Failure of filter cartridges?

[clintmiller]

I’ve got a new (installed 2021) Pentair quad cartridge filter that I’ve noticed seems to be returning some (not lots) dirt to the pool. Opened it up today and tops of cartridges look worn….maybe even failed?

Do these need to be replaced? Isn’t 9 months a pretty short lifetime for these?

 

[mknauss]

Mine are 8 years old and look better than those.

I suggest you get with your supplier or pool builder. Those cartridges need to be replaced. And they should be done under a warranty.

 

[clintmiller]

Mine are 8 years old and look better than those.

I suggest you get with your supplier or pool builder. Those cartridges need to be replaced. And they should be done under a warranty.

Thanks- will do!

 

[Shirker]

Those look awful. What would make them degrade that fast? Do you have super high chlorine levels? Or maybe it is a manufacture defect?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Clint,

Please show me a pic of the plumbing going in and out of your filter.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[clintmiller]

Those look awful. What would make them degrade that fast? Do you have super high chlorine levels? Or maybe it is a manufacture defect?

Chlorine levels are tested regularly and balanced according to the TFP method. How high would the chlorine have to be for what period of time to do that kind of damage?

 

[clintmiller]

Clint,

Please show me a pic of the plumbing going in and out of your filter.

Thanks,

Jim R.

I know this is a multiport valve usually used for a DE filter. I just haven’t replaced it yet with the plumbing necessary to bypass it and enable vacuum to waste.

I have DEFINITELY NOT run it in the backwash setting. I know that’s not appropriate for a cartridge filter.

 

[Shirker]

How high would the chlorine have to be for what period of time to do that kind of damage?

No idea. Does the plastic feel tacky or gummy?

 

[Newdude]

I have DEFINITELY NOT run it in the backwash setting. I know that’s not appropriate for a cartridge filter

(And I believe you)

Who else may have ? The cracks and seams look blown outward. Which is exactly what we'd expect if the flow was reversed and what Jim was alluding to.

No liquid could cause stress cracks. Acid would melt it and not shatter it.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Clint,

The CCP-520 (style) cartridge filters have their input and output flow backwards from other filters.

I suspect that you are running water through your filter backwards which just blows them apart.

You'd have been better off running in the backwash mode...

One of the benefits of a cartridge filter system is not having a multiport valve. They add about 5 lbs. of additional back pressure.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[clintmiller]

Clint,

The CCP-520 (style) cartridge filters have their input and output flow backwards from other filters.

I suspect that you are running water through your filter backwards which just blows them apart.

You'd have been better off running in the backwash mode...

One of the benefits of a cartridge filter system is not having a multiport valve. They add about 5 lbs. of additional back pressure.

Thanks,

Jim R.

The only way I see that could happen is if the filter body is plumbed backwards from a FNS+ DE filter, which is what was installed previously. Maybe that’s what you’re saying?

 

[Jimrahbe]

he only way I see that could happen is if the filter body is plumbed backwards from a FNS+ DE filter, which is what was installed previously. Maybe that’s what you’re saying?

Yep...

Jim R.

 

[Shirker]

The only way I see that could happen is if the filter body is plumbed backwards

Are the cartridges dirty on the inside or outside?

 

[clintmiller]

Are the cartridges dirty on the inside or outside?

When I rinse them, I get dirty water runoff from both the inside and outside.

 

[Shirker]

When I rinse them, I get dirty water runoff from both the inside and outside.

When I clean mine, I have a very noticeable dirty side (on the outside). Here is a before/after picture from yesterday. These were installed in 2019.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Clint,

Notice anything different between the DE filter and the Cartridge filter???

The Input and outputs are backwards..

Jim R.




Jim R.

 

[pjt]

The outer pleats of the OP's filter look clean.

Definitely suggests the filter is plumbed backwards.

 

[Saturn94]

I know this is a multiport valve usually used for a DE filter. I just haven’t replaced it yet with the plumbing necessary to bypass it and enable vacuum to waste.

I have DEFINITELY NOT run it in the backwash setting. I know that’s not appropriate for a cartridge filter.

It appears that multivalve is for Pentair DE filters, not cartridge filters. As Jim pointed out, the inlet and outlet are reversed between the DE and cartridge models, so you are likely running flow backwards through the filter.

 

[clintmiller]

You guys are correct. It was installed backwards with the multiport valve. Clearly this needs to be addressed.

Wow.

 

[clintmiller]

So now, a quick question about removing the multipart valve, but preserving the ability to bypass the filter ("recirculation", for maintenance) or bypass the filter and dump to waste.

Looks like I will need (3), Jandy diverter valves to do this (see diagram). Do I also need a check valve to prevent the supply from being run into the outlet of the filter? In that case, it should be plumbed between the filter outline and the diverter valve on the return line, right?

Thanks!