Difference in DE filters?

[cruzmisl]

Hi All,
I am looking to buy a new DE filter but noticed some of the more expensive ones use a cartridge style filter (Pentair Quad 4) as opposed to the standard filter configuration (Pentair FNS plus). Can anyone explain what the main differences between the two are?

Here are some links,

http://www.pentairpool.com/misc/pdfs/filters/Quad_DE.pdf

http://www.pentairpool.com/misc/pdfs/filters/fns_plus_filter.pdf

Thanks,
J.

[Big_D]

I have a Quad DE 100. My water quality is very good, and I do not regret going with the filter. I will mention a few things that might be of interest.
I went through 3 sets of cartridges before I got one that would hold up. Pentair had some issues with the earlier designs. They have never asked me to pay for the replacements or even service the equipment myself, but I did have DE blown all over my pool a few times and it was a chore to clean up.

I considered replacing my 1 Quad DE filter with 2 standard DE Grid Filters after the second time. I called Pentair and the engineer for filters called me and we discussed my options and situation. He sold me on the Quad’s capabilities and after Pentair installed the new cartridges It has worked perfectly. During the spring I have seeds and leaves completely covering the surface of the pool. My pumps will shut down because the skimmers and bottom drain will clog up daily during the early spring. I can fill a 40 gallon trash can each day with seeds and pods for about a week.

The main consideration between a standard DE and a Cartridge DE is you will need to replace the cartridges after 3-4 years. On standard DE you typically get twice as long before you need to replace the grids, as long as you do the maintenance. The whole backwash or cartridge cleaning process only takes 30 minutes from time out the door until cleaned up and doing something else so you really should not put this off too much.

On my pool I could have used a standard 48sq ft DE filter for my pool but I went with a 100 sq ft so I could go longer between backwashing or maintenance. This also allows for slower filtering flow rates and lower electrical cost if you have an adjustable pump like the Intelliflo.

I am sold on the Quad DE 100 now, on the product and the company.
Thanks
D

[cruzmisl]

Thanks for the reply. I think I'm going to go with the standard DE filter, the Pentair SMBW 2000 to be more specific http://www.pentairpool.com/misc/pdfs/filters/2000_series_filter.pdf

I will go with the 48sq. ft model and a 3/4HP full rated Whisperflo pump. I like this filter because it has a built in valve so the install will be a bit cleaner. I'm hoping I notice the difference between a sand filter. Any other advice appreciated.
J.

[huskerfan]

I have a Hayward progrid 3620 DE filter and love it. My water is always crystal clear, and it has been a life saver for me taking care of my iron issue too when I fill from our well. It's easy to maintain at the end of the season, downside is bringing it in the house vrs. leaving a sand filter outside, but not that big of a deal.

For a pump I love my Northstar .5hp by Hayward. It's really quiet and efficient, I just leave it run 24/7 and really don't notice an increase in my electrical bill.

My pool is an 18x34 oval, 17,000 gallons and I run 4 2x20 solar panels up on a roof of a small shed right by my pool. The .5hp Northstar handles it all wonderfully. Good luck!

[huskerfan]

PS. My progrid filter has the 4way valve on it --- nice :).