Pentair DE Filter fiberglass shell breaking down....RE-PAINT?

[diy_darryl]

Our filter housing is not holding up well to the sun (which is rather ridiculous for an outside filter!). The surface even scratches easily with a fingernail.

We are going to attempt to paint it but am not crazy about fiberglass dust in the garage from sanding. I washed it with hot, soapy water last night and am wondering if a self-etching primer first may work without sanding, followed by an enamel finish coat.

Hoping to avoid buying a new filter as this one works great and is in good shape other than the outer shell. It is only 7 years old.

If we end up buying another filter who makes a good one that is resistant to solar break-down?

 

[chiefwej]

If the surface is as porous as you are describing, just what you have done should be enough to prep for paint. A paint designed for plastics (resin) surfaces like Krylon might be a good choice. Here in sunny Tucson, I've found that UV from sun exposure will attack almost any surface. There are few plastics that have the required inherent UV protection built in. For most items a coat of paint will add years of life. PCV pipes will turn black within a year, without paint. But one quick coat of Krylon and many years later, no problem.

 

[diy_darryl]

Went ahead and took it outside to sand it, primered and sanded again, color coat and light sand then second coat. Can't say it looks spectacular but much better. Only the lid so far, have to buy more paint.

 

[diy_darryl]

Well it looks pretty good from 10 feet away at least. Just put a new equipment pad area in last fall so have to reinstall everything. Painting pump motor next. I'd say we should get more life out of our filter now.

 

[JamesW]

PCV pipes will turn black within a year, without paint.

The UV in AZ is brutal. I can always tell when a system in pictures is in AZ because of the UV damage.