New Member: Pool Filter: Sand vs DE

[mnittler]

I have now sent in a request to the pool builder for an over sized sand filter and he came back with the TR-140 which is bigger yet than the above mentioned TR-100. He pointed out that if they install the Valet 3 cleaning system (which the pool installer is going to warrantee the nozzles for life) that sand would be entering the zone changing mechanism and cause premature wear on those parts. The zone changer does not have the installer lifetime warrantee. I guess all the more reason to go with a Polaris 280 instead with just a Polaris warrantee. Any automatic cleaner any better than the other for use with a sand filter? Does anyone know the different energy requirements for using something like a Valet 3 and a Polaris?

[mnittler]

When I was asking the installer about the sand filter he indicated that the sand filter has to be back washed at least once per week where a DE is only backwashed once per month. I guess that would depend on how dirty your pool was but that would make a difference in the amount of water & chemicals thrown away. Any experience one way or the other. Number of times you backwash and with what type of filter?

[PoolDoc]

You use less water with DE.

But, DE filters have to be manually opened and cleaned at least 1x per season. If you go with DE, make sure you get a filter you can manage. It takes 8 hands to re-assemble some models .

[JimK]

..... It takes 8 hands to re-assemble some models .

lol

I had to laugh because I have a DE filter (Hayward Pro Grid 6020) and it does take a little practice taking it apart for cleaning and reassembling (I do this at the end of every season and have gotten pretty good at it ).

That said, I like my DE filter. Keep in mind though this is the only filter I've used. It was installed in 2004 when we had the pool installed; our first and only pool, btw. So I really can't say if I would still like it better than a sand filter.

It does a great job keeping the pool clean. Once spring clean up is done I usually only have to backwash/recharge with DE once during the season (early May to early Oct here). This season after spring clean up I haven't had to backwash at all.

Some don't like to handle DE powder. I don't mind so much; I just make sure I'm not inhaling it when recharging the filter.

In terms of expense to maintain, I would think sand would be cheapest, followed by DE, then cartridges being the most expensive.

It's probably more important that filter/pump be sized correctly than whether you choose sand or DE.

[Watermom]

When I was asking the installer about the sand filter he indicated that the sand filter has to be back washed at least once per week

You do NOT have to backwash a sand filter once a week. You only need to backwash when the filter pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure. I only backwash a handful of times the entire summer.

[CarlD]

I only back wash when my pressure rises noticeably.

[JimK]

You do NOT have to backwash a sand filter once a week. You only need to backwash when the filter pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure. I only backwash a handful of times the entire summer.

I guess I should have specified this in my post, but I also backwash when pressure rises 8-10psi over clean pressure. I guess this has been an "extra clean" year as I haven't had to backwash all season.