Intex Sand Filter Pump Complete Setup and Review

This year I upgraded our pool to a 16" intex sand filter pump system. In this video I show how to set it up and use it, and at the end I'll give my thoughts on how it's been working for me. Overall I really recommend one of these sand filters over the cartridge filter that came with the pool and would recommend one if you want to spend more time in the pool than cleaning it. Feel free to use the links below to check one out for yourself.
Intex 16" Sand Filter Pump
amzn.to/41ZJ0gh
Intex type A adapters for waste hose outlet
amzn.to/3Wuy35c
Intex type B adapters and plunger valves for inlet side
amzn.to/3WwmH0v
Intex outlet jet if upgrading from 1.25" hoses
amzn.to/3MTXOZq
Intex tee valve to convert 1.25" to 1.5" hoses for the pump
amzn.to/43nLfeE
Intex replacement hose
amzn.to/3OwZklL
Tekton Oil Filter Wrench
amzn.to/3QNz30m
1.5" Drain hose (cheaper at your local hardware store)
amzn.to/3orXeJb
Iron Removal Chemical
amzn.to/42yzyRj

[@coolgirlrunning5163]

Best setup video this far. Looked for something just like this last year, and nothing was as clear and step-by-step as yours. Thank you.

[@foxxcharmer]

Thank you for taking time to help people you do not know that need help

[@kimharvell40]

Thanks so much for this video! Got our pump up and running in no time!!

[@MrBIGTEE504]

Thanks very informative appreciate it liked and subscribed I will not go this summer with the small pump that comes with the pool the first one worked me and burnt out two months into enjoying our summer fun with our pool now I have the same pump going get a new pool and enjoy the summer heat in Texas y’all all be safe and enjoy the sunshine in y’all pool 🙏❤️🙏

[@MikeJones-Who]

This video saved me from making a mistake. Thank you. This pump is a beast! Highly recommended.

[@dp92551]

Thank you for in depth video! 🙏🏾

[@bigmommy2497]

Simple, to the point, quick instruction. Very helpful! Thanks!!

[@smiley1960]

Thank you for the STRAIGHTFORWARD, simple, and to the point video. Very helpful.

[@marcopsal9038]

Great video, super helpful.

[@hightechredneck_0566]

Super helpful, exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@DADnRN]

Saved me so much time thank you thank you thank you

[@timam6867]

Thanks I got it running now

[@sLoPPy2nds619]

Awesome video & thank you. Just got the 14inch sx2800 intex for my 18ft coleman pool. 😊

[@knoxkronicles]

Thank you this was very informative🥳 Definitely helped us out

[@Kenepo]

GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU!! 💪🏽

[@apriljensen4605]

Great video thank you! Just hooked up the sand filter to my stock tank but the water flow isn’t great? So when I was backwashing it was just a trickle…any help is greatly appreciated

[@markszemruk]

Really helpful cheers for the vid 👍🏻

[@jacekplewa6686]

Love this video thank you for explaining everything.

[@Cassyc88]

I have a question so do I still need salt for the inside?? Or chlorine?

[@jr.5404]

Life saver

[@jameshill4019]

thank you I think we answered our own ? regarding the use of HTH pool filter sand. For use with in-ground or above-ground swimming pool sand filters. Restores filter efficiency and is compatible with salt systems. Silica sand, 0.45 to 0.55 particle size, 20 grade.

[@najeraj1]

One of the best videos, thank you

[@sierraanders4214]

Very good video. Thanks

[@adrianacasanova8559]

Would have been nice to not have some parts already pre-assembled. Should of included assembling ALL parts for the newbies.

[@NightmareSR]

No thanks

[@user-cq1ry1ms3w]

You could just read the instructions

[@cuongdang5510]

Thank you for your Video. Can you help me how to set pump automatic running 2 or 3 time a day . Thanks

[@alexelias9376]

I have the same pool, just got it this summer. I want to switch to a sand filter soon! Does it matter that the pump flow rate is a lot higher on that pump for that size of a pool?? Any issues with that set up?

[@jieshapeay2472]

My pool isnt pushing water around in filter mode. Could you tell me what i need to do? Am I supposed to leave the black hose connected while the pump is in filter mode?

