Replace or Repair Hayward S244S Sand Filter

[kjkurtz]

I just had the bottom elbow assembly fail for me on my really old Hayward S244S sand filter. I was able to find the parts online that I *think* will fix it, but it'll be in the neighborhood of $250 by the time I get the replacement parts + replace the laterals while I have the sand out (plus the cost of sand). Anyway, this gets me to thinking, is there any advantage of replacing the whole thing instead? Looks like a similar brand new one can be had for around $600. What do you usually see for a lifespan of a filter like this?

Thanks for any input!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome! I was tossing some figures into my calculator. If you were to replace both upper & lower elbows along with associated bulkhead nut/seals, I'm coming up with about $360 or so. If you elect to replace the lateral folder assembly as well, you can add another $125. That brings you up close to $500 for everything. To be fair, you may not need to replace both elbows, or even the lateral/folding assembly, so you might get the filter operational for under $200. Age could also be a factor. Very old filter vessels can crack, so that may be another consideration. Really depends on what you feel like spending and how old the filter is.

 

[kjkurtz]

Thanks so much for the reply @Texas Splash! Agreed, I'll probably end up at at minimum of 50% of the cost of a new similar model just to get it operational again. Seems smart to replace the laterals while I have it empty of sand. Curious, I see lots of opinions on this site about what way to go with a filter. Given I have a roughly 30k gallon pool with a 3HP VS pump, I'd need either a big (probably 4?) cartridge filter or a DE filter that takes a bit more maintenance. I see you have a cartridge filter? How do you like it? The only real downside to sand is it doesn't filter the smaller particles which hasn't seemed to be an issue in the 2 years I've owned the pool.

As far as a new sand filter, it appears not much has changed and they sell effectively the same model still just with the valve on top now for $599. I'm leaning towards just repairing since the shell seems like it's fine. A Minnesota winter doesn't care if it's new or old, so I always assume spring could bring a surprise no matter what I do as preventative.

 

[Texas Splash]

I see you have a cartridge filter? How do you like it?

I am very pleased with my cart filter. Mine is a single cart that came with the pool. In your case, you would want a 4-cart for sure. But with good water chemistry you should only have to clean them once or twice a year. If you ever do swap to cartridge, you might consider adding a new port/valve between the pump outlet and filter so you can retain the ability to vacuum to waste.