once it’s set up, though, it works great. Just be ready to spend a bit of time figuring it out.