Bestway Flowclear Sand Filter System with ChemConnect

We bought this Sand Filter as an upgrade to the Bestway Cartridge Filter Pump (800 Gallon) which could not clear our outdoor Bestway pool quick enough after heavy usage, poor weather, post slight algae treatment etc.This pump was hugely over-specified for our needs at a system flow rate of 2,200 Gallons per hour. However, it cleans significantly faster than the filter pump can and we only run for 4 hours a day (2 hours AM, 2 hours PM) which is enough to cycle the water 2 times. PLEASE NOTE: I would recommend you take a smaller model if you have a 12-foot or even 15-foot pool, as mentioned above this was somewhat overkill but will be getting a larger pool next year.We have been hugely impressed with the cleaning capability. We have achieved water clarity where when you look at the bottom of your pool, you can't really tell there is water in-between. We could only achieve this after a few days with the Cartridge Pumps. In effect, with kids in and out of the pool you never really got it back to a crystal clear and hygienic state with Cartridge Filters.Setup is fairly straightforward, although if you are new to Sand Filters you need to be a little brave in going with the flow and looking at videos online to verify what you are doing. It is not as simple as getting started with the Filter Pumps, but once it's up and running it's much more hands-off. (e.g. cleaning via back-washing the sand every few weeks or when the pressure builds telling you it's time).A few items to note for people looking at Sand Filters for the first time:1. They are not loud, but louder than Cartridge Pumps.2. You need to buy the sand, and the RIGHT sand or you will have sand in your pool! You can use other types of media but I cannot comment on them as have not tried them.3. You need to be close-ish to an outside socket - the 3,000 Gallon model pulls 450 WATTS an hour so no flimsy extension cords. It's also worth noting that they will cost (on average) more money to run.4. When backwashing, you will use your pool's water which will then need to be replaced. The higher the power of the pump, the more water it will use.5. The hoses supplied are larger and heavier, so tend to pull down on your inlet/outlet of Bestway pools. We have created a harness to support them and help them not create tension at the entry point.6. This will need to be winterized once the season is over. That does mean taking the sand out, cleaning the unit, and storing it for the next season.6. Same safety rules apply as Cartridge Filters - do not operate in the rain and do not operate when people are in the pool. There are not like public pumps/filters which have a lot more isolation protection between the pumps and the water.Our overall verdict was that this was fun to put together, produces superb pool clarity results, and should be something that lasts for a long time with proper care. If you like clear water, you should consider this for sure.

We used this in conjunction with valves on the inlet and outlet.Pros:-it's quiet-it's very easy to maintain and set up-it has kept my water crystal clearcons:The base isn't the most sturdy so once full it's very hard to move.I am really nit picking though we are really happy with it and would choose the same one again for out 12ft pool

After establishing that the tiny filter/pump which came with our steel frame pool was simply not up to the task (and would require an expensive new filter cartridge every couple of weeks), we upgraded to this, what a difference!We now get a nice powerful flow into the pool, and the water is kept crystal clear. Would recommend using poly filter balls rather than sand, as they are much cheaper, easier to handle and don't reduce the flow so much when they get dirty.The ChemConnect dispenser is great too, saves having a chlorine float in the pool - was a bit sceptical at first, as the holes in it don't appear big enough to offer much flow, but regularly checking the chlorine level in the pool shows it is working.

OK this is one of the best I have bought. All parts are supplied with one caveat. I have wooden hot tub so I have to make mods myself so I can drop a star to the makers for that. It is so easy to operate and install and most important. It is so quiet. I bought above my tubs volume so that I could run the skimmer etc and it works a dream. As this is a high use item I bought the insurance as well for peace of mind as it will get a lot of use in the winter. no faults, no issues just a clean pool!

This started out as a great addition to my pool setup. It ran perfectly using glass media from June 21 to mid October 21. It was then carefully packaged and stored indoors for the winter. It was reinstated for the summer of 22 and ran without fault from end May 22 to start August 22 when I found my pool water level had dropped considerably one day. The failure was on the filter tank. This tank was carefully looked after since purchase and was not subject to any damage or abuse. There was no apparent reason for the failure. The manufacturer has been contacted as I understand the product has a 2-3 year warranty, but as yet I have had no response for a resolution.This is a good filter and I've been very happy with it. However I am disappointed that it has failed. I'm putting it down to a possible manufacturing flaw or damage prior to delivery. Hopefully the manufacturer will come back to me and replace under warranty. I would still buy again unless I saw a better model which was cheaper.**UPDATE** After contacting Bestway UK Customer Support / Warranty, they are replacing the entire pump and filter. It took a bit of time (1 week) and providing details for their warranty process (emails back and forth with supporting photos, invoices and pool setup) but happy to say a new unit is on its way to me. This experience would not put me off buying or recommending.

The media could not be loaded. We upgraded from the little filter this pool came with which broke after a month.The filter was simple to assemble and takes about 1/3 of a 25kg bag of sand (0.4-0.8mm).Simple to use and gives good flow to the pool, the not as much as I thought though.I still find I have to vacuum and net the surface of the pool but this is mainly because it is currently not in use and I’ve not put the cover on. We live by the beach and get a lot of sand blowing over in to our yard.I expect when people start using the pool and stirring up the water then it’ll be working much better.I love the fact it has a chemical dispenser on the outlet in the pool so no more floaty in the pool!!!The noise level is acceptable, I find these humming sounds quite relaxing ☺️I will ad it’s is very heavy once in use to make sure to place it where you want it before using it