[@jra4977]

Hello I bought this pump and I got it setup and did the backwash cycle and rinse. Still getting lots of noticeable sand at the bottom , any idea why ?

[@gobulls8099]

I keep finding sand at the bottom of my pool and its a brand new Intex pump. Intex sent a new top piece (valve) and pipe (not laterals). I replaced both and sure enough, sand still in the pool? I'm so frustrated. I am using #20 sand. Any help would be very appreciated.

[@ytubeenthusiasm]

How do I get fresh water into the sand filter now that it's my second season using it and it was drained at the end of last season?

[@therealsqueakyowo]

Do I need to plug inlet and outlet if my pool is full before installing?

[@ysagmz]

Very nice tutorial my guy

[@Jonathan20002]

Is it possible to turn it on just by plugin it to electricity ? I have a smartplug, so i would like to turn it on anytime anywhere i want.

[@candislee269]

God bless you for this video. Geezus

[@PaulRodvik-lx8xk]

From an experienced hot tub owner I found your video to be most helpful

[@jostandefer3582]

Do you operate pump going clockwise or counter clockwise please?

[@edwardbrost331]

Looks good,thanks for the video.

[@paigetaylor7729]

Great videos from when you first set up the pool and improving it over time! I’m curious, have you thought of or considered replacing the flexible pool hoses with pvc pipe?

[@Type5Reviews]

I’ve thought about it. Could give me some options with adapting a makeshift pool heater or other things. But with the size of my pool I haven’t found the need to do something like that just yet, and I don’t think there would be much benefit besides durability over the flexible hoses that I’m currently using.

[@jamminsavan1440]

When your done running in filter mode and put it in closed mode, should you turn all hose valves to close? Right now my 2 inlet hoses connected to the t-vavle do not have the closed open valve so it leaks from the pre-filter going into the pump.

[@lmaeG]

I’m curious too, I hope he answers you.

[@jameshill4019]

Great video which I will review a few more times after in the sandy State of Michigan I can find sand for this pump!!!!!! No number 20 Silica sand in the whole state ! I can find HTH pool filter sand about 45 minutes away will that work ?

[@user-qy7fn5vw1s]

Thank you for sharing, very informative. Question for you. I have a Bestway Steel Pro Max 12x30 pool and took your advise on the sand filter. The problem I'm having is mounting the large Inlet air nozzle to the pool. The port on the pool is smaller. How did you get around it? Did you buy an adaptor or a smaller Inlet air nozzle? If so can you share the size I need.

[@Type5Reviews]

I upgraded the inlet. You can check out how it’s done and the part needed in the video description of this video. How to convert 1.25" to 1.5" hoses to upgrade your Intex pump. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6Hch4BumM91Z7c There are adapters available on Amazon to be able to connect the 1.5” hose to the 1.25” inlet, but I didn’t want to restrict the flow of the pump at all.

[@AirForceMotoDad]

I have the same pool also, did the adapter work for you?

[@lisataylor2418]

Where & how do u back wash hose??

[@bgfish5290]

Have you considered adding the saltwater system? Also did it clear up with the new pump all on its own? Thanks

[@Type5Reviews]

I haven’t considered the salt water system only because I don’t like salt water, which is just a personal preference. And to clear the water I just added the iron removal product and let the pump run. You will need to vacuum anything left on the bottom and backwash after a day for the iron but the pump cleared the iron really well.

[@Nellyjesus28]

Exactly my pool, sand filter and also the skimmer is the same as mine 😂. I didn't backwash my sand filter and luckily the sand didn't reach the pool.

[@blueybabe]

Wow thanks

[@mattdiffey2501]

Great work 👍

[@keltonwilt1499]

Mine didn’t come with the relief valves ….how else can I relieve the system of air bubbles

[@martinmckay3610]

Hey, thanks for the helpful video! Does that vacuum you have connect to the pump? And if so can you let me know how to search one?

