How do you know when/if to backwash Pentair Quad DE filter and why do some say you don't need to?

[pool-cat13]

I currently have a DE filter that needs replacing. I'm now considering going to a Pentair Quad DE because it seems to be the best of the cartridge and DE worlds. One thing I'm not clear about is when you know you need to clean or backwash it? Is this still based on the 25% increase in pressure? Many on here say you don't have to backwash it, but I'm unclear what people are doing instead if they're not backwashing.

 

[DorsalSpine]

I believe the 25% increase still applies. That's what I do anyway. However, I'm not familiar with your filter. My DE filter is the "bump" kind that doesn't backwash. Your mileage may be different. Your manual and/or supplier should be able to answer your question.

 

[dianedebuda]

I have a Quad DE. Had a std DE before - world of difference. I'm finding it so easy to just take it apart and wash with a hose that I don't bother with backwash. Get a better cleaning, IMO. Think I saw similar posts before I bought mine.

Manual says 20 lb pressure change, IIRC. You're supposed to set the low end pointer on the pressure gauge when you clean. I'm finding looking at the flow rate out of the returns a better indicator. Needed to clean mine only at beg of season so far.

Edit: Found this to be helpful when I was evaluating filter: How to clean a Pentair Quad DE Pool Filter

 

[Jimrahbe]

13,

I don't think anyone is saying you don't have to clean a large DE filter, but that since the filter is large, it could take a whole season to get it dirty enough to clean. Since it makes sense to open and clean the filter once a year, it just means that backwashing is never needed.

I have two DE filters at rent houses and that is what I wanted when I built the pool at my house.. Due to City requirements I could not get a DE filter and was "forced" to go with a large cartridge filter.. That was over 7 years ago and now I can't wait for the rent house DE filters to die so I can replace then with large cartridges filters..

No DE to fool with.. No MPV to leak, or go bad.. Dirt simple plumbing and low back pressure... I will never buy a DE filter again.

I have already removed the MPV from the two DE filter I have, as I clean them twice year and never backwash them any more.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

Many on here say you don't have to backwash it, but I'm unclear what people are doing instead if they're not backwashing.

The Quad DE really does not backwash well enough to be worthwhile.

The filter does need to be cleaned, but the only way to do it right is to take it apart and use a hose to spray the cartridges clean.

I would recommend a Clean and Clear Plus cartridge filter in 420 square feet.

 

[jark87]

I will never buy a DE filter again.

That’s really interesting to hear from an expert. I’ve only had DE, so I don’t have any experience with anything else. At the time of our build (2007), I was told DE was the best filtration we could get, so that’s what we did. I’m not thrilled with cleaning it 2-3x per year, but just assumed that’s what was necessary. If cartridge filters are lower maintenance, I’ll be all in at some point, but I just replaced all of my DE grids last year, so it may be another 13+ years, since that’s how long my last grids lasted.

 

[pool-cat13]

I have a Quad DE. Had a std DE before - world of difference. I'm finding it so easy to just take it apart and wash with a hose that I don't bother with backwash. Get a better cleaning, IMO. Think I saw similar posts before I bought mine.

Manual says 20 lb pressure change, IIRC. You're supposed to set the low end pointer on the pressure gauge when you clean. I'm finding looking at the flow rate out of the returns a better indicator. Needed to clean mine only at beg of season so far.

Edit: Found this to be helpful when I was evaluating filter: How to clean a Pentair Quad DE Pool Filter

I have a standard DE now that needs replacing. my pool is 30,000 gallons. My repairman is saying the Quad DE is too small and suggests a FNS plus but the specs on the quad 100 have greater GPM and higher turnover. Thoughts? Has this been a problem for you?

do you have a variable speed pump? Any issues with running on low speed?

Any other pros/cons between standard?

regardless of which filter I am planning on getting the biggest one I can as per TFP advice.

 

[Jimrahbe]

13,

Buy whatever filter you want, but do not do so based on "turnovers".. The idea that you have to turnover your pool water X times a day is a myth.. Your filter is supposed to be capturing things that fall into your pool.. The proper chemical levels is what keeps your pool clear and sanitized.

I agree with the bigger the filter, the better off you will be... I have a CCP-520 cartridge filter and run my VS pump most of the time at 1200 RPM.. At that speed I have plenty of flow to make my SWCG and Skimmers work, yet my filter pressure is less than 2 lbs.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[dianedebuda]

I have a standard DE now that needs replacing. my pool is 30,000 gallons. My repairman is saying the Quad DE is too small and suggests a FNS plus but the specs on the quad 100 have greater GPM and higher turnover. Thoughts? Has this been a problem for you?

do you have a variable speed pump? Any issues with running on low speed?

Any other pros/cons between standard?

regardless of which filter I am planning on getting the biggest one I can as per TFP advice.

My age (72) and future lifting abilities heavily influenced my filter choice. I have some shoulder arthritis that acts up from time to time causing pain when I lift things. From what I've read, a dirty cartridge is relatively heavy to remove; the Quad DE can be hosed off in place and once clean, is very light. When the cover on my equipment area is in place, I also have limited lift height, so although I originally leaned towards getting a Quad 100 DE, I went with the shorter 60 to play it safe. No regrets at this point.

I have a VS pump.

The std DE filter that I had for 40 yrs was only about a 40 and was a PIA to clean. I can get the Quad completed in less than 30 min.

 

[dianedebuda]

do you have a variable speed pump? Any issues with running on low speed?

Sorry, forgot to answer the low speed part. No, not having any problem using low speed. I run my pump just high enough for the SWG to work.