Buying a used cartridge filter

[tikoh]

Hi all,

I’ve only ever used sand filters. The one I inherited with my pool is definitely a little undersized and it’s been on my list of things to replace for 5 years now.

There is someone local to me selling a sta-rite system:3 cartridge filter. I’ve always liked the idea of cartridges, but what do I look for when buying used? It’s listed for $100, so the risk is low, but I still want to make an informed decision.

Model is the S7M120

 

[PoolGate]

Check the condition of the cartridges and the rubber seals. Also check for cracks. What is the age? Is it UV damaged? Check and see what a new set of cartridges cost as well.

 

[PoolGate]

Oh - some of those have proprietary threaded connections. If so, you may need to buy a new connection piece to plumb it into your system.

 

[tikoh]

Oh - some of those have proprietary threaded connections. If so, you may need to buy a new connection piece to plumb it into your system.

That’s a good call! The pentair pump does, I wouldnt be surprised if the filter did too

 

[mknauss]

Sta Rite 3 replacement cartridges are well north of $500. So be aware of that.

Cartridge Replacements For Sta-Rite® System 3® S7M120® by Optimum Pool Technologies

This replacement filter cartridge kit is designed for the Sta-Rite® System 3® S7M120® Modular Media Filter. The S7M120® Filter holds one smaller inner cartridge (100 sqft) and one larger outer cartridge (200 sqft). This Optimum Pool Technologies replacement cartridge kit includes one small and...

poolguysupply.com

 

[1poolman1]

Hi all,

I’ve only ever used sand filters. The one I inherited with my pool is definitely a little undersized and it’s been on my list of things to replace for 5 years now.

There is someone local to me selling a sta-rite system:3 cartridge filter. I’ve always liked the idea of cartridges, but what do I look for when buying used? It’s listed for $100, so the risk is low, but I still want to make an informed decision.

Model is the S7M120

Connection is a Sta Rite bulkhead fitting (half-union). Proprietary. Pentair PKG188.

 

[tikoh]

Sta Rite 3 replacement cartridges are well north of $500. So be aware of that.

Cartridge Replacements For Sta-Rite® System 3® S7M120® by Optimum Pool Technologies

This replacement filter cartridge kit is designed for the Sta-Rite® System 3® S7M120® Modular Media Filter. The S7M120® Filter holds one smaller inner cartridge (100 sqft) and one larger outer cartridge (200 sqft). This Optimum Pool Technologies replacement cartridge kit includes one small and...

poolguysupply.com

Yes, I saw that, thank you…my thought is that as long as nothing is cracked, even if I have to replace the filters, $600 sure beats $1600.

 

[tikoh]

Connection is a Sta Rite bulkhead fitting (half-union). Proprietary. Pentair PKG188.

Awesome, thank you!

 

[PoolStored]

Sta-rites are built like a tank.

 

[Newdude]

Sta-rites are built like a tank.

I dunno. Tanks can blow up other tanks but they can't blow up a System 3.

 

[tikoh]

Alright, I’m going to go pick it up tomorrow. Wish me luck.

 

[PoolGate]

Alright, I’m going to go pick it up tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Look at Pleatco for aftermarket cartridges. Should be a lot cheaper. I use nothing but Pleatco now.

 

[wireform]

Be forewarned when cleaning and removing those wet cartridges, very heavy. Have a pool with those and my golly.

 

[Newdude]

Look at Pleatco for aftermarket cartridges. Should be a lot cheaper. I use nothing but Pleatco now.

Pentair bought Pleatco a few years back. And justlikethat, the Pentair generics cost the same as the OEMs.

 

[tikoh]

Going to pick up today…the seller sent a photo showing that he pressure washed the cartridges for me

Think they’re beat? Still a good deal for the filter tank either way…

 

[mknauss]

I would order new cartridges soon. You can at least put the filter together to make sure it does not leak.

 

[proavia]

Given that the bands are compromised, new cartridges are in order.

 

[tikoh]

I would order new cartridges soon. You can at least put the filter together to make sure it does not leak.

Assuming there are some tears in the filter, will it just be less efficient? Or will the water just pass through the tears unfiltered?

I’m hoping to run it for a week or two before buying new cartridges and getting rid of the sand.

 

[mknauss]

It appears to me the filter media is compromised. Should never be pressure washed.

Will not be the end of the world if you want to run it before ordering new filters. May not filter real well, but that is just aesthetic.

 

[tikoh]

All plumbed up this morning and so far so good. Thanks everyone