[@Type5Reviews]

I use the adapter that came with the intex surface skimmer that converts one of the inlets to a 1.5” hose adapter. Basically this adapter below. amzn.to/3WKPcba Then I use a standard 1.5” hose with hose clamps and a pole connected to a cheap pool vacuum like this. amzn.to/3q521AD

[@martinmckay3610]

@@Type5Reviews thank you!

[@candacejoy8224]

Can you do a video on how you connect everything on the vacuum and the proper way to connect it to the pump? Your videos are super helpful! Thank you so much!

[@blueybabe]

What brand is your vaccum?

[@HatersWorld]

Thank you! The instructions are terrible..This video made it so fast and easy 😊

[@andreaharvey7210]

Thank u so much! I just have a question, I didn’t fill my sand up with water to the top. I stopped at the Mac line. Will that be ok?

[@Type5Reviews]

Filling the filter up with water is just to be precautious. You’ll be fine. If anything after you turn on your pump monitor it to see if you need to stop it and release any air and you’ll be good.

[@Nrscathy60]

I've been hooking mine up reverse of yours. My one higher port I took as intake, and the two outputs are your intake. It worked fine, but didn't make sense to have to keep the water level so high to cover the intake. Now it is running so awesomely. The "output" just pours the water out. But my one port has a close lock on it. Does this mean I'm now backwards?

[@Type5Reviews]

You should be going from the two lower ports on the pool to the pump and then from the filter back to the one higher port, so it sounds like that’s correct now for you. The valves that open and close are less important but it’s nice being able to adjust any of them. Normally the valve that can close is on the output back to the pool and then another one potentially on the tee where the two inlets join. Adding more valves besides that is just optional.

[@brentfoster77]

I dont have valves to turn off the flow from the 2 suction outlets. Is that ok? And after the initial rinse , do i put the white cap back on?

[@Type5Reviews]

The valve on the outlets are more of a convenience than anything. And I leave my discharge hose connected all the time, but you could put the cap back on if you don’t want the discharge port exposed.

[@gromitsdad]

Hi, did the Intex sand filter pump come with the black backwash hose seen in your video?

[@Type5Reviews]

It did not come with the hose. That is a separate 25 foot sump pump hose that I picked up from Menards. I believe I have the hose adapter listed in the description as well.

[@diananeuenschwander5560]

I have questions. Can you run the skimmer basket directly to the pump? Do you have to have the 3rd hole cut into the side of the pool. Is the outlet always higher than the inlet? Thank you.

[@Type5Reviews]

Yes, no, and yes but some pools with skimmers have the inlets and outlets both near the top.

[@blueybabe]

Did you have to buy the stoppers on top of the tubes extra?? The little things you turn to block the water from flowing temporarily.

[@AirForceMotoDad]

Those are separate unfortunately

[@justbeth82]

Do you have to have the valve on the t joint necessarily or can you just have valves on the inlet hoses ?

[@Type5Reviews]

The valve on the tee joint is convenient but not completely necessary if you have closeable valves on both inlets.

[@sammcclain129]

Do you have a more in-depth video about hooking that exact skimmer up! Great video!

[@Type5Reviews]

Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer Setup and Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4WwgaGdqJ5pfdE

[@dominiquedominique8395]

Excellent video. I cant seem to get a good enough grip on the outlet hoses to stop water leaking out. How did you get your hoses connected without any leaking?

[@Type5Reviews]

Depends on the type of hoses you’re using and the clamps. I did use an oil filter wrench to tighten some of my connections, but also watch out for missing o-rings or o-rings that aren’t correctly in place after pushing on the hoses. That may help.

[@sashakelley4823]

Can you show us how you vacuum your pool? I had the same filter and it’d collapse my vacuum hose from the over suction 😢

[@sTeBoski]

Did you convert one of your B' slots to a 1.5" for the skimmer or use some sort of adapter?

