Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

We have on an Intex Ultra Frame 18' X 52" pool for 5 years. Every year we have fought to keep the water clear, despite proper water perimeters. Even running our included 2500 GPH pump 24 hours a day for several days wouldn't clear an afternoon of heavy usage. The brand name paper cartridges were expensive and the cheap ones online were flimsy. Removing the cartridges to rinse or replace was a major hassle. Parts frequently rolled or flew from the filter in the process. I felt like one of those incompetent fools in a made for TV product ad, "Is this you?" I was skeptical this filter would make a dramatic difference. The reviews sounded too good to be true, especially when we would only be increasing from 2500 GPH to 2800 GPH. I should have bought this years ago. I would have paid extra for the pool if it had come with a pump like this. Our pool is situated under many mature trees and used at least daily by multiple children. This pump laughs at my filthy water. My water goes from "Hmmmmm, I'm not sure it is safe to touch that" to glass clear in 2-4 hours. The quality of the parts and function is in a completely separate league from the basic Intex pumps. The water flow is so powerful if I point the nozzle upwards, it sprays violently over the 18' opposite side of the pool. Maintenence every few days involves lifting a lever with my finger for 2-3 seconds (back washing). It is that easy, I kid you not. Be advised, you will need 77 lbs of pool sand for the 2800 GPH model. Our Home Depot did not have it in stock, but we bought 100 lbs for $20 at a pool supply store. Also, plan on having more space for this pump, a lot more space. It is massive. I think a 2 year old child could crouch inside the sand filter portion if the opening was larger (I recommend not doing this, just wanted to give size reference), and there is still the pump portion outside of that. Please, your mental well being is worth the investment price of this well made pump. UPDATE: We have been using this filter all summer and the difference is spectacular. We only need to run the pump a couple hours a day and the water is staying sparkling clear for the first time ever. Pool maintenance is now a breeze. I would definitely buy this again.