Replacement filters

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M

moe209

0
Aug 29, 2016
17
Stockton, CA
Hey all have a Sta-rite S7M120 and need new filters.


Have a couple questions.


  1. Can I use the filters from a S7M400, I have read conflicting information on if they fit.
  2. What are everyone's thoughts on aftermarket vs oem filters, I have seen guardian brand and some others
  3. Is it recommended to replace the oring on the filter housing

Thanks in advance
 
The S7M120 and S7M400 share all the same part numbers excepting the carts and lower tank half. The carts themselves differ by filter area SF and physical dimension differences of about 1/4”. They may very well fit but I’d be leery about interchanging because of the different lower tank half. I’m unsure what the difference between the two halves is. Interestingly enough the S7M400 shares the same lower tank half as the S8M150 and S8M500 which leads me to believe it’s slightly larger which is why the 400 can handle the slightly larger cart.

As for the housing o-ring, you only need to change it if it’s physically compromised due to deterioration, cracks, etc. the vast majority of the time I don’t need to replace it when replacing the carts.

I’ve used aftermarket filters from pleatco without issue and generally would not hesitate to use an aftermarket filter cartridge if the OEM filter isn’t available.
 
Just found this on here saying the part number difference is a typo and that they will fit. Can anyone confirm

Sta-Rite Cartridge Filter - Do I have S7M120 or S7M400?

I always thought I had the S7M120 300 square foot filter, and that is what the "main" label on the upper tank says, but upon closer inspection there is also a sticker that says S7M400, which is 400 square feet. I assume the sticker has the correct information, and this is just the easiest way...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
Just looked back through some documentation and there is a callout for the 120 and 400 using a different number of clamps than the 150 and 800. This would be consistent with a typo in the documentation specifying a different lower half for the 400….it would be impossible for the clamps to fit. This still doesn’t answer your question as to filter fitment. Why are you intent on using 400 filters in a 120? Why not just procure the specified carts?
 
Dimensionally they should fit, but I haven’t tried the swap in the field. You’re talking about a 33% increase in filter area between the two, although the 120 at 300Sf is sized ok for your pool volume. Obviously bigger wouldn’t hurt. Is there an underlying issue that is causing you concern? Water clarity? Cleaning frequency? Something else?
 
Usually 100 SF filter area per 10k gallons is the minimum, so the 120 at 300 SF filter area is over that minimum. Regarding the clarity concerns, how are you testing your water? How are you chlorinating your water? The vast majority of the time, clarity issues are a direct result of poor chemistry and lack of sanitation.

If you’re not testing your water with a recommended test kit, your chemistry could be off…

www.troublefreepool.com

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

What’s your usual routine for maintenance?
 
It’s my dad’s pool, he had a pool guy who sold his company recently and jacked price up. He has been taking to Leslie’s to test but not sure how often. My thought about the filters is that if it will help and close price why not and I found the big filter for 200 new oem which is a steal. I’m thinking of doing Leslie’s at home testing not sure thoughts on that.
 

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How old are the current carts? I would lean towards a chemistry issue and not a filtration issue. Bigger filters will help in some aspects, but I suspect if the chemistry is corrected the filters won’t be an issue. Leslies is not a good option, if you want to manage chemistry I’d recommend taking it over or assisting dad in doing it properly. I understand time constraints and the commitment, but am concerned you’ll invest in carts and end up in a worse situation due to poor advice and lackluster testing methods.
 
Carts are generally good for about 5 years, so you’re likely due for replacements. Leslies is no beuno for accurate testing and realistic advice by any standard, especially TFP methods. Sadly there are too many threads that have been started and ultimately resolved due to their “free advice” and later on the actual realization that their “methods” just don’t work. Their methods do actually work……in lightening your wallet……and providing plenty of frustration after the fact.
 
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