[@Type5Reviews]

The intex skimmer comes with an adapter for 1.5” so I use that for the skimmer and to hook up my vacuum hose. Just the adapter I use is below. amzn.to/42MONWV

[@XxN8iVeSc0uTxX]

Bro cool video hey do you have one on how to vacuum? Because I can’t seem to vacuum

[@Type5Reviews]

If your pump is strong enough I use a standard 1.5” hose connected to the adapter that came with the intex surface skimmer. amzn.to/42T0dIK Otherwise if you don’t have a strong pump that can run a pool hose style vacuum you can check out this video I did below on a cheaper vacuum option. How to vacuum a small Intex pool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZK3g6mGocinmaM

[@ghersontovar5561]

Thanks for the video. I used it to set up my new pump but I have a question. The drain opening. If I run the pump or even if I have it off, and take that drain cap off water starts coming out by itself. If it's on, the water discharge through the drain hole increases. Do you leave your hose connected and it's open? How do you do so water doesn't come out? Thanks!

[@Type5Reviews]

Unfortunately it shouldn’t leak out the discharge port even when left open. That would be a sign that either the spider valve gasket inside the selector has worn out or something has gotten misaligned within the valve. This can happen due to age or from switching the selector while the pump is running. To fix it you’d have to take apart the selector valve and replace the inner gasket or even the top selector valve itself. Wish I had a better answer for you. Good luck.

[@jessicascott9136]

​@Type5Reviews I have this same concern! It's a brand new pump I just set up yday just waited til the pool was full today to check everything and I took the white cap off the drain valve and water just pours out of it. I followed step by step directions of how to put it together so I'm just wondering what I may have done wrong for water to be coming out of the drain? I literally haven't even turned the pump on yet I just opened the drain valve once I seen this ladies comment above me.

[@McAnultyBunch]

Can you share your pool vacuum?

[@HagerVids]

Thanks bro. Have you any ideas for vacuum hose?

[@Type5Reviews]

Intex Pool Manual Vacuum Setup and How To. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmTdmmWPnr9-jNE

[@gardengurl1971]

how many lbs of sand did it take to fill?

[@navcrowds]

Great video, I've just upgraded my filter cartridge pump to a more powerful one and it's still garbage. So I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go for a sand system. Only issue is my 12ft Intex prism frame has only one inlet and outlet port. Can I still use one of these systems?

[@talal445]

Yes

[@wendywife4373]

Do u close the lock nozzles before u turn it on? We opened them to rinse so we close them to filter?

[@Type5Reviews]

You want the inlet and outlet valves open any time the pump is running.

[@matthellcat2494]

What you use to hook up that sump hose to your backwash?

[@Type5Reviews]

amzn.to/4eGJ8sS

[@MC-jb9uf]

Awesome ! How did you hook up the vacuum? Thank You

[@Type5Reviews]

I use the adapter that came with the intex surface skimmer that converts one of the inlets to a 1.5” hose adapter. Basically this adapter below. amzn.to/3WKPcba Then I use a standard 1.5” hose with hose clamps and a pole connected to a cheap pool vacuum like this. amzn.to/3q521AD

[@colleenarnier9625]

Where did you get that black hose for back washing? I only have a short hose

[@Type5Reviews]

It’s 1.5” sump pump hose that’s 25 feet long. I got it from my local hardware store. Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards should carry it. It’s cheaper than pool hose.

[@jhonjay11]

How do you know how much sand is needed?

[@dannar4068]

Hey, what size is your pool? Love 💕 your video will be using it to set up my my filter.

[@Type5Reviews]

Mine is a 12x30.

[@DGsKattKatt]

Question can i use this exact pump for an Intex Ultra 18x52" pool? Please help i have no idea what sand pump to purchase!😢😢

[@Type5Reviews]

Yes for a larger pool like that I would go with the 16” intex that I have here.

[@medabee1322]

Wats on the hose?

[@caseynicole79]

What type of outlet does this pump have to be plugged into?

[@lilredheadmlh]

I'd also like to know the answer to this. I'm wondering if I need to have a higher-powered outlet installed before I can run this pump.

[@ronr5640]

Great video! Where can I buy the connections for the hoses to the pool

[@greggraham9567]

Amazon! I got all the same stuff on Amazon. This video is so great!!

[@ArtGonzalez-wy1bm]

Do I have to do the hole grounding thing with this filter set up ?

[@Type5Reviews]

Intex pools like the one in this video is plastic and the pump has a built in gfci, so you don’t have to mess with grounding the pump.

[@wendakossina1625]

Do you keep this pool up during the winter? What state do you live in?

