Cartridge vs DE Filter

[JoyfulNoise]

One thing I note which is interesting is your post from 04-13-2017, 08:04 AM in your "Guts of QuadDE Filter" thread:




So although you yourself love your QuadDE filter, it sounds like if you had a choice you don't really see the advantage of dealing with DE versus just using a standard non-DE cartridge filter? (Or put it another way. Suppose you could actually put in standard cartridges in your QuadDE instead, would you rather use that?)

I think it's a bit more fair to accurately quote the entire comment I made -

If I were asked to pick a new filter tomorrow, I'd probably go with a Clean & Clean cartridge filter because the extra step of recharging the DE has gotten "old". However, if I had to choose a DE filter, I would choose a Quad style hands-down! I think they are much better than the grid style, at least in terms of maintenance.

In all fairness, I have never owned nor tried to clean a cartridge filter so, before I change, it would wise to experience that process first hand so I can make an informed choice. Many cartridge filter owners report having to use a special nozzle to clean in between pleats and that it takes a fair bit of work to get it all clean. Given my OCD-like nature, I might find that just as annoying, or "old", as having to add DE which, in reality, is not a huge deal.

One area where my DE filter really performs is in clearing my pool when I treat for phosphates. I treat my pool annually for phosphates every spring when I do my tear down. When you add phosphate remover to a pool, it creates slight bit of haze from the particles of lanthanum carbonate and lanthanum phosphate formed. In my pool, that "haze" clears in less than 8 hours of filtering. Many cartridge and sand filter owners will report that the clearing of a phosphate remover takes days and requires the addition if a clarifying agent. So, in that very specific regard, my DE filter is the better choice.

Good luck with whatever filter you chose, I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.

 

[pooldv]

My CC520 works fine. My pool water is so clear that I think it is impossible for it to be any clearer. But, we have lots of trees that put lots of stuff in the pool and I have to clean the filter twice in spring and twice in fall. If I were buying a filter today I would go with a sand filter. There are many thousands of TFP people with very clear water who have sand filters. A quick backwash a few times a year is a LOT easier than cleaning the cartridges a few times a year. I will add that since switching to Pleatco cartridges my filter cleaning dropped from 2-3 times twice a year to only 2 times and occasionally once in spring and fall. And they are easier to clean and clean up better.

And most notable is since switching from the Pentair Legend II pressure cleaner to the Doheny's Discovery/S200 robot cleaner last fall I only had to clean the cartridges once last fall and once this spring. Getting so much additional debris out of the water with the robot seems to have made a big difference.

A DE filter is not even on my list, too much work and too messy. I ain't got time for that.

 

[Mandrake]

I have a 20k gal pool. Based on the getting the biggest filter possible, it looks like I am down to the following choices:

* Hayward SwimClear C5030 525 Sq Ft
* Pentair Clean and Clear Plus CCP520 520 Sq Ft
* Pentair Quad DE 100 - 100sqft Combination Cartridge & DE filter
Unless someone can explain why I might choose a traditional grid DE filter rather than Pentair Quad DE cartridge "grid", I think I would just do with Quad DE (if going with DE filter in the first place).

Are these sizes a bit overkill (maybe I can go with the filter one size smaller like 420 cartridge filter or Quad DE 80)?
Any opinions on any of these possible choices?
Any other choice to consider instead?

Hi,

I am facing the same conundrum as you did, so I wonder which filter did you eventually decide to go with. I was almost certain that I will go with Cartridge, but then I read a post which said that DE filter will clean dirty pool much faster, and my pool is ALWAYS dirty (pitch black) upon opening.

Thanks,

M.

 

[jblizzle]

Hi,

I am facing the same conundrum as you did, so I wonder which filter did you eventually decide to go with. I was almost certain that I will go with Cartridge, but then I read a post which said that DE filter will clean dirty pool much faster, and my pool is ALWAYS dirty (pitch black) upon opening.

Thanks,

M.

Sounds like you are not closing properly then

DE is a PITA if you have to clean up algae. Often clogs up in less than an hour, followed by backwashing and more DE.

 

[Mandrake]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

I had two different crews closing my pool for the last several years, and the results were always the same, even though I usually close mid October and open mid to late April. I was told my mesh grid is to blame, and the pool is to big and and hard to access (tricky landscaping on one side) for a solid grid :-(

Given my situation, which filter do you think would do better job upon opening the pool big cartridge (i.e Hayward, 725 sqft) or Pentair Quad D.E. 100 (I guess either one would be better than what I have right now).

M.