So it was like this when I moved in..

[Joeboog]

Hi everyone,

We moved into our home in 2019 and with help from this site, I was able to maintain the pool chemistry and we enjoyed the pool for the first 2 seasons. With the third season coming, we were thinking of cleaning up some of the plumbing and removing the old booster pump and propane heater. We were planning on adding a pentair SWCG IC60, intelliconnect, clean and clear 520 and a new light as it has never worked. With that said I have a few questions.. Can anyone advise what those caps are on both the suction lines and return lines? Also, after deleting the booster pump should I just tie pressure cleaner line to the return?

thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

Joe,

I suspect they are old check valves..

In most cases you don't need check valves on the suction side in a well running system...

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

Someone will be around shortly for your questions. In the meantime I want you to look at the parts diagram for the CNC520. I was recently looking to get one for my new build and it was much more complicated than the S8M that you have. You don’t need any tools, and nothing but the 2 cartridges come out. (Albeit 2 heavy cartridges). The CNC has a lot more pieces/ gaskets to go wrong, need lubing, slip apart when reinstalling, etc and I decided to stay with the S8M over a measly 20 more square ft. I’d just replace your existing cartridges with 500s if they fit or get the 500 Sq ft system if they don’t. I can’t tell which exact model it is.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I'm gonna throw out that I believe those to be blowdown ports for winterizing. As you are in a colder climate, it makes sense to me to see those there. That way you can blow down the lines without having to disassemble all of the lines.

--Jeff

 

[Jimrahbe]

I'm gonna throw out that I believe those to be blowdown ports for winterizing.

Blow out ports makes more sense than having a check valve on each line.. If it is not too late, I want to change my answer...

Jim R.

 

[Joeboog]

Someone will be around shortly for your questions. In the meantime I want you to look at the parts diagram for the CNC520. I was recently looking to get one for my new build and it was much more complicated than the S8M that you have. You don’t need any tools, and nothing but the 2 cartridges come out. (Albeit 2 heavy cartridges). The CNC has a lot more pieces/ gaskets to go wrong, need lubing, slip apart when reinstalling, etc and I decided to stay with the S8M over a measly 20 more square ft. I’d just replace your existing cartridges with 500s if they fit or get the 500 Sq ft system if they don’t. I can’t tell which exact model it is.

Thank you for the response I will definitely check the manual and weigh the pros/cons. I was just trying to keep everything in the pentair family.

 

[Newdude]

Pentair bought them and sells them on their trade line of products. I always found it funny that the ‘Cadillac’ of equipment had big ‘Sta-rite’ on the label and an itty bitty ‘a Pentair company’ on the bottom of the label.

 

[Newdude]

There is a lot less to go wrong with the 2 filter model. They just smack into the bottom half of the filter housing and you put the top on and tighten the 8 indestructible clamps. Those 2 filters are heavy when wet but as simple as it gets.

 

[Joeboog]

Pentair bought them and sells them on their trade line of products. I always found it funny that the ‘Cadillac’ of equipment had big ‘Sta-rite’ on the label and an itty bitty ‘a Pentair company’ on the bottom of the label.

You have a good point I think I’ll see the condition of the overall housing and maybe just buy new cartridges. They are expensive!

 

[Joeboog]

Can anyone comment on what to do with the cleaner line when getting rid of the booster pump.. do most plumb it back to the return?

 

[wireform]

Can anyone comment on what to do with the cleaner line when getting rid of the booster pump.. do most plumb it back to the return?

Turn it into a return to keep the water from getting stagnant in the line.

 

[Newdude]

I think I’ll see the condition of the overall housing and maybe just buy new cartridges. They are expensive!

The housing is all but indestructible. The only thing you will need to replace is the hula hoop like gasket for $30ish. The 500 filters are about $500 if they fit. If you have a slightly smaller model it would be less, and 1/2 to 1/3 cheaper than a whole new system. If you decide to keep it, you can add an air relief valve and new pressure gauge for about $50.

 

[Joeboog]

The housing is all but indestructible. The only thing you will need to replace is the hula hoop like gasket for $30ish. The 500 filters are about $500 if they fit. If you have a slightly smaller model it would be less, and 1/2 to 1/3 cheaper than a whole new system. If you decide to keep it, you can add an air relief valve and new pressure gauge for about $50.

Just took a photo of the filter, its the S8M150. Replacement filters are about $500. The manufacturer date is no longer legible.. I have a feeling it’s original with the pool (1999). What is the life expectancy for the housing or do you think it should be replaced and upgraded to a larger size instead of buying new cartridges.

 

[Newdude]

@Jimrahbe will the 500s fit in place of the 450 sq ft? If not 450 is still plenty. The housing is as beefy as you can get and it will probably outlive us all, recent weather anomalies notwithstanding. You could always replace just the housing in 5 years (?) If something went wrong.

Then again, if your budget allows, you could start fresh and all but guarantee the next 20 years.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I have no idea if the 500 cartridges would fit or not..

I suggest that you install what should be there.. Here is a link... Cartridges

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

have no idea if the 500 cartridges would fit or not

It’s been discussed before and you just KNOW this kinda stuff. Sorry.

The filter housings have the same dimensions so as long as the connection port/ hole thingy on the filters is the same it should work. Pentairs Q/A is ambiguous. It says that the 450/500 fit the S8M150/500. Is that each fits it’s own, or each fits either. I emailed them to ask. Hang tight.

 

[Joeboog]

It’s been discussed before and you just KNOW this kinda stuff. Sorry.

The filter housings have the same dimensions so as long as the connection port/ hole thingy on the filters is the same it should work. Pentairs Q/A is ambiguous. It says that the 450/500 fit the S8M150/500. Is that each fits it’s own, or each fits either. I emailed them to ask. Hang tight.

I really appreciate the help!

 

[Newdude]

Ok so slight update..... no response to the question asked on the pentair website. Somebody asked the same question 4 days before me and hasn’t gotten answered yet. So I chatted with inyopools today. Hector was more than happy to help but couldn’t confirm or deny it would work. He gave me a better link to Email Pentair and hopefully get an answer. (Original question asked and CCd to an Email but whattayagonnado?). Still waiting for a reply. Will let you know.

 

[Newdude]

Success !! Ross C at Pentair support says they will fit. So if you only replace the cartridges, get the 10% ish bigger 500s.

 

[Joeboog]

Success !! Ross C at Pentair support says they will fit. So if you only replace the cartridges, get the 10% ish bigger 500s.

Thanks for the help!!!! Just finished cleaning up the equipment pad, removed all the electrical and disconnected the heater. Found out, there was a bonding wire but NOTHING was bonded.