kklady, you might find something of interest doing a search (box at the first page of the forum) but in general, sand filters are not recommended for ponds. That is because they can't handle the amount of fish poo and plant debris you get with a pond. There are lots of other options.

I've been looking up simple/natural pond filtering for a duck pond. It may not be possible due to the rather large amount of waste they produce, plus all the dirt and feed they carry in their beaks and spit into the pool. But I did run across a really interesting design site that has instructions for a plant-based filtering system that looks really good for fish. It even makes sense. It takes a pump, but most of you pond guys already have pumps. I'm still tempted to try it (or adapt it) for ducks. The water hyacinths he uses are pretty cheap if you can get them locally. Around here in W. WA they're $2.50 to $4. They seem to have attached "babies" that already have a good root system, so when you buy "one", it's really three or four, so you shouldn't need to buy too many. Some people say they multiply so fast you can almost just stare at them and see it. Just FYI. Sue Here is a link that might be useful: Pond filtering with plants

Keeping the algae at bay is a chemical issue not a filtration issue. You should try using sodium bromide and chlorine to kill your algae and following up with a good brushing, then vacuuming the next morning and breaking down your existing filter afterwords. I'd suggest sticking with a DE filter (regardless of manufacturer) before converting to a sand filter. See ya, Kelly

Many techs put some pea gravel in the bottom, just enough to cover the laterals. It helps keep sand from blowing into the laterals, helps prevent channeling in the sand bed , and helps disburse the flow of water more evenly when back washing but it isn't a requirement, If you checked the pressure gauge and it seems ok, check the impeller. It may be clogged. This can happen with cracked pump baskets. Turn off the pump. Remove the lid and pump basket. Reach your finger in the hole deeply until you reach the impeller's hub. Wiggle your fingers around, d you feel any eaves or other debris? If you do, pull it out, bit by bit. If the pump basket is cracked, get a new one. Put the basket in, add some water, and start the pump. I think you'll see a big jump in pressure. That increase will mean a LOT more water is moving through the filter. It also means that the cloudiness was likely caused by a poor filtration rate. Scott