DE to Cartridge - Who has made the switch?

[YesRushGen]

The consensus on TFP seems to be "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." In that vein, I will probably end up replacing my Pentair FNSP60 with a Quad DE filter when the time comes. Dealing with the cartridge style grids looks easier than the grids.

However, I've read about the Clean & Clear Plus filters and I am considering the switch. On the plus side, the maintenance seems simpler and not having to deal with DE is nice. On the negative, I don't like the idea of "not getting the BEST filtration possible." Is the difference between ~3micron and ~20 micron filtration REALLY noticeable?

So for those of you who have made the switch... Are you glad you did? Do you regret it? Can you actually tell a difference in your water, by look and/or feel?

 

[skimmerswimmer]

I went from sand to DE and it made a big difference in water clarity and also when clearing up the cloudy pool after a replaster job and upon opening for the season. While I sometimes think regular cartridge filtration would be easier, I'd hate to sacrifice water quality and feel for minor convenience. I say minor since I never backflush my Quad DE filter, I just clean it out twice a season. It only takes 30 minutes. I also use skimmer socks, so they catch most of the pollen, etc.

 

[YesRushGen]

...While I sometimes think regular cartridge filtration would be easier, I'd hate to sacrifice water quality and feel for minor convenience...

Thanks, and that is exactly why I want to read reactions of folks' who have switched to cartridge from DE. (I do agree, dealing with the DE is only a minor inconvenience... been doing it for 12 years now!)

 

[Technikal]

I converted my existing filter from DE to cartridge after getting tired of the DE mess.

I can't say I notice any difference in water clarity. Looks just as clear now as it did with the DE. Probably cleaner because I inevitably ended up with DE in the pool.

From what I can read, human vision tops out around 20 microns, and cartridge filters can remove stuff well below that. I'm sure having a lot of sub 10 micron stuff is probably visible, but I haven't noticed any difference.

 

[Sminor]

I've never had DE but love my cartridge filter. Opening in the spring is easy - maybe takes 2-3 days total and I clean the filter everyday (takes about 5 minutes).
After that I need to clean it 1-2x a month. I don't lose any water cleaning it. I replace it every 2 years and replacement costs about $50 on amazon. I think the filtration level is excellent and even better when it's a little dirty; Water is crystal clear!