If you are an environmentally concerned type, the QUAD DE with AquaPerl is about as good as it gets. I have an entire page on my website that features these types of products. All Pentair as they are leading the way.

AquaPerl is a direct substitute for DE. It is a no brainer as it measures just as DE does. A scoop for scoop measurement. It's just half of the volume. It hoses off way nicer and can be done anywhere. Keep in mind, if doing it on grass, you may want to do it on a day when the chlorine level is low as that will kill the grass, not the AquaPerl. Also, salt does that too. It is totally inert and filters, in my opinion, better than DE. It will trap much more so your initial passes through the filter will cause early cleanings. But, the QUAD cleans very easy so it's not bad at all.

World Minerals Inc. and its subsidiary Harborlite Corporation, has received NSF Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 50 for AquaPerl perlite swimming pool filter media. NSF/ANSI Standard 50 includes requirements for swimming pool circulation system components, treatment devices and related materials. For meeting these requirements, AquaPerl became the first and only perlite swim pool filter media to receive NSF Certification.

AquaPerl is a premium filtration media engineered to replace diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter media in D.E. (precoat) filters. AquaPerl improves filter performance with greater dirt holding capacity resulting in crystal clear water. It is non-toxic and chemically inert, prevents premature fouling on the filter grid, uses less water and reduces maintenance by easier and complete backwashing of the filter media. AquaPerl products will bear the NSF logo for meeting the requirements outlined in NSF/ANSI Standard 50. AquaPerl is available from distributors throughout North America.

Thanks for the information repairguy. My husband and I are trying to minimize any toxic or less environmentally friendly chemicals that we can control. We have turned to organics vs chemicals for our lawn as well.

One last question, our pb includes the Pentair FNS+ filter which is all DE. Should we take that or do you think we should switch to the Quad DE for the ease of cleaning? Neither of us have ever owned a pool so the easier things are the better. I think both filters are comparable in price so I am hoping it will be an even swap with the pb if we decide to go with the Quad.

Do you happen to know when the Quad DE first hit the market? Do you think all of the kinks are out of the system?

TIA.

Quad is about a year I think. No kinks as it's the same tank as the FNS+ or Clean and Clear+. On a strictly turnover rating the following filters are all rated the same.

FNS+60 57,600gpm in 8 hours
Quad DE 60
Clean and Clear 320

Now the good news. The FNS+ is $23.00 more than the Quad and
$31.00 more than the 320. On a flow basis only, the QUAD is the best choice as it filters better than the 320 and is cheaper then the FNS+ which has far more work getting it apart. By the way, you still needs a backwash valve for the FNS+ and most Quads are not installed with one. It is treated like a cartridge filter. There's another savings of $50-100.

It is usually advised to bump to a 420 if considering a 320 as that is pretty small. The 60sq ft DE in any form is usually considered acceptable for most pools unless you're pushing 30k+ in water.

Your builder should thank you for taking the quad over his FNS+ as it is going to cost him less!

Thanks again repairguy. I mentioned the QuadDE to our pb yesterday, he has never heard of it and wanted to make sure the kinks are out. I will relay the information to him re: the same tank and no backwash valve.

I think I may try to upgrade to the QuadDE80. We are getting the Intelliflo VS3050, so maybe the Quad80 would be beneficial also. Necessary? I think we are pushing roughly 26k gallons. I will still try to get the even swap based on the savings of Quad vs FNS and the valve w/labor.

Where is your website you reference above? I would like to take a look at it if possible.

You can use a backwash valve but most don't. If you do, I don't advise the multiport.

Not allowed to list the website here. You have to do a search. Go to the bottom of the page here where it says instructions.

Click search the forums and then enter "murrieta pool".

I'm the first one to pop up. Click the name and you'll find it there.

I am a bit confused so please bear the ignorance...

Does this mean you can use AquaPerl instead of DE in any system??

Direct substitute

Rocking good time... Thanks .... And similar filtering capabilities...

I have pretty much decided on using the Pentair Quad DE 80 filter and the inteliflo VF. Which backwash assembly do you recommend using with this filter?

I do not recommend a backwash on the quad de. It is far too easy to clean as needed.

Repair Guy:

I already had specified and purchased the Pentair Hi-Flow 261142 Backwash Valve for my Quad DE-100 filter. I will be using Aquaperl (still hunting a local source in Central FL). Your advice seems to be to plumb direct and not use the valve. In that case what is the method for cleaning the Quad-DE?

Treat it like a cartridge filter. It cleans way faster than a standard cartridge filter as it is DE

If I do not install a backwash valve, I still have the issue of how to get excess water out of the pool after heavy rain etc? Also, can the pentair VF pump be run using my current Intermatic mechanical timers, one for the main pump and one for the sweep booster pump? Does the interface on the VF pump act as a timer also? Confused plenty