Pentair 520 Cartridge Explosion

[scrumpto]

I was out adding chemicals to my pool and turned the pump on and heard an explosion from my equipment area, saw water flying, and knew what had happened. It appears the filter housing sheared off right at the lower contact point of the tension control clamp. Wow. Bummer, tomorrow is a holiday and we had a pool party planned.

Questions:

1. What could have caused this? I cleaned the filters two weeks ago so pressure was good. Is it possible I overtightened the tension control clamp?
2. Can I simply buy a new lower housing or should I replace both top and bottom?
3. Or should I buy an entirely different filter?

 

[PoolStored]

Questions:

1. What could have caused this? I cleaned the filters two weeks ago so pressure was good. Is it possible I overtightened the tension control clamp?

Fatigue, age, sun, overtightening, etc, etc.

1. Can I simply buy a new lower housing and if so, where?

If the lower went, then it really makes sense to replace both (upper and lower). Upper is $350, lower is $500 plush shipping. Plus the band at $250, so $1100.

1. Or should I buy an entirely different filter?

Price of a new 520 is about $1850-1900. There are others, like the Waterway cartridge filters you can get a 525 for a bit less. But, then you have to replumb...

I'm glad you were not standing there...filters can be very dangerous as they are pressure vessels.

I can't answer what is better. Don't know the condition of all the other parts in the filter. Twer' it I, I'd replace the filter with the same filter so I wouldn't have to re-plumb. The CCP 520 is a good filter.

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

Pentair Filter tore and pool lost 70 percent water night

While the pump was running. Is it possible someone came and cut it off? Or does water pressure can do that. It is so symmetric cut. Unbelievable. Please advise what to do next

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[scrumpto]

Holy !@#$%

 

[scrumpto]

Fatigue, age, sun, overtightening, etc, etc.

If the lower went, then it really makes sense to replace both (upper and lower). Upper is $350, lower is $500 plush shipping. Plus the band at $250, so $1100.

Price of a new 520 is about $1850-1900. There are others, like the Waterway cartridge filters you can get a 525 for a bit less. But, then you have to replumb...

I'm glad you were not standing there...filters can be very dangerous as they are pressure vessels.

I can't answer what is better. Don't know the condition of all the other parts in the filter. Twer' it I, I'd replace the filter with the same filter so I wouldn't have to re-plumb. The CCP 520 is a good filter.

Thanks! Ya, the polypropylene looks rotten.

 

[scrumpto]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I've ordered new top and bottom just to be safe. Valves were all in the correct positions so no deadhead. I cleaned the filters a few weeks ago and didn't know the correct procedure for tightening the clamp and I worried at the time I overtightened it and I think that's what caused it. Lesson learned.

 

[Lake Placid]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I've ordered new top and bottom just to be safe. Valves were all in the correct positions so no deadhead. I cleaned the filters a few weeks ago and didn't know the correct procedure for tightening the clamp and I worried at the time I overtightened it and I think that's what caused it. Lesson learned.

I’d verify the condition of your clamp for damage and wear caused by the explosion and previous improper tightening technique. Replace if in doubt.

 

[JamesW]

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