Hey TFP – I'm closing on our first house in Austin, TX next week and we lucked out in winning a house with an (older) pool in the backyard. We know we'll be taking on a pool renovation project within the next 3-5 years, but there are a few things that need to be replaced sooner than that. Would love to hear ideas and recommendations for how we can get the best value when we replace some of the equipment in the near term.
Filter: OLD Pentair FNS Plus DE filter. Currently leaking DE into the pool, so this is the top priority to replace. I've always had cartridge filters on the pools my family had growing up, so probably going in that direction.
Pump: Relatively new Pentair Intelliflo variable-speed pump. Currently used as the timer. Seems in good shape per our pool inspector.
Cleaner: Polaris 360 that looks brand new. No booster pump, so it seems to be just hanging out in the deep end. Planning on pulling it out of the pool and selling it on FB Marketplace as soon as we move in. I'l be using the money to offset a new Dolphin robot cleaner.
SWCG: Hayward SwimPure Plus Electronic Chlorine Generator
Will the Dolphin be able to suck up the DE filter media that's currently collecting in areas at the bottom of the pool? From what I've been reading, the DE is likely just cycling back into the pool after a manual vacuum it or if the Polaris manages to suck any of it up.
I've been lurking here for years as an aspiring pool owner, and I'm really looking forward to geeking out over all things pool maintenance with y'all in the years to come!
Filter: OLD Pentair FNS Plus DE filter. Currently leaking DE into the pool, so this is the top priority to replace. I've always had cartridge filters on the pools my family had growing up, so probably going in that direction.
Pump: Relatively new Pentair Intelliflo variable-speed pump. Currently used as the timer. Seems in good shape per our pool inspector.
Cleaner: Polaris 360 that looks brand new. No booster pump, so it seems to be just hanging out in the deep end. Planning on pulling it out of the pool and selling it on FB Marketplace as soon as we move in. I'l be using the money to offset a new Dolphin robot cleaner.
SWCG: Hayward SwimPure Plus Electronic Chlorine Generator
Will the Dolphin be able to suck up the DE filter media that's currently collecting in areas at the bottom of the pool? From what I've been reading, the DE is likely just cycling back into the pool after a manual vacuum it or if the Polaris manages to suck any of it up.
I've been lurking here for years as an aspiring pool owner, and I'm really looking forward to geeking out over all things pool maintenance with y'all in the years to come!
Maybe this is our last cold front? Burrrrr. You seem to have a good plan going forward. As for the Dolphin capturing the residual DE .....not sure. Maybe some Dolphin owners will reply. You might consider vacuuming to waste just before you make the swap? Then let the new cart filter capture the last little bit. Great to have you with us on the forum. Stick around and ask al the questions you need.
) you might try and replace the manifold and filter grids on the DE filter before going to cartridges. They don’t cost much more than $350 and assuming the housing is good you have a new unit for not much money. The only reason I have never switched to cartridges is that during pollen season in Houston (or cedar season in Austin) it seems like a lot of cleaning work vs flushing and recharging the DE. Right now you have a tear in one of the grids which is allowing the powder to blow back. Easily fixed with new grids and/or manifold set.