[@Type5Reviews]

I live in northwest Indiana. I did leave the pool up all winter and it held up just fine. I’ll leave it up again this winter but will be using a better cover with closable valves all the way around so I can fill it higher and use a pool pillow. But it held up to several snow storms and freezing temps with it filled half way with water.

[@craigpesta1247]

Hey man great video. About to set mine up for the first time. Two questions if you have the time: what plunger valves are you using at the inlets/outlets and at the splitter? And what is your process to set up to vacuum? Thanks boss

[@Type5Reviews]

Here’s a link to the plunger valves. amzn.to/3x7lC7h

[@Type5Reviews]

And here is a video on how I set up my vacuum. Intex Pool Manual Vacuum Setup and How To. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmTdmmWPnr9-jNE

[@Type5Reviews]

And the tee. amzn.to/4c1uTgx

[@Type5Reviews]

How to convert 1.25" to 1.5" hoses to upgrade your Intex pump. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6Hch4BumM91Z7c

[@Type5Reviews]

Links in the description on these videos as well.

[@blendeadeagos1487]

where do you buy that remove iron?

[@Type5Reviews]

I got it from Menards. It’s called Iron Myte but this product below should do the same thing. amzn.to/42yzyRj

[@thisisdisco]

How did you create that attachment for the backwash hose?

[@Type5Reviews]

I used an intex hose adapter. You can find it in the link below. amzn.to/48EeYn2

[@matthewlawrence2702]

Do you move valves to closed when filter is done running?

[@Type5Reviews]

I leave the valves open all the time. Once the hours on the pump is set it runs daily for those number of hours at the same time it was started last.

[@chadrathbone]

I just ordered Intex sand pump. Did all those connections come with it? Hoses and connectors look different. Thank you.

[@Type5Reviews]

I upgraded my pump from a previous setup so not all of the connections are the same. I had to order a different tee to adapt to the 1 1/2 for the pump and I upgraded the nozzle that returned back into the pool.

[@chadrathbone]

@@Type5Reviews thanks

[@stephanieescoto4863]

Which connectors did you use?

[@chadrathbone]

@@stephanieescoto4863 I ended up buying adapters and new hoses. I’m trying to not cut my pool.

[@alexcorrales2142]

So can you use chlorine tabs for these type of filters on the basket?

[@Type5Reviews]

@@alexcorrales2142 you can throw a chlorine puck or tabs in the filter basket.

[@clongoria31]

Hows the foam under liner holding up any problems

[@Type5Reviews]

Still going strong this year. Though if I did it again I would have used higher density pink foam since the styrofoam does compress a bit under your feet. But for kids there’s been no issues.

[@epproject7105]

Even after I backwashed, and rinsed. I still end up with traces of sand at the bottom of pool. Not sure why. Any suggestions? It's brand new!

[@Type5Reviews]

Some small traces are going to be inevitable. Some sand while filling it up could make it’s way through the filter. As long as it doesn’t continue I wouldn’t worry about it much, but it does mean you’ll have to vacuum it a bit if you want it spotless.

[@donniebrookins6215]

White plastic hoses didn’t last very long. Replaced wirh 1 1/2” pvc. Works like a champ

[@annpayne4381]

Can you use the chlorine tabs and shock with the sand filter.

[@Type5Reviews]

Yes

[@ronnievuono8805]

Do you have to still buy shock for this filter?

[@Type5Reviews]

Yes I still shock the pool to boost the chlorine levels then use chlorine tablets to maintain.

[@lukesparrow2151]

Did you have to buy new connectors for the hoses to work or did that pump come with everything you needed?

[@Type5Reviews]

@@lukesparrow2151 I actually bought this pump used so unfortunately I can’t tell you exactly what extra parts came in the box. You can find the extra parts needed however on my video on how I upgraded from 1.25” to 1.5” hoses for a larger pump.

[@lukesparrow2151]

@@Type5Reviews awesome. Thanks for the help.

[@derwoodsdiy7710]

My intex hose inlets on the pool are way smaller? How do you hook up the big pump connections to the pools smaller inlets/outlets? My pool is 8’ x 16’. Plenty big for this type of pump. WTH am I doing wrong?

