I'm looking to replace my pool filter in the spring and I'm trying decide between 60 sf or 80 sf size for my pool. Obviously, pool size is a function of the filter area but what else needs to be considered? I'm pretty much sold on the Pentair Quad DE filter. I currently have a single speed pump that is in better condition than he pool filter but that will also be replaced within a year with a variable speed pump. I appreciate any advice.
New DE Filter Sizing
- Thread starter rack04
- Start date
- May 23, 2015
- 25,697
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Skip DE and go with a cart filter. I have a Quad and love it but it’s too much hassle dealing with DE. I’m switching to a Clean and Clear. Everyone always gets wowed by particulate filtration size but literally no one would be able to tell the difference between a pool filters by sand, cart, or DE. Cart filters have lower head loss and simpler plumbing.
As far as general filter recommendation s go - ignore the standard industry sizing rules of thumb. Biggest filter your budget can afford. Bigger is always better and bigger means less frequent cleaning.
As far as general filter recommendation s go - ignore the standard industry sizing rules of thumb. Biggest filter your budget can afford. Bigger is always better and bigger means less frequent cleaning.
+3 Many have used this as the excuse to go carts from the other 2. The overwhelming majority kicked themselves for not doing it sooner.
If you ever want, you can use a filter fiber in a cartridge filter, but you will probably never want to or need to.
jacksmagic.com
The Filter Fiber Stuff | Jacks Magic
jacksmagic.com
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,136
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
60SF will be fine for your pool if you go with DE. You will not see a difference if you splurge on the 80.
I happen to like a DE filter for the flexibility of the MPV and the ease of backwashing. You do need to have a good setup to dispose of the DE.
I happen to like a DE filter for the flexibility of the MPV and the ease of backwashing. You do need to have a good setup to dispose of the DE.
You didn't ask, but if you're replacing 2 out of the 3..........
A honking cartridge filter, VS pump and SWG is the only way I'd run.
A Circupool RJ60 would produce 8125 lifetime FC in 28k gallons, even with install, the first cell would only cost about $0.40 per FC. Replacement cells would get about $0.22 per FC and are a 5 min plug and play swap.
Walmart chlorine, for comparison, is $1.71 per FC for you. The RJ60 produces the same as 2257 jugs of chlorine, which would cost $13,903.13 out the door at Walmart, well over $10k more by staying with liquid chlorine. You'd get easier maintenance, a free VS pump, a free filter, and $6k(?) more in the bank.
It's reported here that Circupool is a bit boastful with their production #s, but evenso. If it actually gets 75% of what they say it does, you'd get the easy peasy SWG, the free filter, free VSP and $3k ish in the bank. Boohoo they lied.
If you decide to go with DE, start it with a cellulose fiber filter material rather than DE and you'll be very happy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the quantity to use for the size of filter and don't use more or you waste product. You get used to using the small amount. Don't be fooled by the weight of the product.
This orange cup is used by most pool techs when adding DE. It takes one cup full for a 60, or one cup full compacted a bit for an 80. Its completely safe, read the SDS. If backwashed onto the ground, just like a piece of newspaper, it will "go away" very quickly.
DE Scoop - Measure DE Powder - EC10SC50
This is a standard scoop for measuring and weighing the right amount of DE for pool filter. The scoop holds one pound.
www.poolweb.com
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,136
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
My experience with cellulose fiber in a DE filter is it clogs too quickly and requires backwashing too often. It became a PITA and I went back to DE.
I used it on 40 commercial pools and would never have gone back to DE. Water was clear, backwashed easy, far less filter teardowns. Didn't mind not lugging 50# buckets of DE to the equipment pad, either.
It will clog with oils, especially on a used filter that already has oils embedded in the filter media (grids or DE cartridge), and a very short filter cycle and then a teardown would be needed. Enzymes solved that issue (a can of worms I know).
Gave up all my commercial accounts as I go older and didn't want to deal with them and the health department any more. Used it on all my other pools that had DE filters as well.