I am looking to replace my sta-rite system 3 modular de filter that I used with my 27' above ground, 17,000 gallon pool. It came with the house when we bought it almost 17 years ago and the cartridge has finally worn out. I really liked this unit. It was easy to use and maintain. My typical pool season is memorial day to labor day and I would change the DE about every 4-5 weeks and my water was always crystal clear. At the end of the season I would get the cartridge acid washed and be good until the following season. I was hoping to just get a new unit of the same model but it doesn't appear that this model is available through pentair anymore and what is available is expensive. I started doing a little googling for DE filters and came across the Hayward Perflex Filter EC40AC. It seems like it might be what I am looking for. My local pool store is a Hayward dealer which is one reason for leaning this way. Although, their lead pool guy says I should go with a sand filter. But I have had great success with DE and live on the edge of the woods so there is always lots of debris falling in the water and I am not convinced I will have the same success with a sand filter that I have had with the DE. I could be wrong but if it is not broke, don't fix it. Anyway, who here is using the Hayward Perflex filter/pump and what has your experience been with it? Are there other brands/models that I should check out? On a somewhat related note, I have been running a 1.0 horsepower pump for my 27' foot pool. Should I be running a 1.5 horsepower pump? I appreciate the help and any and all suggestions!
