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Replacing DE filter unit. Cartridge or DE

10 years ago

Good morning,

I need to replace my failing DE filter and pump. What are your thoughts on switching to a cartridge filter system? What are your thoughts on increasing my pump hp to 1 1/2 hp from the 1 hp Hayward pump that just failed on me? 35,0000 gallon pool, 2" piping, distances to skimmers and bottom return are: 50', 60' (bottom return) and 80'. Distances to two "jets" for water coming back into pool are 70' each. I use an Aquabot vacuum that is totally independent of the filter system. I currently have a borrowed 2 hp pump. Old DE stainless tank just burst a pin hole sized hole. Does it ever end???

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Comments (6)

glitter_and_guns
10 years ago
I am a pretty new pool owner, but have done a lot of research on pools and there are a lot of people who seem very unhappy with their cartridge filters. DE is such a great filtering medium that I would sure go that way again if I had to make the decision. DE filters out the finest particles (I think we expect 6-8 microns with DE, Sand is something like 30 microns & the better cartridge units are somewhere between the two).

I know the marketing is that DE is more trouble to maintain, but backwashing once a month or so and cleaning the grids once a year isn't much work to me. I understand other people may have different ideas on that.
Dunvegan
Original Author
10 years ago
Agree with your point on DE. Not a big deal to me to wash off the grid a few times a year. Store was pushing cartridge filters. I don't like to be pushed in any direction, I'd rather a salesperson let me decide. I'm probably going to buy a Hayward 1 1/2 Super pump II and match with a new DE filter system. Checking out what size to get now.
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Poolguy, This is not a typo, it is a specific note. Here is the quote. "NOTE For first time operation on new pools introduce into the system .75 pounds of diatomaceous earth per every 100 square feet of filter area (a one-pound coffee can equals .5 pounds of diatomaceous earth). Mix the diatomite with water and pour it into the skimmer after the pump is primed and the system is operating. This will enhance the filtration of your water." Sorry it is .75 lbs per 100 sq ft. The quad uses 1 lbs per 10 sq ft, over 10 times as much.
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Cartridge filter capability is usually quoted between DE and sand (see link below). Better than sand but worse than DE but some of the alternative sand media can get close to a cartridge. To me it is about picking your posion. They all have disadvantages and it is what you think you can live with. Cartridges get a bad rap because they are usually undersized for the pool and require frequent cleaning. But a properly size cartridge filter should not need to be cleaned more than twice a year. That is what I do. It takes me less than about an hour to do four cartridges. I soak them once a year at most. A sand filter will need to be backwashed more often than a DE filter but the DE filter will need more DE after backwashing. Grids will need occasional cleaning as well. So to me the DE actually has the highest maintenance. Also, check with your local codes to make sure you won't need a separation tank with DE or sand. That can worse than a cartridge to clean. Here is a link that might be useful: Pool filter comparison
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I guess I should have told you a little about the pool. We have a 2.5 acres of open space and the pool will be 1000 sq ft with a 7 ft spa. We are in the category of pool builders who have to make something out of nothing. The yard is relatively flat so we will be using the dirt to build up a burm on the far side of the pool and a 15.5' Dolphin slide will be installed. My husband will be the one who will be dealing with filter system. There will be plenty of place to backwash.
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Dunvegan
Original Author
10 years ago
Now I'm leaning towards a Pentair quad DE. Any thoughts out there on what size?? The 60 would seem to be a good fit. Thoughts????
MongoCT
10 years ago
I just replaced the same two things as you, my pump and my filter.

Old filter was a Pentair C&C 240. I replaced it with a Pentair Quad 100DE. The filter is certainly oversized for my pool (about 25000 gallons), but all that means is that it can filter longer before I have to clean it.

The filter has been great so far. Zero issues. Pool has been running for 3 months and the pressure has only increased one or two psi. So I'll probably just have to clean it once, at the end of the season.

Pump. I recommend you get away from a single speed pump. You don't need high GPM to run your cleaner, so your better bet from the perspective of energy usage would be to use a lower flow pump with an efficient motor.

You can go with a 2-speed and run it on low. Or go further. I installed a Pentair Intelliflo VS. About $800. I run it at a lower speed but for longer hours to get the proper turnover. Compared to my old single-speed pump (1-1/2hp Pentair Whisperflo) the new pump has been saving me about $65 per month. I use my pool 8 months out of the year, so the pump will have paid for itself after 1-1/2 seasons of use.

So...I do like the Quad DE. And I really like the Pentair VS pump.
Dunvegan
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks. Your post was helpful. I'm going to get the Quad 80 and clean it a few times a year. I'm cleaning my disfunctional DE filter almost bi-weekly now, so a few times a year would be great. Now to find a place that I can pick it up in the metro NEw York City area. Thanks!
MongoCT
10 years ago
I was originally going to go with the Quad 80 as well, but with the small price differential between the 80 and the 100 I went with the 100.

I ordered online. No issues with order or delivery. I'm next door in CT.

backyardpoolsuperstore dot com

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