A pump with a replaceable cartridge or a sand filter pump? To make the right choice, it is worth first learning the differences between the filters and then checking the system's capacity against the amount of water in the pool. We explain this using the example of two pumps from the ondaFlo range: Intex C1000 and Intex 26642 Krystal Clear. We also share our experience and show how to connect a pump to an ondaFlo pool. You can find a pump recommendation for a specific model among the recommended products on the page of the selected pool. This guide will help you understand the differences between the solutions and the principles of choosing a filtration system.
Cartridge and sand filter pumps - what is the difference?
The pump draws water from the pool, passes it through the filter, and directs it back into the pool. The filter traps contaminants, while the pump ensures water circulation. In both solutions, the filter material can be replaced. They mainly differ in how they trap contaminants, how they are cleaned, and how often they need to be replaced.
Cartridge filter pump
Water flows through a pleated cartridge, where contaminants are trapped. It is commonly called a paper filter, although the Intex cartridge is made of synthetic fibers. It must be removed and rinsed regularly, and replaced when worn or damaged. A cartridge usually needs to be replaced more often than sand, glass, or reusable filter balls.
In our range, this type of set is the Intex C1000 with a Type A cartridge. It is worth keeping a spare cartridge so that you can immediately install a clean one after removing the dirty one.
Sand filter pump - sand, glass or filter balls
A sand filter pump forces water through a tank filled with material that traps contaminants. This material is called the filter bed. The name “sand filter” does not mean that we must use only sand. In equipment designed for a given material, we can choose one of three types of filter bed:
- quartz sand for pool filtration - with the grain size specified in the pump's instructions;
- filter glass - intended for this application and selected according to the equipment's requirements;
- filter balls - lightweight and reusable; when dirty, they can be removed and washed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The filter medium is usually not included with the pump itself and must be purchased separately. Check the contents of the selected set before purchasing. The Intex 26642 Krystal Clear pump we offer also does not include filter media.
Our recommendation is Intex filter balls available from ondaFlo. We personally like this solution very much: in our experience, a pump with a filter ball medium is convenient for everyday use and requires little routine maintenance. This is our practical opinion of this solution.
The cleaning method depends on the material selected. Sand and glass are cleaned by backwashing according to the device instructions. Intex balls are removed for washing and can be reused. Backwashing does not replace cleaning the balls. Every filter medium requires maintenance, and its type and quantity must be matched to the specific filter model.
How do you match pump capacity to the amount of water in the pool?
A good starting point is a pump that circulates the pool's volume in about 4 hours. BAYROL recommends 3-4 hours per turnover. You can find the capacity at the recommended fill level in your pool's description.
Divide that capacity by 4. For example, 8000 l ÷ 4 = 2000 l/h. This is an approximate minimum for that pool. We prefer to choose a pump with spare capacity because a dirty filter and resistance in the hoses reduce the actual flow.
If the manufacturer lists pump capacity and the flow rate of the complete filter system separately, use the system flow rate when choosing. It gives a better indication of how much water can flow through the connected filter.
Our pump descriptions state 3875 l/h for the Intex C1000 and 3500 l/h for the Intex 26642 Krystal Clear. Our recommendations in the next section refer to these specific models. Much more powerful sand filter pumps are also available on the market.
One turnover does not complete filtration for the whole day. BAYROL recommends 3-4 turnovers daily. Adjust the running time to the device's instructions, the water temperature and how heavily the pool is used.
The Intex 26642 we offer has a built-in timer, making it easier to set regular filtration times.
What do we choose in practice at ondaFlo?
The recommendations below are based on our experience with the pumps in our range and ondaFlo pools. They are the brand's practical opinion, separate from the specifications and maximum capacities declared by Intex.
We recommend the C1000 as a suitable option for approximately 1000-5000 l. In our range, this primarily applies to a 2 × 2 × 0.8 m square pool and a 3 × 2 × 0.8 m rectangular pool. The pump may also be a good choice for a Ø 3 × 1 m model with a capacity of 4580 l. However, you need to accept regular rinsing and cartridge replacement.
We would gladly choose the Intex 26642 with filter balls starting at around 3000 l, including for a rectangular pool holding 2940 l. At this volume, a cartridge also remains a suitable option; choosing a filter bed with balls reflects our preference regarding operation.
With a capacity close to 5000 l, a cartridge remains a suitable option, but we lean toward a filter bed with balls for easier maintenance. We choose filter balls for ease of operation; the type of filter bed itself is not evidence of a higher pump flow rate.
Our approximate recommended usage range for the Intex 26642 pump we offer is approximately 3000-12,000 l, with an appropriately selected operating time. This is a recommendation based on our experience, not a range declared by Intex. With a larger volume of water, check the system flow rate and circulation time; if there is not enough reserve, choose a more powerful unit.
When selecting a pump, we prefer to leave some performance reserve, especially when the pool is used frequently or located where a lot of debris falls into it. A more powerful pump must always be matched to the filter, hoses, and connections.
When comparing costs, consider not only the pump price, but also the purchase and replacement of the cartridge or filter media, as well as electricity consumption. A cartridge requires regular rinsing and replacement, filter balls require periodic washing, while backwashing sand or glass uses water. Operating costs therefore also depend on how the system is used.
Regardless of the solution you choose, check that the filter is clean and the lines are unobstructed. Filtration works together with pH control and water disinfection. Read more about care in the guide “How to keep your garden pool clean?”.
How do you connect a pump to an ondaFlo pool?
The thread in the ondaFlo pool connection has a diameter of 47 mm. The pool set includes matching adapters that allow you to connect hoses with a diameter of 32 or 38 mm.
Example of connecting a 32 mm hose using the adapter supplied with the ondaFlo pool.
If your pump uses hoses of a different diameter, the appropriate adapters must be purchased separately from an independent supplier. They should fit the 47 mm thread in the pool connection and allow you to connect your pump's hoses. Also check the attachment and sealing method, as diameter alone does not determine connection compatibility.
Example of connecting a more powerful sand filter pump with hoses larger than 38 mm in diameter. Adapters from an independent supplier, matched to the 47 mm thread in the pool connection, were used.
Carry out installation and use in accordance with the pool and pump instructions. Do not use the pool while the pump is running, and disconnect it from the power supply before cleaning or servicing.
For a specific pump recommendation, see the recommended products on the page for the selected ondaFlo pool. If you need help choosing or connecting it, contact us and provide the pool model and how it will be used.
