I am new to pools and super frustrated. I have about an 19,000 gallon pool. The old cartridge filter cracked on me some I need to purchase a replacement. I am dealing with a lot of pollen and debris in the pool. I have been told to purchase a DE type filter.....anywhere between 48 and 72 in size. I'm hoping to get some real input from people not trying to sale me what they have on hand. Any suggestions? I am hoping to stay under $1000 if possible since I just replaced the pump with the Pentair intelliflo Variable speed 3hp pump. Thanks.
Time for a new Filter
- Thread starter incline
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,191
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome to the forum! 
Don't let anyone tell you that you "have" to get a DE filter. If you want it, that's all that matters. Each type, DE, sand, & cartridge, has its own pros & cons. Take a look at our Pool School - Pool Filter Comparison page. Remember that DE and sand typically use more water for backwashing. Also that for the most part, most recommend a larger filter system simply to help reduce the amount of cleanings throughout the swimming season. Last, for small stuff hitting the water, make sure to use a skimmer sock draped inside the skimmer to help catch that fine stuff before it gets pulled into the main filter. It helps a lot.
Don't let anyone tell you that you "have" to get a DE filter. If you want it, that's all that matters. Each type, DE, sand, & cartridge, has its own pros & cons. Take a look at our Pool School - Pool Filter Comparison page. Remember that DE and sand typically use more water for backwashing. Also that for the most part, most recommend a larger filter system simply to help reduce the amount of cleanings throughout the swimming season. Last, for small stuff hitting the water, make sure to use a skimmer sock draped inside the skimmer to help catch that fine stuff before it gets pulled into the main filter. It helps a lot.Thanks for the advice. I will get the socks and start using them. I've read the filter comparisons and I'm thinking with as much pollen as I have maybe an oversized DE would be good. There is about $250 difference between a 48 and 72 Hayward filters. Trying to decide if the larger is worth it. Still open to suggestions or ideas anyone knows of a couple of great bargains out there... Please let me know.
sktn77a
Gold Supporter
I wont try to sway you sand, DE, or cartridge.... but I will advise, buy the ABSOLUTE LARGEST filter that is reasonably within your budget.
I have a 12000 gallon with a Hayward DE 6020, one size lower than their largest. Even with the pollen here in Virginia, I have yet to backflush during a season except when I had to use phosphate remover. The collected phosphates ran my pressure up for the first time in 4 years. I just had to replace my filter panels today. Two had tears in them. If you can fit the 72 square foot one without breaking the bank, would be perfect and extremely low maintenance.