DE to Cartridge switch

[tcat]

I have a Pentair 48' DE filter, considering replacing with Pentair CCP240 or 320. It appears connections are in same location, so should be easy. The DE grids are such a PITA! My VS pump runs at 750 & 1850 rpm, so I'm thinking the CCP would be plenty, or would the 320 be a better choice? Replacement cartridges are about the same price, but the 320 is initially about $400 more.

I'll be doing some replumbing in a couple months to replace a couple only ball valves with Jandy. Might be a good time to replace the 18 year old DE.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

The QuadDE is much easier to clean than the old grid style DE systems but I’ll be switching to a cartridge sometime in the future. DE is just an unnecessary complication. I could actually just install new internals in my QuadDE to convert it to a Clean and Clear (same body) but it’s old enough that it’s just presentable to replace the whole thing.

Just make sure the inlet and outlet connections are the same. You can’t reverse a cartridge filter or else you’ll blow out the filter elements.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tcat,

I don't think the connections are the same.. Most DE filters are backward from most cartridge filters..

You might want to look at a Waterway, as they are cheaper than the Pentair, but just as nice. I replaced a DE filter at a rent house earlier this year and used the Waterway.. I like it. For sure its in and out ports were different than the old DE filter..

I would go with the largest cartridge filter you can afford. Not a lot more money to go with the 525..

I would not go below a 325.

Crystal Water Cartridge

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[PoolStored]

You don't state the model of the filter. If you have Pentair Pro Grade FNS Plus 48 Sq. Ft. DE Pool Filter | 180008 The vertical dimension is 7.5 CTC. Input is on the bottom, output on the top.



The Pentair CCP 320 is also a 7.5" CTC, however the inlet is on the top and the output is on the bottom.

 

[Newdude]

The DE grids are such a PITA!

How often do you need to clean them ?

Carts don't have a backwash option to help prolong the big cleanings. I would want a larger cart system than DE/sand for that alone.

Ignore the gallon ratings of any filter you find. How deep the pool is does nothing to stop all your greenery from blowing or falling in. The more enviornmental debris you have, the more often you need to clean the filter. The larger the filter, the less you'll have to clean it. Filter X being rated for 25k gallons is almost laughable.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tcat,

Cartridges should last about 8 to 10 years, so their cost is not really a big deal. You also do not need to use the expensive 'factory' cartridges. Not sure where you got the $400 dollars from, but I see them in the $200 dollar range..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[tcat]

Tcat,

Cartridges should last about 8 to 10 years, so their cost is not really a big deal. You also do not need to use the expensive 'factory' cartridges. Not sure where you got the $400 dollars from, but I see them in the $200 dollar range..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Yes cartridges are $120-$150 for 4. I was referring to the whole filter, the 320 is $400 more than the 240.

 

[Newdude]

. I also like the idea of getting rid of the multiport valve.

Keep the waste function as it will still come in handy at times. Swap the MPV for a simple 3 way diverter and you can vac to waste or drain off excess rain with ease.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Yes cartridges are $120-$150 for 4. I was referring to the whole filter, the 320 is $400 more than the 240.

tcat,

Sorry, I misunderstood your post...

The bigger the filter, the less often you will have to clean it.. Filters last almost forever, so the extra cost amortized over the life of the filter is worth it in my opinion.

If cost is a major concern, then the Waterway filter is a pretty good option.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

tcat,

Sorry, I misunderstood your post...

The bigger the filter, the less often you will have to clean it.. Filters last almost forever, so the extra cost amortized over the life of the filter is worth it in my opinion.

If cost is a major concern, then the Waterway filter is a pretty good option.

Thanks,

Jim R.

That WaterWay filter is nice because their engineers realized that HUMANS BEINGS WITH 2 ARMS need to work on it and they put the drain plug in so it sticks out horizontally. Unlike Pentair that makes their drain as inaccessible as possible …

Do you know if the drain plug is a standard thread? Can it be rigged up with a ball valve to make it easy to open and close the drain? The Pentair’s require a bit of specialty plumbing to get a 1-1/2” ball vale to work with their drains. I was interested if Waterway made it any easier …

 

[tcat]

Example of my setup. As you can see, plumbing needs a big redo. Two Jandy 3-way valves should do the trick, one for pump, one for new filter. I'll probably reposition the SWG, since it's before the heat pump.

Curiosity, do the multiport valves have a position where they reverse the flow? Where could just relabel it for cartridge?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Matt,

I just installed the Waterway in July, so I don't expect to take the drain plug out until June/July this year..

I do plan to install a new Waterway in a different rent house in the next few months, so when I do, I'll see what I can find out about the drain fitting.. It makes me wonder why anyone would use a non-standard fittings???

And I agree 100% on the drain placement. The older I get, the harder it is for me to bend in the right shape to get it removed... Sigh!!!

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Curiosity, do the multiport valves have a position where they reverse the flow? Where could just relabel it for cartridge?

tcat,

One of the advantages of a cartridge filter is that there is no MPV... Much less back pressure, and allows your pump to run slower and still move a lot of water.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Curiosity, do the multiport valves have a position where they reverse the flow? Where could just relabel it for cartridge?

That’s a big NOPE!

You reverse the flow on a cartridge filter and you’ll be buying all new cartridges. It’s not worth the risk.

 

[tcat]

Curious if Waterway 3-way valves are as good as Jandy. Or maybe Pentair:

Amazon.com

Is CPVC worth it? I don't plan on any automation. $50 seems a good price for a 3-way.

 

[Newdude]

Curious if Waterway 3-way valves are as good as Jandy. Or maybe Pentair:

They should all be reasonably the same. Also Hayward.

 

[tcat]

Ok, looking for comments for my DE to cartridge conversion. This is my current setup. I plan on removing those old pump valves and replacing with one 3-way, easy. Currently my SWG feeds the heater, I plan on replumbing to after heater (leaving it roughly where it is). If you zoom in you should be able to see what's going where. Does this look ok? Suggestions welcome!

Edit: just noticed, the red & green at left should be switched, the left heater port is "in'.

 

[proavia]

On the return side, consider following this diagram. Move stuff around to make it neat and easy to maintain.

File:Heater Bypass Schematic.jpg - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

On the suction side, you can use one 3-way diverter valve or two 2-way diverter valves. If you need to blow out the pipes to winterize, consider two 2-way valves.

 

[tcat]

Texas, 3-way is fine. I plan on adding a 3-way to bypass the heater (although I can't see a reason for it). If the heater dies, you live without heat for a week or two.

 

[PoolStored]

• the heater is leaking or needs repairs
• opening the pool in the Spring and balancing the water chemistry
• the pH may fall below 7.0
• using any chermical that may lower the pH below 7.0
• the heater is not being used for periods of time in which case 90% of the flow should be bypassed and a small amount allowed to flow through the heater.

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com