Update multiport or convert from DE to cartridges?

[BCinAustin]

My multiport is starting to look and feel really old. Everytime I backwash, I fear it might be the last time it works/seats properly. It was here when I bought the house 10 years ago, and for all I know it's original to the pool (2003). It's currently hooked up to a 48 sq ft Hayward DE filter (also here 10 years ago) that I backwash several times a year and have fully cleaned once a year. I think I bought new grids about 5 years ago. As far as I can tell, it still filters well and I'm not seeing any DE in the pool

I recently got a new pump (Hayward Max Flo VS 1.5hp) and while that was being installed, the guy also suggested that I might consider replacing that multiport soon. He went on to say that maybe I'd want to just go ahead and get rid of the multi-port, get a cartridge filter, and retire the 50 ft custom fire hose that I have to roll to the sewer when I backwash...

From what I've read, DE has superior filtration, but cartridges are likely sufficient for most folks' needs. I wouldn't hate saying goodbye to backwashing, and having less points of failure...

If you were me, would you just replace the multiport (I'm told it's not always possible to just replace the guts), or would you seriously consider converting to cartridges?

If cartridge, I'm reading that bigger cartridges = more run time between cleanings. I was eyeing a Hayward - W3C4030 SwimClear 425 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter for my 16k gallon pool. The dimensions are almost identical to the DE unit I have now. Is that major overkill?

 

[PoolStored]

If you were me

I’d get a cartridge, put a diverter between pump and filter to be able to pump to waste, and get the biggest cartridge you can afford and will fit. No, that filter is not overkill.

 

[Bperry]

Some people like the DE, but every time I see a mess of it at my parents pool pad, I swore never to own one. If you are following TFP recommendations, all three filter types perform very well. Our pool water is crystal clear even with a sand filter.

 

[Brad_C]

I have trouble even buying DE here anymore. The Pool Store guy said people are becoming increasingly loathe to stock it because it's a respiratory hazard. I bought his last 25kg bag a couple of years ago and he wasn't planning on re-stocking.

 

[1poolman1]

My multiport is starting to look and feel really old. Everytime I backwash, I fear it might be the last time it works/seats properly. It was here when I bought the house 10 years ago, and for all I know it's original to the pool (2003). It's currently hooked up to a 48 sq ft Hayward DE filter (also here 10 years ago) that I backwash several times a year and have fully cleaned once a year. I think I bought new grids about 5 years ago. As far as I can tell, it still filters well and I'm not seeing any DE in the pool

I recently got a new pump (Hayward Max Flo VS 1.5hp) and while that was being installed, the guy also suggested that I might consider replacing that multiport soon. He went on to say that maybe I'd want to just go ahead and get rid of the multi-port, get a cartridge filter, and retire the 50 ft custom fire hose that I have to roll to the sewer when I backwash...

From what I've read, DE has superior filtration, but cartridges are likely sufficient for most folks' needs. I wouldn't hate saying goodbye to backwashing, and having less points of failure...

If you were me, would you just replace the multiport (I'm told it's not always possible to just replace the guts), or would you seriously consider converting to cartridges?

If cartridge, I'm reading that bigger cartridges = more run time between cleanings. I was eyeing a Hayward - W3C4030 SwimClear 425 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter for my 16k gallon pool. The dimensions are almost identical to the DE unit I have now. Is that major overkill?

The initial filtration rate of a D.E. filter is, in fact, smaller than a cartridge filter. In use, especially with a VSP running at slower speeds, you would never be able to tell the difference except in the no-mess of D.E. cleanings.
Years ago a customer had me replace his D.E. filter with cartridge, over the protestation of his wife, a bio-chemist. He was tired of the mess, wanted something simpler. Installed two 100 sq. ft. filters in parallel with a 1hp single-speed Sta-Rite pump. Large capacity filters like today's weren't available at the time. A week later he calls, telling me his wife, who had been regularly testing their pool water in her lab, under a microscope, could find no difference in water quality. Always wish I had recorded that call.

 

[BCinAustin]

I’d get a cartridge, put a diverter between pump and filter to be able to pump to waste, and get the biggest cartridge you can afford and will fit. No, that filter is not overkill.

Good call on the diverter. Hadn’t thought about that