Intex Sand Filter Pumps

Recognizing the advantages of sand filtering systems, Intex has recently introduced their own version of sand filter pumps. As with aftermarket sand filter systems, Intex systems offer the advantage of less cleaning and maintenance. Instead of changing or cleaning your filter every week or two like you have to with cartridge filters, sand filters only need to be cleaned a few times per season and the sand lasts for almost five years.

Intex sand filter pumps come in two sizes. The smaller 1,600 gph model uses a 0.5 horsepower motor and a 14″ tank which holds about 55 pounds of sand. The 2,650 gph models uses a 0.95 horsepower motor and a 16″ tank which holds about 100 pounds of sand. All units require #20 grade silica sand which can be purchased at most local retail outlets for about $8-10 per 50 pound bag.

Unlike aftermarket sand filter units with hose connections that must be adapted to your Intex pool, the new Intex sand filter units are directly compatible with your existing hose connections. The filter package includes two 1-1/2″ hoses along with plunger valves and adapters for users with pools that use 1-1/4″ hoses. See the Amazon links below for pricing, user reviews, and more information on these units.

Sand Filter/Pump Units:

Intex also sells sand filter pump units that are combined with salt water chlorine generators. See the Amazon links below for pricing, user reviews, and more information on these units.

SWG/Sand Filter Pump Units:

When setting up your sand filter, you should first of all ensure that the tank is level. Otherwise you may pump sand through the system and into your pool. You should also follow the backwashing procedure in the owner’s manual in order to make sure that any impurities or extra-fine sand particles are removed prior to putting the pump/filter in service.

Other than the pump, tank, and sand filtering media, the most important part of the Intex sand filter pump is the 6 way control valve. As it’s name implies, this valve has six different modes that you may use at various times. These modes are shown below:

Filter Mode – Most of the time, your system will be in this mode. In this mode, pool water is passed down through the control valve into the tank. As gravity pulls the water to the bottom of the tank, dirt and other unwanted particles are filtered out. After that, the water passes back through the outlet of the control valve and then through the discharge hose back to your pool.

Backwash Mode – In this mode, the normal flow from filtering mode is reversed. Water is pumped to the bottom of the tank and upwards through the sand. This agitates the sand and “floats” dirt and other filtered particles to the top where they are drained out of the waste/drain outlet. You lose pool water in this process, but you clean most of the dirt and other impurities out of your sand.

Rinse Mode – Rinse mode is used after backwashing to resettle and level the freshly backwashed sand.

Waste/Drain Mode – Waste/Drain mode is used when you want to drain water out of your pool. Water is pulled directly out of the pool and through the waste/drain outlet. It bypasses the tank & sand. This mode allows you to quickly drain your pool water and might be used if you are in a cold climate and want to winterize your pool.

Recirculate Mode – Recirculate mode is similar to Filter mode, except that the pool water bypasses the tank and filter. Unlike waste/drain mode, the water is returned to your pool. You might use this mode if you want your water to circulate but have issues with your sand.

Closed Mode – In this mode, all flow is completely shut off. Before moving the valve to this position, you will want to ensure that the pump is turned off, otherwise you risk ruining it. This mode would be used when storing your system or winterizing your pool.

3 thoughts on “Intex Sand Filter Pumps”

  1. I bought an metal frame index pool 16x48in with a sand filter pump. Do I need to use or buy any chemicals for the pool? Thanks

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