Need a new pool filter

[AZ_PoolGuy]

I currently have a Pentair System 3, 600 sq ft cartridge filter. I'm due for new filter cartridges and in my search have learned they don't make this filter system anymore and the cartridges are very difficult to come by, not to mention crazy expensive if you can find them. Leslie's recommended I switch to the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 sq ft filter, which is honestly close to the same cost as just the System 3 cartridges at this point. Thanks to this site and all of you, I've learned to take Leslie's advice with a grain of salt so I'm seeking a second opinion. Anyone have anything good or bad about the Clean & Clear system? Or other recommendations? My pool is 21K gallons. Also, how difficult is it to swap it out? Worth paying someone, or DIY worthy? Looks pretty straight forward. Thanks!

 

[1poolman1]

Pentair is a good filter. Whether it is easy is up to your skills. Be sure not to plumb backwards as so many on this forum have seen. If you are not sure about your PVC skills it may be best to hire a pro.

 

[PoolGate]

Did you check out Pleatco filters? Usually they are 1/2 as much. I'd replace the filter last. Nothing in the filter to break they pretty much last for 10-15 years when the UV finally gets to them and they crack.

 

[Newdude]

Go to pentairs website and find the Q&A section. Ask them what other filters fit your housing. I did for a member when they discontinued the 450(?) and the 500s fit. They probably fit your housing also. They took 2 or 3 days to answer but they would be the ones to know.

I had the S8M500 (system 3 / 500 sq ft) and loved it. We moved and I found another one for the second build. I would have taken a Clean and clear without blinking if I had to. It's another great filter. So those 2 are great choices if you have no choice but to replace yours. The 500/520 is still stupid big and you won't notice the 'downgrade' much of at all.

But the complete filters are crazy expensive these days, if you can even find them. So I'd go for a different sized $500 cartridges before spending $1500+ to replace the whole thing. (If Pentair says they fit)

 

[AZ_PoolGuy]

Did you check out Pleatco filters? Usually they are 1/2 as much. I'd replace the filter last. Nothing in the filter to break they pretty much last for 10-15 years when the UV finally gets to them and they crack.

Go to pentairs website and find the Q&A section. Ask them what other filters fit your housing. I did for a member when they discontinued the 450(?) and the 500s fit. They probably fit your housing also. They took 2 or 3 days to answer but they would be the ones to know.

I had the S8M500 (system 3 / 500 sq ft) and loved it. We moved and I found another one for the second build. I would have taken a Clean and clear without blinking if I had to. It's another great filter. So those 2 are great choices if you have no choice but to replace yours. The 500/520 is still stupid big and you won't notice the 'downgrade' much of at all.

But the complete filters are crazy expensive these days, if you can even find them. So I'd go for a different sized $500 cartridges before spending $1500+ to replace the whole thing. (If Pentair says they fit)

That’s good advice, thanks. I was thinking along the same lines and wondering if the S8M500 filters would fit, but those are about $900 after tax still. I think I’m just going to bite the bullet and replace the whole setup with the Clean & Clear. My housing is probably on its last year or two anyway because of the sun and heat here. If I’m going to make that kind of investment at this point I’m just going to go all in. Thanks everybody for the responses! Appreciate you.

 

[Newdude]

but those are about $900 after tax stil

Ooof. They were $500 a few months ago. I see the filters got extra pricey as well.

Any chance you can make it until the fall ? The prices usually drop off a cliff once half the country closes their pools.

*also to answer your DIY question. It takes 2 or 3 attempts to be good at PVC work. You can buy a 2 ft pipe and a couple fittings to practice for $10 and then be great at it on the 3rd time for the filter install.

It's literally just cutting plastic and gluing new pieces in its place. YouTube it and then practice once or twice.