Filter recommandation

[Elcomico]

My 2650-gallon pool is on the smaller side, and finding equipment tailored to its size has been challenging. Manufacturer calculators often point me to their smallest units, but comparing these options has proven to be more difficult than I anticipated.

Two years ago, I replaced my sand filter with a no-name (Tabex) cartridge filter. While I appreciate its smaller footprint and the easier maintenance, I've been disappointed with the purchase. The lock ring is extremely difficult to open and close, even with the use of silicone lubricant. In fact, I have to move the filter to an open area where two people can wrestle it open. To make matters worse, despite tightening it as much as possible, the unit still pops up when I turn the pump on. I should have known better and done more research before buying this filter.

What would you guys recommend as the best options in terms of value for the price?

 

[1poolman1]

My 2650-gallon pool is on the smaller side, and finding equipment tailored to its size has been challenging. Manufacturer calculators often point me to their smallest units, but comparing these options has proven to be more difficult than I anticipated.

Two years ago, I replaced my sand filter with a no-name (Tabex) cartridge filter. While I appreciate its smaller footprint and the easier maintenance, I've been disappointed with the purchase. The lock ring is extremely difficult to open and close, even with the use of silicone lubricant. In fact, I have to move the filter to an open area where two people can wrestle it open. To make matters worse, despite tightening it as much as possible, the unit still pops up when I turn the pump on. I should have known better and done more research before buying this filter.

What would you guys recommend as the best options in terms of value for the price?

Are you willing to go back to a sand filter? A Hayward S-244T is a good choice. Or get a larger name-brand cartridge filter.

 

[Elcomico]

Are you willing to go back to a sand filter? A Hayward S-244T is a good choice. Or get a larger name-brand cartridge filter.

The larger footprint of a sand filter isn't compatible with my equipment pad. I'd rather stay with a cartridge filter and a recommendation for a specific model is the point of my post.

 

[wireform]

Filter sizing is sort of like if you ask 100 people you'll get 100 different opinions. We here believe get the largest filter the real-estate can hold and the wallet can afford. Basically you can never have too big. Of the three kinds of filters DE is messier to deal with and from a water point of view you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between cartridge or DE and then there's the sand filter which does the job well but is the slowest at filtering. If your chemistry is A-ok then even a cartridge filter will be perfect as it'll need to be cleaned once a season.

 

[Newdude]

What else is going on at the pad location now ? It looks like you had plenty of otherwise unused space (under the stairs ?)

 

[Elcomico]

What else is going on at the pad location now ? It looks like you had plenty of otherwise unused space (under the stairs ?)

View attachment 603988

Looking back at this old photo from 2014 really shows how fast time flies! I’m not home to grab an updated picture, but let’s just say things have changed—the sand filter’s been replaced, everything’s moved to the left, and now the area’s got some new additions: the garbage, recycling, and compost bins!

So, does anyone have a favorite between the Hayward XStream or the Pentair Clean & Clear? Or maybe filters are just too boring to talk about!

 

[Newdude]

Both are fantastic. You're asking the group if they prefer Chevy or Ford. We all have our likes but when we only need to get to the store, both will do just fine.

Waterway is gaining some traction these days with the others being so expensive.