Can I Buy a Larger Filter for My Intex Pool?

Rate of Flow

• Ideally, you need a filter that can move the total volume of the pool in eight hours. To determine this ideal number, figure the rate of flow for your pool. Find the volume of water in the pool. For round pools, volume equals depth x 3.14 x radius x radius; for rectangular pools volume equals length x width x height. Next, multiply the volume by 7.48, which is the number of gallons in 1 cubic foot of water. Divide that number by eight to find the ideal turnover rate. The filter and pump you need will be at or above this turnover rate, listed as GPH, or gallons per hour. If you need to clean the pool in less than eight hours, replace that number with eight to find the ideal turnover rate. The larger pumps can measure in GPM, or gallons per minute. Divide the GPH by 60 to find GPM.

Save Money

• A larger filter and pump will save money in a few ways. First, the turnover rate will be less than the pump you are replacing, so you need to run the pump less time each day. This will in turn save power and reduce the wear and tear on the pump. Also, with the water circulating more often and quickly, chemicals added to the pool will dissolve and work faster, requiring less to do the same job.

Where to Buy

• Intex filters and pumps are available at places that carry Intex pools and pool supplies. Stores such as Walmart, Target and K-Mart often have a few models in the store. Or look online. Intex has a product website that ships worldwide, with all makes and models available. However, there are quite a few other sites that offer a large number of Intex products, sometimes at lower prices than the Intex site. Amazon and eBay both offer a large number of Intex pumps and filters, complete with the manufacturer's warranty.

Dangers

• With the larger pump and filter come issues that you would not have had with a smaller pump. Larger filters are much more forceful where the water returns to the pool from the pump and can make an almost whirlpool effect in the water. For adults and experienced swimmers, this is not a problem. However, for smaller children who may not be able to reach the bottom, the force of the water can carry them around the pool and possibly under the surface. Never leave children unattended in a swimming pool.