Cracked filter lid

[connfann]

In preparation for the warmer weather I decided to give a thorough cleaning to my DE filter grids. Pentair FNS 60 sq ft.

I got some bad news that 3-4 of the grids had significant holes in them.

I put everything back together to have the filter running while looking for new parts and forgot to open the pressure release when starting back up..

I sent my lid into the neighbors yard (could have been a lot worse) and cracked it.

So now I need to replace the grids and the lid.. Its a 2014 so over 10 years at this point..
More cost effective to replace the whole unit at this point? If so, with what?

 

[ajw22]

Buy a new filter.

You want to stay with DE or switch to cartridge? Many folks are switching.

Do you want a drop in replacement or some PVC work will be needed?

Waterway has good cartridge filters well priced.

 

[connfann]

I would prefer a drop in replacement as I was planning on a DIY install.. but if a convincing case is made for a new brand I'll work it out..

 

[ajw22]

A drop in replacement would be another FNS 60.

 

[Bperry]

I would prefer a drop in replacement as I was planning on a DIY install.. but if a convincing case is made for a new brand I'll work it out..

Consider a cartridge. No more DE hassles.

 

[Newdude]

+1. Medium hassle retrofitting will save lots of hassle going forward. All filters need to be deep cleaned and 2 of the 3 have you lugging DE/Sand when needed. Any specific trip to the store isn't a deal breaker, but if the filter lasts 20+ years, it's alot of lugging.

Just like a SWG, that lugging or lack thereof isn't fully appreciated until it's not happening. Then folks kick themselves for not doing it sooner.

 

[JamesW]

I sent my lid into the neighbors yard (could have been a lot worse) and cracked it.

Like this?

 

[connfann]

Like this?

Ha.. not quite as much air as that video.

 

[1poolman1]

In preparation for the warmer weather I decided to give a thorough cleaning to my DE filter grids. Pentair FNS 60 sq ft.

I got some bad news that 3-4 of the grids had significant holes in them.

I put everything back together to have the filter running while looking for new parts and forgot to open the pressure release when starting back up..

I sent my lid into the neighbors yard (could have been a lot worse) and cracked it.

So now I need to replace the grids and the lid.. Its a 2014 so over 10 years at this point..
More cost effective to replace the whole unit at this point? If so, with what?

It wasn't the "pressure release" that caused the problem, they don't allow air out of the system fast enough to prevent what happened, there's an internal one as well.
It was an improperly installed, improperly tightened, or failed tank clamp. It can happen with any filter.
The only filter that was truly designed to prevent that happening is the StaRite System 3, now owned by Pentair, with all of its individual clamps. You would have to work very hard to get that tank to blow apart if the clamps are even slightly attached.

 

[Lake Placid]

Like this?

Although the lid was out of frame for most of the rotations, it looks like a reverse 3.5 somersault with tuck. I’d give it a 5.3….too much splash on entry.

 

[connfann]

Any cartridge filter recommendations to replace a Pentair FNS 60 sq ft?

 

[Lake Placid]

Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 or 520. Plumbing bulkheads will likely line up with what is there for the FNS60.

Edited to add….reducing the amount of adaptation required when installing.

 

[ajw22]

Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 or 520. Plumbing bulkheads will likely line up with what is there for the FNS60.

But the IN and OUT for cartridge and DE filters are reversed so PVC work is required.

 

[Lake Placid]

But the IN and OUT for cartridge and DE filters are reversed so PVC work is required.

Agreed….my thought was that the bulkheads are in the neighborhood it will minimize the amount of DIY plumbing vs a filter that has the design drastically different.

 

[ajw22]

Agreed….my thought was that the bulkheads are in the neighborhood it will minimize the amount of DIY plumbing vs a filter that has the design drastically different.

Agreed.

I just wanted @connfann to understand a FNS60 can be a drop in replacement and even a CCP 420 or 520 will need some PVC adjustments.

PVC Repair - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Mbashore]

I live in Sanger, TX. I just replaced my Pentair 60 DE filter with a cartridge. If you want my old filter for parts, the grids are four years old and are still good. Free, if you want it.

 

[connfann]

I live in Sanger, TX. I just replaced my Pentair 60 DE filter with a cartridge. If you want my old filter for parts, the grids are four years old and are still good. Free, if you want it.

That's very kind of you.. I'll take you up on that to get me up and running as I'm tied up with work next week..

 

[JamesW]

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[connfann]

I live in Sanger, TX. I just replaced my Pentair 60 DE filter with a cartridge. If you want my old filter for parts, the grids are four years old and are still good. Free, if you want it.

Big thank you to Mbashore.. Got up and running with his old parts over the weekend..