Replacing old cartridge filter: any thoughts on cartridge/DE hybrid?

[Beauregard]

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace my (very) old, undersized cartridge filter with not a cartridge filter because I'm not into the level of maintenance they require (may be biased because of the undersized one I have right now, but...). I got my local pool guy out to my place and he pushed pretty hard on something I hadn't previously read about--a cartridge/DE hybrid filter (specifically, this one but in the 100 size--haven't been able to find much on it). I also found it very challenging to google for it, since it'll give me all the results for cartridge filters and all for DE. Found some stuff, but very little, including on here.

Does anyone here have experience with filters specifically designed to be hybrid? The pool fella claimed that, because of the DE coating, it's much easier to clean than regular carts. He also claimed that it should last a good 3-4 months between breakdown cleanings. More of pain than backwashing, but I think I'd be able to stand it if it was only that frequent and it would be a water savings.

I was originally looking for a sand filter for ease of use but my confidence has been shaken, especially since the price between recommended options was very similar. Thoughts? Am I gonna be in a world of maintenance regret if I go with the cartridge/DE filter?

Pool stats: ~35000 gallons (as estimated by the pool guy--we've never had a great idea since buying the house 3 years ago), 1.5HP VS pump, following TFP procedures for maintaining and testing good water chemistry, with occasional lapses :[

 

[Jimrahbe]

Beau,

I have a Pentair CCP 520 cartridge filter and clean it twice a year.. I suspect I could go all year if I wanted...

If you hated your old cartridge filter, you are really going to hate a cartridge/DE filter.. Cleaning is about the same as a regular cartridge filter, but you get the fun of messing with DE...

Like you, I have a VS pump that I run most of the time at 1200 RPM.. At that speed the filter pressure is only about 1 or 2 lbs.

If you are looking to never open a filter to clean it, your only option is a sand filter..

It sounds to me like your main problem is having a filter that is way too small for your pool, or your water is not as clear as you thought..

I also have a robot, so no cleaner dirt goes into my filter, and I of course use hair nets in my skimmers..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[Arizonarob]

I have an oversized cartridge filter for my pool, and I only have to clean it once a year. Like Jim mentioned, using hairnets on your skimmer basket, drastically reduces the fine debris that would otherwise end up in your filter.

Use poolmath to get a good idea of how many gallons your pool is, then get a slightly oversized cartridge filter, and you should be good to go.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

If you want a DE filter with great performance, the Pentair QuadDE line of filters are excellent. I have a QuadDE-100, which is oversized for my 16k gallon pool, and I love it as I only have to open it up once a year to clean it. I once went 18 months without opening it (no backwashing either) and the pressure rise was just barely up to the TFP standard of 25% over clean pressure (I use hairnets in my skimmer as well).

 

[Beauregard]

I think it says a lot about how drastically undersized my filter is that I can't even imagine only needing to clean it out once a year. 1 or 2 times a year to clean the cartridges doesn't sound bad at all.

Love the hairnet trick too--I'll definitely try that out!

Thanks, folks! Feeling much better about spending the money to replace my filter now.