Will this filter work?

[Dwiessner]

Hey all,
My cartridge filter finally blew out. It was a no name brand that is original to the pool, the relief valve was epoxied on, and the cartridges were ready to be replaced anyway, so it's been beyond time to replace.

I'm set on using cartridge again. However, I HATE the large 4 cartridge system I currently have. Such a pain to clean that I always put it off. I don't mind cleaning the filters, it's the dumb clamp and o-ring that i struggle with, as the filter is in an awkward place. I'm thinking about downsizing to a single cartridge, 200 sq ft filter. Likely, the pentair. It has 150 gpm max flow rate, which should be fine for my vsp, I think?

My main reason for wanting to switch is the ease in which I can clean the filter. I don't mind cleaning it even monthly if I don't have to wrestle with that dumb clamp. The single filter system just screws on and off. I would rather clean that filter monthly if I had to, than take apart the big boy twice a year. The price difference is also nice, as is the cost of replacing a single filter rather than 4. The extra room in the filter area will also be helpful, as it is tight back there now. Lots of benefits to downsizing, and the only con I currently see is more frequent filter cleanings.

My question is, other than requiring cleaning more often, is there any disadvantage to using a 200 sq ft filter? My pool is 18,000g, vsp that I run just high enough for my swg to generate chlorine. It runs 24/7 in the summer, and less in winter. I also have a solar heater, so the rpms increase enough to get water to the roof.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PoolGate]

What is the size of the PVC pipe going into the filter? Smaller filters may have smaller pipe which will overall restrict flow. Other then that and more frequent cleaning, should be no other issues.

 

[Dwiessner]

What is the size of the PVC pipe going into the filter? Smaller filters may have smaller pipe which will overall restrict flow. Other then that and more frequent cleaning, should be no other issues.

2 inch pvc all around, I believe.

 

[Newdude]

My question is, other than requiring cleaning more often, is there any disadvantage to using a 200 sq ft filter?

Nope that's it. You can lower your max RPM for priming if the GPM is too much for the small filter. Regular SWG running will be fine.

Check out these as well. It's tool less and the big clamps are easy to turn by hand. There is nothing to break or misalign inside either. The filters smack directly into the lower housing.

Sta-Rite System 3 SM Series Modular Media, 400 Sq. Ft. Filter

www.polytecpools.com

 

[1poolman1]

Hey all,
My cartridge filter finally blew out. It was a no name brand that is original to the pool, the relief valve was epoxied on, and the cartridges were ready to be replaced anyway, so it's been beyond time to replace.

I'm set on using cartridge again. However, I HATE the large 4 cartridge system I currently have. Such a pain to clean that I always put it off. I don't mind cleaning the filters, it's the dumb clamp and o-ring that i struggle with, as the filter is in an awkward place. I'm thinking about downsizing to a single cartridge, 200 sq ft filter. Likely, the pentair. It has 150 gpm max flow rate, which should be fine for my vsp, I think?

My main reason for wanting to switch is the ease in which I can clean the filter. I don't mind cleaning it even monthly if I don't have to wrestle with that dumb clamp. The single filter system just screws on and off. I would rather clean that filter monthly if I had to, than take apart the big boy twice a year. The price difference is also nice, as is the cost of replacing a single filter rather than 4. The extra room in the filter area will also be helpful, as it is tight back there now. Lots of benefits to downsizing, and the only con I currently see is more frequent filter cleanings.

My question is, other than requiring cleaning more often, is there any disadvantage to using a 200 sq ft filter? My pool is 18,000g, vsp that I run just high enough for my swg to generate chlorine. It runs 24/7 in the summer, and less in winter. I also have a solar heater, so the rpms increase enough to get water to the roof.

Thanks in advance!

The only issue you will have is that the 200sq. ft. cartridge filter will have to be cleaned more often based on pressure rise. The larger the filter the more dirt it can hold before needing to be cleaned. Regardless of what the specs state as to maximum flow rate, the flow rate of a system is determined by the pipe size used for its plumbing. A system with 2" PVC should never have more than 88gpm going through it. With your VSP there should be no problem if you want to downsize your filter.

 

[rockaway99]

On a related note, I've been running a 48sqft DE (FNS+) for decades but I'm thinking of going cartridge due to my present FNS apparently reaching the end of its' usefulness (persistent DE leakage into the pool after grids, manifold and o-ring replacements).
I need a good plumber to remove the MPV and DE filter and re-plumb to the solar actuator. So I called a service guy I know (I do my own pool work usually) to come in and replace the filter. He's adamant about putting in a Clean & Clear 150, which I think is too small.
My pool/spa is 16K and I run solar, so there's significant head involved. I suggested a C&C420 and he (incorrectly) said that that filter is a "commercial" filter. Still, the guy normally does good work and I need this done.
What about a C&C 200? Or should I just put the 420, or a Circupool set, and get someone else?
I run a Pentair/Sta-Rite VSP.

 

[Newdude]

he (incorrectly) said that that filter is a "commercial" filter.

He points to the industry recs of gallons per filter capacity i'm sure, which does not take into account your environmental debris.

A wiiiiiiiide open yard, or a FL cage will need less cleanings to tip the scales.

Another reason gallons are not a good rating is surface area and depth. For the same gallons you could have twice the surface area to suck up crud in a shallow/sport pool, or less surface area in a deep pool. Or an above ground pool that stops most of the yard debris once it's on the ground.

I see no reason your guy wouldn't install a larger filter at your request. It's the same plumbing / job / profit for him either way.

 

[Jimrahbe]

He's adamant about putting in a Clean & Clear 150,

99,

That is why we call Florida "The land of the dinky filters"...

Get a real filter 420 or 520 and just clean it once or twice a year.

Here is another filter that was brought to my attention lately...

Waterway Crystal Water 425 Sq. Ft. Cartridge Filter

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[rockaway99]

I went with the C&C 420 - installed today. Thank you to all who joined the conversation!
The tech desk at Pentair also endorsed the 420 (or 520).
Sorry to say this, but this is why I do my own pool maintenance and most of the other work - I worked in distribution for a few decades and it would appear that the service trade around here hasn't gotten a whole lot better than what I remember. They're fine with splash and dash, but most of them (not all!) really don't have a clue about equipment.
Come to think of it - many of them aren't even fine with the splash and dash part!
It's too bad and holds the industry back in terms of public sentiment.

 

[Newdude]

It's too bad and holds the industry back in terms of public sentiment

There's a line of new builds around the corner. There's also a second line around the corner of folks who moved into a house with their 1st pool. It doesn't matter how many people 'wise up', there is at least thay many first timers on their way. it's been a successful business model for decades.