Sta-Rite System 3 S7MD60 Questions

[ksquared]

I have the S7MD60, has been going fine for about 13 years. I have a problem now, and I'm sure the filter module needs replacing. It is 25023-0160s, although apparently 25023-0172s will also work in the S7MD60.

Is Sta-Rite still making the System 3 system? Or at least the filter modules?

Is it important to get a "fresh" module? What about one that is a year old but never installed? At what age of a never installed module would it be unwise to purchase? What is the life-expectancy of the module once it is installed (and properly maintained)?

This is more of a wanting to know, but why would you choose the -0172s over the -0160s, as it is about 40% more expensive for just 20% more surface area (72 vs 60 sq ft)? Do you then not have to clean it as often? Are you able to run the pump at lower pressure, and thus save electricity?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I'm still seeing it on Amazon, so I suspect it's available through a few other vendors as well if you are still price shopping. Yikes, that's an expensive part.

Amazon.com : Pentair 25023-0160S D.E. Element Replacement Sta-Rite System 3 SMD-Series Modular Pool and Spa D.E. Filter : Outdoor Spas : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Pentair 25023-0160S D.E. Element Replacement Sta-Rite System 3 SMD-Series Modular Pool and Spa D.E. Filter : Outdoor Spas : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

 

[ksquared]

Thank you Texas Splash.

My greater concern was that this was an old part, and these filters have not been manufactured for awhile. I haven't been able to find this out doing research over the weekend. I don't know if age will negatively affect the lifespan once in the system and filtering, but I am thinking it would.

I'm starting to think that rather than put $400+ into this DE filter, I should get a new sand filter. I'm thinking the Pentair CleanPro line looks interesting, and over the long-run will be a more prudent economical choice with minimal, if any, water quality degradation. I looked at some very old discussions, and I don't understand why the recycled glass hasn't become more popular, as it seems to be a great way to reuse an otherwise discarded material.

 

[Texas Splash]

Now is certainly the time to consider all your options. A good sized sand filter is worth considering.

 

[HOUPoolNovice]

I have the S7MD60, has been going fine for about 13 years. I have a problem now, and I'm sure the filter module needs replacing. It is 25023-0160s, although apparently 25023-0172s will also work in the S7MD60.

Is Sta-Rite still making the System 3 system? Or at least the filter modules?

Is it important to get a "fresh" module? What about one that is a year old but never installed? At what age of a never installed module would it be unwise to purchase? What is the life-expectancy of the module once it is installed (and properly maintained)?

This is more of a wanting to know, but why would you choose the -0172s over the -0160s, as it is about 40% more expensive for just 20% more surface area (72 vs 60 sq ft)? Do you then not have to clean it as often? Are you able to run the pump at lower pressure, and thus save electricity?

What did you decide to do?
I'm currently in the same boat deciding whether to refresh my filter in the existing S7md60 or splash a bit more cash to replace the whole thing since it is largely discontinued.
From the online research I did, it doesn't appear that the upgrade to the 72 sq ft filter would be worth the investment (if I did decide to keep this), but that's also based on the size of my pool.

 

[ksquared]

I'm currently in the same boat

It would be great if I could help somebody, as everybody here is a great help to me!

I did end up going with the Triton TR00C filter. I managed to get this filter for not much more than the regular Triton TR100 Filter. I also, by somewhat chance, am close enough to a supplier for the Dr. Dryden glass media, so I ended up getting that and avoiding any shipping charges. I'm not 100% on-board with the hype for the Dr. Dryden, but figured it is at least as adequate as others that I'd have to have shipped here.

I actually have wanted to get the 159029 Clear-Pro kit for the TR100C, but so far nobody but nobody has been willing or able to come through with anything. This is an entire tangential story though.

I ended up not 100% happy with the DE filter. First, it is needing an entire procedure to clean, taking it apart and putting it back together. Doing that at age 40 is pretty much OK, now at (over) age 60, not as much fun. The second problem was when the actual filter went bad, there were multitudes of small plastic bits in the pool. I couldn't figure it out for awhile, which is why it got so bad.

As HOUPoolNovice also noted, this filter is largely discontinued, the actual filter itself is extremely expensive, and to step up to the 72 doesn't seem worth it. My S7MD60 was also about 14 years old, the pressure gauge didn't work, IIRC I'd replaced the huge O-Ring once and it looked questionable now. Buying the DE, while not outrageously expensive, was something ongoing to spend time and money on.

From researching here, and other places, it seems that a sand filter will give very close to DE water quality. Sand filters seem to be frowned upon by many, but some are making money cleaning pools and DE filters (not that there's anything wrong with that). On a short-term basis, switching is not cost effective, but on a long-term basis I believe it will come out equal or better. If I had everything to do over, and given that I didn't know about troublefreepool when I had mine installed, I'd have done several things differently/better, such as a sand filter and 2.5" lines.