Replacement System for Sta-Rite system 3 w/ cartridge filters

[sandyb]

I have recently purchased a home with a 22,500 gallon in ground pool ( no spa ) that has a Sta-Rite System 3 (pressure side cleaner ) with a Polaris 380 (recently replaced )
I have had trouble keeping the pool in good condition as I am only there on weekends, and the daily temperature has been running around 106 - 108 daily.
I just received my my most current Edison Bill and it was $107.00 for the month.
I would like to upgrade and replace, but have no clue where to start. Can I use the original plumbing?
What are my best options? variable speed pump? whole system?
The system went online in July of 1999 and everything is original .
The cartridge filters are shot.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Sandy

 

[Bama Rambler]

The system 3 is a good filter and it'll be cheaper to replace the cartridges than to replace the whole filter. Also, the filter isn't causing the problem you're having.

Replacing the pump with a 2-speed or variable speed would be a good idea. Where you're located there may be incentives for replacing it.

How is the pool chlorinated? If it's tablet feeder you probably have high cya.

 

[sandyb]

Bama Rambler.....I am located in Southern California and we are covered by So Cal Edison and they do offer incentives for upgrading. I have basically bee using chlorine shock and 3" tabs..not sure if I should be using liquid chlorine? This is my first time maintaining ( or trying to ) a pool.
Thanks, Sandy

 

[Bama Rambler]

You should definitely read up on using liquid and make your first priority getting a good test kit.

 

[OldPoolMan]

Hi Sandy. Bama is right. That filter is a good one. Just replace the cartridges. I used to live in the SFV also. A VSP is the way to go, and except for the piping around the pump, the rest of the plumbing should be sufficient There are lots of pool companies around Granada Hills. Shop around for a good price for the pump and install.

 

[sandyb]

But to have to run 2 pumps simultaneously is crazy...my Edison bill for the pool, a refrigerator and microwave clock was $107.00 for the month. The home is unoccupied.

Sandy

 

[Bama Rambler]

One thing you can do is change the pressure side cleaner to a suction side cleaner or a robot if it's feasible. That will probably save you a little.

Do you leave the cleaner in the pool all the time?
How often does the cleaner run?

 

[sandyb]

It's a new ( less than 6 months ) Polaris 380 and I leave it in the pool all the time.
Run time is presently 10AM til 4PM ( 6 hrs) the pool is crystal clear right now.

 

[Bama Rambler]

The first thing I'd do is cut back on the cleaner time if it's running 6 hours a day. I'd probably try 3 hours and see how that works.

How long does the main pump run per day?

 

[sandyb]

They both run simultaneously, the temperature has been running 100 - 108 daily for some time, and I have been running the filter in the day time (high peak) which hasn't helped.

 

[Bama Rambler]

I'd try cutting the cleaner run time to about 3 hours a day and the main pump to about 5 hours a day.

 

[sandyb]

I give it a try....thanks