Replacing sand filter with a cartridge filter

[pool1]

Hello,

I am planning to replace my existing 10+ years old Sand Dollar filter with Pentair EC-160332 Clean and Clear Plus 520 Cartridge Filter, mostly to increase water clarity and eliminate backwashes.

As part of replumbing, I am going to add a tee from the pump to waste/filter, so I can drain excess water from the pool when needed.

And for this, I can do either 2 regular 2'' PVC ball valves (one to filter, one to waste), or a single 2'' 3-port diverter valve.
Diverter valve would be a little easier and I would have to turn just one valve to switch filter/waste, but I am concerned that it would eventually leak/drip to waste line. Any opinions/advice?

Also, please let me know if anything else would be advisable for example valves to bypass filter, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

P1,

We never recommend ball valves for anything...

A 3-way valve between the pump and the filter will allow you to pump to waste. It is also very usefull to shut the line off when you open the pump lid. This will prevent the filter from draining back into the pool.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

+1

I was given a waste option on my first pool. I came to love it over time and was on my list of must haves for pool #2.

 

[HermanTX]

Also, please let me know if anything else would be advisable for example valves to bypass filter, etc.

No need to bypass a filter. If you had a heater, you could set up a bypass for that.
Ensure you use unions on both sides of the pump for easy maintenance if needed in future.
Always use diverter valves in place of ball valves. A diverted valve is repairable. You can purchase the inside parts on Amazon.

 

[pool1]

Thanks everyone!
Got it, no ball valves
Yes on unions.
And yes pump to waste is a necessity.

 

[generessler]

Fwiw, for the few times I've needed to drain (when the autoleveler was winterized), I've attached a short length of hose to the air bleed tee on my CCP filter. A normal female hose coupling is on the end. To drain I just attach my garden hose and open the bleed. This take just a couple of minutes to set up. My pool is 45 x 14. The arrangement dumps about 10 gpm, so taking the level down an inch is 45 minutes.

Where you do need a 2" waste pipe is vacuuming when you don't want the dirt going into the filter.

 

[pool1]

Fwiw, for the few times I've needed to drain (when the autoleveler was winterized), I've attached a short length of hose to the air bleed tee on my CCP filter. A normal female hose coupling is on the end. To drain I just attach my garden hose and open the bleed. This take just a couple of minutes to set up. My pool is 45 x 14. The arrangement dumps about 10 gpm, so taking the level down an inch is 45 minutes.

Where you do need a 2" waste pipe is vacuuming when you don't want the dirt going into the filter.

Thanks for the tip, I will try it out. My pool is 32k and I usually run my pump at low/mid RPM, so will have to see just how quickly it will dump the water through the filter bleeder without having to mess with the pump/valve.
Unfortunately my pool does not have autoleveler/overflow drain, so having to manually manage water level is a frequent chore. Unless we have a drought I rarely have to add water, but dumping excess water - especially since I will not have to backwash - is something I'll have to do 4-5 times per season easily.
What I like about dumping directly to waste is that I can crank up the pump and I am done in about 5-7.
And also as you said when vacuuming - which I only do once a season when I open the pool.

Cheers,
V.B.