Cartilage filter replacement - Hayward, Unicel, Pleatco..?

[nikon5400]

My cartridges are at least 8 summers old (12 seasons at most). I don't know how often they should be replaced in NE with pool open 3-4 month and no trees around.

Hayward rep told me 4-5 years, I believe blue haven rep from texas (pool uncovered, pump running 12 months) told me he replaces his every 8-10 years, but he uses Hayward REM (microban) ones

My pool is always clear except I get some dust on the floor. I haven't even used a vacuum for the last 5 years and the only reason I'd want to get new carriages is get rid of the dust. Everything else wind gets in the pool (chipped off deck paint and maybe a few leaves) gets filtered out.

So, if I decide to get new cartridges, which brand is the best? Price is about the same - CX875RE ranges from $40-60 per cartridge, so it'll end up costing around $200.


Thanks!

P.S. Do I even need new cartridges, considering pool is always crystal clear and dust can be removed by a ~$30(?) battery powered broom?

 

[tim5055]

I have only ever had cartridges in spas/hot tubs but have always replaced the OEM filters with Pleatco. In that application I never saw any difference between them and the OEM.

 

[Meadow]

@OP, how often do you clean the cartridges? Do you carefully inspect the condition of the cartridges ie, holes, tear, etc...when you clean them?

I am guessing what you have is a Hayward C4xxx series cartridge filter. The most common issue that always gets overlooked is the condition of the bottom manifold. Inspect the manifold top section for any signs of holes or leaks. Fill the manifold with water. If the water level goes down then most likely you have a leak at the bottom causing inefficient water filtration.

It might be in your best interest to watch the below youtube videos. Hope this helps.

Hayward Manifold Replacement

Hayward Pool Filter Collector Manifold Replacement

 

[nikon5400]

@OP, how often do you clean the cartridges? Do you carefully inspect the condition of the cartridges ie, holes, tear, etc...when you clean them?

I am guessing what you have is a Hayward C4xxx series cartridge filter. The most common issue that always gets overlooked is the condition of the bottom manifold. Inspect the manifold top section for any signs of holes or leaks. Fill the manifold with water. If the water level goes down then most likely you have a leak at the bottom causing inefficient water filtration.

It might be in your best interest to watch the below youtube videos. Hope this helps.

Hayward Manifold Replacement

Hayward Pool Filter Collector Manifold Replacement

I clean cartridges when I close and sometimes also after I open, but this time my pool water was clearer than ever before, usually I can't see main drain for a couple days but this time it wasn't the case.
I closed it differently last fall - covered first with pump running for a few weeks and when it got much colder drained the pipes. No algaecide, no shocking before closing, covered with solid cover when ch was about 2-3ppm.

Good points on bottom manifold. Hayward rep mentioned it too, so I'll need to check it out. My filter drain plug had a little leak, I tried to tighten it and got a leak from the body of the plug, a few tiny jets. I removed the drain plug the paint derbies came out with water, like tiny little stones. Some are actually stuck in the plug, not sure if these tiny stones forced plug to leak like the shower head... never seen that before and I can't see the holes in the plug with a magnifying glass.

Since little stones came out, does it indicate the bottom manifold may be bad?
thanks.

 

[Meadow]

Since little stones came out, does it indicate the bottom manifold may be bad?
thanks.

Nope, unless the cartridge itself developed holes big enough for the debris to pass through. Typically, only filtered water should flow to the bottom manifold and back to the pool.

I stock up on filter drain plug SPX1022C. You need to lube the o-ring each time you opened it and do not over tightened or they will crack easily along the edges.
Here's the Hayward Super Star Clear Cartridge Filter parts for your reference.

 

[nikon5400]

Re: Cartridge filter replacement - Hayward, Unicel, Pleatco..?

Nope, unless the cartridge itself developed holes big enough for the debris to pass through. Typically, only filtered water should flow to the bottom manifold and back to the pool.

I stock up on filter drain plug SPX1022C. You need to lube the o-ring each time you opened it and do not over tightened or they will crack easily along the edges.
Here's the Hayward Super Star Clear Cartridge Filter parts for your reference.

Bottom manifold still looks ok to me, but will probably crack soon. Cartridges were cleaned when closed, so the dirt on pictures is all it got in 2.5 weeks. I just rinsed them off again.
This system was installed in 2006, wonder if cartridges are Hayward or generic brand. They have no name on them that I can see.

Cartridges were used at least 8 seasons (~~32 months), at most 12 seasons.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/F6U6Airq1EwPi2Fh7

Thanks.