I'm sure this sort of thing is asked all the time on this board, so I apologize in advance. I haven't found any topics that compare these two filters specifically online, so I figured I would come here. Anyway, first I will offer some details as to why I am looking at a new filter in case there may be something I am missing about my setup that is contributing to my problems.
I currently have a 150 square foot Pentair Sta-Rite cartridge filter and a 3/4 HP pump that I hate. I think its undersized for my above ground pool (17x33 by 5FT deep and a capacity of 22,500 gallons). My pump only has good pressure for a few hours before dying down. I then have to take the filter out, which is new, and clean it. This happens even with clean water; if I was clearing a green pool I would understand the pressure dying but its not green. The filter isn't even that dirty when I take it out, so perhaps just opening the cavity and putting it back together is fixing the pressure each time. There is a little pressure bleeder thing that clogs pretty easily, I usually find that once I clean that off the pressure returns. I cannot offer any info on what my pressure actually is as the pressure reader doesn't seem to work.
My plumbing is all inch and a half. I have two skimmers and two returns, although the second skimmer and return were just added and this problem existed prior to adding them. The hose runs are between 20FT and 40FT in length. The pump is older, and probably too weak for the size pool I have.
So, I am looking at a new filter/pump combo and want to stay with Pentair, and I want to go with sand for ease of maintenance. I don't think I need the filtering power of DE or cartridge, and I want an easier filter to maintain.
The two products they seem to offer are their Cristal-Flo and Sand Dollar models. From their website, the only difference I can find are the material used to make the shell and nothing regarding the pump or plumbing (both come with 1 1/2 HP Dynomo pumps and are top plumbed).
Does anyone have experience with both or knowledge of both that can recommend one? I want to go with their 22" 250 pound model, which I believe is big enough for my pool and will filter better than a 150 SQ FT cartridge filter. Anyone agree?
Thanks so much for any advice that is offered!
I currently have a 150 square foot Pentair Sta-Rite cartridge filter and a 3/4 HP pump that I hate. I think its undersized for my above ground pool (17x33 by 5FT deep and a capacity of 22,500 gallons). My pump only has good pressure for a few hours before dying down. I then have to take the filter out, which is new, and clean it. This happens even with clean water; if I was clearing a green pool I would understand the pressure dying but its not green. The filter isn't even that dirty when I take it out, so perhaps just opening the cavity and putting it back together is fixing the pressure each time. There is a little pressure bleeder thing that clogs pretty easily, I usually find that once I clean that off the pressure returns. I cannot offer any info on what my pressure actually is as the pressure reader doesn't seem to work.
My plumbing is all inch and a half. I have two skimmers and two returns, although the second skimmer and return were just added and this problem existed prior to adding them. The hose runs are between 20FT and 40FT in length. The pump is older, and probably too weak for the size pool I have.
So, I am looking at a new filter/pump combo and want to stay with Pentair, and I want to go with sand for ease of maintenance. I don't think I need the filtering power of DE or cartridge, and I want an easier filter to maintain.
The two products they seem to offer are their Cristal-Flo and Sand Dollar models. From their website, the only difference I can find are the material used to make the shell and nothing regarding the pump or plumbing (both come with 1 1/2 HP Dynomo pumps and are top plumbed).
Does anyone have experience with both or knowledge of both that can recommend one? I want to go with their 22" 250 pound model, which I believe is big enough for my pool and will filter better than a 150 SQ FT cartridge filter. Anyone agree?
Thanks so much for any advice that is offered!