skip to main content

Pentair DE 60 Filter - DE leaking DE

14 years ago

I have a new Pentair QUAD 60 that was installed last month. The filter appears to work well but at the end of each day there is a small amount of DE at the bottom of my pool. I get about 1/4 of a coffee can worth of DE at the bottom each time. I just replaced my Hayward Perflex which never had this problem. It's annoying that I have to keep putting my Aquabot in to clean up the DE.

On the positive side, I used to have to backwash my Hayward Perflex almost on a weekly basis. The Quad 60 DE filter has been working for 4 weeks and the pressure gauge has not moved above the original pressure of 18psi.

Any ideas on what can cause the DE to be leaking out of the new Quad DE 60?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

poolguynj
14 years ago
If you are not using an Intelliflow SRVS, putting a check valve between the pump and filter will solve it.

If you do have an SRVS, a Hartford loop that is taller than the filter will solve it.

Scott
casey_quest
Original Author
14 years ago
The DE is actually coming from the returns. There is a V shaped trail about 8 feet long out from the returns. I have a check valve between the heater and filter. The DE comes out when the filter starts up.
Related Discussions
Pentair DE filter and pressure issues
Q
Comments (4)
It's not "just an o-ring"... It's a spider silicone seal. It leaks because the fiulter tank mold is a piece of crap. This filter is known to leak pretty much within a year. You can pull the rotor valve and replace it but it will leak again real soon. With that timeframe, you should call Pentair and give them the serial number to verify production date. In a January period around that timeframe, they produced many units before realizing the mold was out of spec. The filter still is made poorly and the tolerances for that valve are always out of whack. If the tank has not cracked yet, and it will, wait until it does and then repalce the filter. I would not dump any money into repair for a rotor seal. Just glue on a ball valve to the waste line and stop the leak that way.
...See More
Hayward Northstar pump & Pentair DE filter
Q
Comments (12)
As a point of clarification, the filter is reading approx 25 psi. That is higher than normal and further impedes the ability of the system to process through enough water volume. Even after hosing off the grid, with a clean grid the system still cannot pull through enough volume to drive the pool cleaner. So this indicates that the grid MIGHT be clogged with scale. That is the recommendation of the pool guy, simply replace the grid even though there are no tears or breaks. My 2nd option is to clean the grid with a scale cleaner such as TSP tri sodium phosphate which is what Pentair suggested. With respect to the pump "bowl or pot" being half full. You think it is debris? I have cleaned the basket strainer and checked for debris but I cannot find any. How would I get a better view of the impellar or system to see if anything is in there causing the problem? Is the debris most likely in the impellar or somewhere else? Maybe one of those Roto-Rooter guys with the camera at the end of the hose might help! Thanks for the guidance so far. BT
...See More
Hayward or Pentair DE Filter
Q
Comments (2)
Both are going to give you the same result filtering down to about 3-5 microns. Although I am a big fan of grids, Hayward makes a great easy to use product called the Perflex (EC40). Instead of grids they use flex tubes that can be easier to maintain and more durable. Most customers tend to use the Hayward system over the Pentair for ease of use. Polytec Pools
...See More
Pentair Quad 80 DE Filter Correct Installation
Q
Comments (3)
Thanks. Scott! I replumbed the filter. My slide valve is sticking and hard to move.I finally got it all the way up and restarted but water shot out the bottom waste like it was backwashing. I did hear a pop sound so perhaps something blew inside the slide valve? It's the Pentair Model 261165. Do you advise taking it apart and trying to replace O rings etc and perhaps lubing the rod, replacing it or getting rid of it altogether? The slide valve is only for backwashing isn't it?I usually take the filters out to clean them so don't see a real need to have backwash capability. Also, I have a Pentair 320 inline chlorinator. The feeder hose snapped off. I was advised to just remove it since it raises CYA. Have a pool leak so putting water in alot so until I can get that fixed, should I use it? Do I need a check valve on the pressure side before or after this 320? Thanks, Ed
...See More
mikethepoolguy
14 years ago
The filter was likley tossed about in shipping. I always dis- and re- assemble a filter on a new installation.

Embarassing moment: I assure the customer they have bought a great filter- one of the best on the market, and then DE or otherwise goes straight through it.
casey_quest
Original Author
14 years ago
Good idea. The shipping box had a few dents in it. I'll try dis- and re- assembling the filter tomorrow.
just-a-pb
14 years ago
I assume it was plumbed correctly, many have plumbed this filter wrong, if it is wrong, it will blow out the cartridges after a little while causing them to leak DE.
Here is a{{!gwi}} pic of the correct install.
casey_quest
Original Author
14 years ago
My filter is plumbed very similar to the picture shown. The only difference is that the upper piping goes to my pool heater and the bottom connection goes out to my waste line.
just-a-pb
14 years ago
You just answered your own question. If it is a QUAD 60 that you have.
Your filter is plumbed backwards!!!!
If you open it up you will see that $400 worth of cartridges are ruined. Hope you used someone reputable that will eat that BIG mistake.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Pushing Boundaries in a San Francisco Victorian

By Mary Jo Bowling

If the roll-up garage door doesn’t clue you in, the blue cabinets and oversize molding will: This kitchen is no ordinary Victorian galley

ARCHITECTURE Dutch Architects Balance the Familiar and the Avant-Garde

Peek inside a 2013 book to see bold new designs for modern living that never forget those living there

POOLS Inspired by Olympic Swimming Feats? Dive In With a Lap Pool

By Alise Bailey

You don’t have to be a Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky to enjoy a backyard pool dedicated to lap swimming

DECORATING GUIDES Pop Culture Watch: 12 Home Trends from the '80s Are Back

By Becky Harris

Hold on to your hat (over your humongous hair); interior design elements of the 1980s have shot forward to today, in updated fashion

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Dream Home a Labor of Love and Passion

By Mina Brinkey

An interior designer who’s also a boutique owner renovates a lavish home for her family in Florida

PATIOS Patio Details: A Relaxing Front-Yard Retreat in Los Angeles

By Annie Thornton

A retractable awning, a water feature and an onyx fire feature transform a formerly unused front yard on a busy street

PATIO OF THE WEEK Year-Round Gazebo Glory in Toronto

By Becky Harris

Lilacs in spring, snuggly blankets in winter. With weatherproof panels and seats aplenty, this gazebo is guest ready all year long

LIFE The Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home

Get on the fast track to preserving a valuable resource and saving money too with these smart, effective strategies

GREEN BUILDING The Passive House: What It Is and Why You Should Care

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

If you don’t understand passive design, you could be throwing money out the window

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

Sponsored

J.S. Brown & Co.

77 Reviews

Columbus Leading Full Service Design Build Firm

More Discussions

How To Rehab Old Pool Decking

0

Decking and stairs to pool

1

Pool design help

3

Pool shape help

3

How to cover a pool?

2