Need a new sand filter - which one?

[angfiggy]

Hello all. We have had some nasty weather (way below zero) and now we are going through some milder temps in the 40s today. I went out to check the pool equipment and the sand filter did not make it. It now has a hole on the bottom and sand is leaking out.

I have been doing research on sand filters, but am getting a bit lost in all the models.

The current model is a Sta Rite System 3 sand filter with a large multi-port valve on the side. All inlet/outlets are 2". I have been looking at the Sta Rite System 2 but am confused by the chart and the sizing that I would need. I cannot seem to find my exact model replacement for sand. Perhaps they are not longer making them.

Sta-Rite System:2 Modular 150 Sq Ft Filter

Sta-Rite System:2 Modular 150 Sq Ft Filter, PLM150,

americanbestpoolsupply.com

I think the System 2 PLM175 should be ok as it would turn over the pool in 6 hours (if I'm understand the specs down at the bottom of that website right).

Does anyone have advice on a good sand filter for a 22000 gallon pool? I think my pump is listed in my signature but for reference is a Sta Rite Intellipro 3HP. I don't have a brand preference.

 

[Newdude]

How many lbs (of sand) was your old filter ? If you are happy with the frequency of cleanings needed, search for XXX lb sand filter and replace it. If you'd like to do less cleanings, go larger. Bigger filters need to be cleaned proportionately less. No more, no less.

Erase turnovers from your mind as a thing. It's irrelevant on all accounts.

The link you posted is for a cartridge filter. Many have used sand/DE replacement as an excuse to switch to carts, and the majority kicked themselves for not doing it sooner. Look at 400+ sq ft cartridge filters. If mine died tomorrow I'd likely buy a waterway. The flagship brands are insanely priced IMO. They have broken my 'buy once cry once" mentality and replaced it with 'I'd rather have 2 of the other ones.

 

[angfiggy]

Ok. Thank you. This kind of makes sense to me. I didn't know if I needed to stick with the same model for the 22000 gallons or go a bit larger. I found the model number on the old one and it's a S8S70 model with 3.4 sq ft. I found the owner's manual and it says 300 lbs of sand. I found a 26" one from Waterway that looks like it might work? I don't really care about the brand, but I want it to last for a while.

The current one I have is a really huge pain in the butt to change out the sand. There are 8 large clamps involved and a very large awkward heavy top that has the pressure gauge on it. So you have to be super careful when you place the top because the pressure gauge is very easy to break on the top. Maybe they are all this way?

Carefree Top-Mount - Sand Filter - Waterway Plastics

Pool & Spa Products

waterwayplastics.com

 

[mknauss]

One should never have to change the sand in a sand filter.

 

[Newdude]

. I found the owner's manual and it says 300 lbs of sand.

That's the 'big' one.

I don't really care about the brand, but I want it to last for a while.

IMO, most filters last a generation. The ones that fail early make it a decade, and there doesn't seem to be a particular brand that fails 'early".

The current one I have is a really huge pain in the butt to change out the sand. There are 8 large clamps involved and a very large awkward heavy top

As said above, the sand is good forever if you haven't gummed it up with floccs or such. But the filter should be deep cleaned yearly so you'd have to open yours for that.

I have the cartridge version of yours and I love the tool less clamps. Many complain that the steel belt style is a PITA and the plastic ring ones dont always lock/seal right so the grass may not be greener.

 

[1poolman1]

Ok. Thank you. This kind of makes sense to me. I didn't know if I needed to stick with the same model for the 22000 gallons or go a bit larger. I found the model number on the old one and it's a S8S70 model with 3.4 sq ft. I found the owner's manual and it says 300 lbs of sand. I found a 26" one from Waterway that looks like it might work? I don't really care about the brand, but I want it to last for a while.

The current one I have is a really huge pain in the butt to change out the sand. There are 8 large clamps involved and a very large awkward heavy top that has the pressure gauge on it. So you have to be super careful when you place the top because the pressure gauge is very easy to break on the top. Maybe they are all this way?

Carefree Top-Mount - Sand Filter - Waterway Plastics

Pool & Spa Products

waterwayplastics.com

Have always been a fan of Waterway, but not their sand filters. Installed 3 in 2019 and all three failed within 2 years, tanks split, no warranty after one year. Had a good relationship with the local rep, but he couldn't get the company to budge on a warranty. Their cartridge filters are very good.

The Sta-Rite is the only sand filter that has that tank system that is large enough to be used on a pool your size with a removable top.

Since sand is almost never replaced, most sand filters have a smaller opening in the top for filling and/or their MPV. A good alternative to the filter you have is a Pentair TA-60D, a 3 sq. ft. model. If you have the room, a TA-100D will hold more dirt. Those both come with the valve.
If you want a side-mount, The Triton TR60 (3 sq. ft.) or TR100 (5 sq. ft.) are good, but the valve has to be purchased separately.

With your VSP, you would very much like the larger size.

 

[mmcwhorter]

I have been very pleased with my Hayward High Rate Sand Filter, with the six-port valve on top. My pool is the same size in gallons, and mine is the "36" version, as it does come in different sizes.

 

[angfiggy]

I really appreciate the replies. I think my MVP is still good. I did not permanently affix it when installed, so I'm hoping I will be able to get it off and onto the new one (unless pentair has a different gap between). That said, I do like the idea of the Triton TR100 for accessibility. I'm not super tall.

Do you all know a good place to buy? I don't have a good relationship with the Pentair guy here, but I could go a couple of towns over, I suppose.

Are these online places any good like this one: Pentair Triton® II Side Mount Filter (No Valve) TR60 EC-140264