Filter Panel Life Span?....

[srnorris]

I have a DE Pentair FNS Plus Filter tank (about 14 years old in good shape) which I think (forgive me) is rated "60"...and stands about 4' tall. I replaced all of the filter panels exactly three years ago. We live in Southern California, 14,000 gallons, salt water generator system. Light overall pool use. I completely cleaned out the panels 30 days ago, and also 45 days before that, and the variable speed pump has gone back up to 500 watts of power use - which is a signal the panels are getting clogged again.

Historically, the normal wattage after a backwash, and for up to six months is around 250 watts. One more detail - in the last six months, I have been attempting to control high phosphates by using "Leslies Perfect Weekly" (couple of cap fulls in the pool weekly) - which I have a love-hate relationship with because it controls phosphates, but I think - really clogs up the filter panels.

So, all that to ask.... are my panels ready to retire? Thoughts on life span and any other points you lovely folks might like to point out?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jblizzle]

Please add your pool details to your signature as described HERE as it will help us help you.

We generally watch the filter pressure at a constant pump speed to know when to clean the filter. And we recommend doing so when the pressure rises 20-25% over the clean pressure.

We also do not typically recommend worry about the phosphate levels. I have never even had mine tested. If you maintain the correct FC level as a function of your CYA level, see the [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA], then the phosphates are irrelevant. But, I do believe you are correct that use of the Perfect Weekly will clog up your filter. Have you actually cleaned your grids ... with TSP and acid soaks? They grids should easily last 5+ years without a problem if the chemistry is properly maintained.

What test kit are you using?
Test results?