[@Type5Reviews]

Check out the parts I listed in the description. Use this tee to go from your 1 1/4 inlets to 1 1/2 pump. Intex 11872 Replacement Dual Split Hose Plunger Valve Pool Part Accessory Attachment for Above Ground Pool and Pool Pump Maintenance a.co/d/3eucXZB

[@Type5Reviews]

You’ll also need to change the outlet that goes back into your pool to an 1 1/2 valve. Check out my video on how to upgrade to 1 1/2 to upgrade your pump.

[@derwoodsdiy7710]

@@Type5Reviews Got it thank you. I can’t believe Intex doesn’t ship the bigger pumps with the plunger T. That is strange. Thank you for your help!

[@carlaevansfarmer5924]

What kind of sand? And do you have a video on how to install the skimmer. Thank you! Great information!

[@Type5Reviews]

Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer Setup and Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4WwgaGdqJ5pfdE

[@Type5Reviews]

You’ll need “pool filter sand”. I bought mine from Menards, but Home Depot or Lowe’s may carry it and your local pool store would carry it.

[@guillermomadrigal1227]

How did you hook up the pool vacuum?

[@Type5Reviews]

Intex Pool Manual Vacuum Setup and How To. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmTdmmWPnr9-jNE

[@stephenestrada541]

where did you get the black hose for backwash?

[@Type5Reviews]

Menards hardware store. Sump pump hose.

[@4ry4m12]

I have a Bestway pool but can't find the valves for that brand would you say these valves work for any pool not just Intex? I will be getting the same sand filter that you have.

[@Type5Reviews]

Both brands are pretty similar. You could pick up some replacement plunger valves on Amazon as well as some intex type b adapters if the valves need to be screwed instead of clamped on. Check the links in my video description for some of those parts. You should be able to piece together some new valves for your pool.

[@4ry4m12]

@@Type5Reviews thank you!

[@chank933]

How many hours it takes to clean the pool crystal clear, just installed one but not cristal clear yet

[@Type5Reviews]

Depends on the size of your pool. Mine took about 2 days to be perfect.

[@totallyryangosling]

Caan ou please show me the leaf basket set up? Ours keeps leaking and it seems like an o ring is missing, but nothing fully addresses this set up?

[@Type5Reviews]

There should be a large black o-ring that sits directly under the lid to the leaf basket on the pump. If yours doesn’t have one or is damaged you’ll need to replace it. Amazon does sell replacement o-rings for the pump. Check it out below. amzn.to/46eQ8Zq

[@420sinaloense]

Are you supposed to wet the sand after putting in cause i didnt do that just backwashed and rinsed?

[@Type5Reviews]

It just helps keep the strain off the pump during the initial startup. If you’ve already ran the pump don’t worry about it this time.

[@RevBomb600]

Is it ok to put chlorine tabs in the pre-filter housing or no because it would cycle through the sand? Would it be best to just place tabs in the outlet instead?

[@Type5Reviews]

Yeah you can put a chlorine tab in the filter housing. Then it’s out of the way and you don’t necessarily need a floater.

[@RevBomb600]

@@Type5Reviews the legend responds. Appreciate that

[@RevBomb600]

@@Type5Reviews i do have one other question. I am going on vacation soon for a week and obviously wont be able to backwash it during this time. What do you recommend doing during that week? I dont want to just let the pump run and build up pressure but i also dont want to come home to a completely green pool.

[@Type5Reviews]

@@RevBomb600 I would say generally speaking, backwashing your pump once a week is good practice. The pump needs to be backwashed when there is a buildup of junk that needs to be removed. Less junk in your water means you wouldn't need to backwash as often. All that to say, let the pump run on it's regular schedule, throw in a new chlorine tab (or 2) in your floater/pump, and relax on your vacation. It will be just fine for a week and you shouldn't be anywhere near building pressure.

[@davidvecerkauskas1553]

What kind of sand do you recommend

[@user-ug4ri3ev9c]

Pool sand #20 grade silica. Home Depot and Lowe’s carry it. This particular pump requires 77lbs, so two bags