Quote Originally Posted by TonyIsSocial View Post
All I could get out of that customer service number from the WaterAce website was the pump is 3/4 HP. Is that helpful?
That info, plus the filter label, is enough to tell that the pump is not too large for the filter.

Do this:
1. record filter pressure with pump on -- is it always 30 psi as shown in the picture?
2. turn the pump off -- read and record filter pressure. (should be zero if gauge is functioning)
3. remove cartridge; reassemble filter; turn pump on and record pressure. Measure the LENGTH and DIAMETER of the cartridge as accurately as you can. ALSO, measure the INSIDE DIAMETER of the the center hole of the cartridge.
4. turn pump off, replace cartridge (after cleaning if you like), turn pump on and record pressure.

If the gauge is working, and the difference between #3 and #4 is more than 5 psi, you probably need a new cartridge.

Here's what happens to the cartridges:
1. When new, each folded pleat is separated by a small amount of space.
2. BUT, the pleats can only support a few PSI *across* the surface of the filter material, before they collapse and touch each other. If the pressure WITHIN the filter tank, but OUTSIDE the cartridge becomes 10# or even 5# more than the pressure INSIDE the cartridge (in the center tube area), then the pleats COLLAPSE and press against each other.
3. Once the pleats collapse, the effective surface area of the cartridge becomes as little as 10% (!) of the ORIGINAL surface area.
4. If the time period of the collapse is brief AND if the pleats are not too close together already, the pleats may spring back when cleaned.
5. BUT, if the collapse continues for a long period because the pump is too big, OR because the filter is run for a long period dirty, then the collapse becomes permanent, and the cartridge is essentially ruined.
6. Use of very stiff 4oz REEMAY, instead of cheaper 3oz Asian knock-off REEMAY copy will resist this failure. Also, older cartridges, with more space between pleats, will resist collapse. Unicel and Filbur cartridges have 4oz genuine REEMAY. Pleatco and other brands usually use cheaper, lighter weight Asian fabrics.
7. The pictures of your cartridge, while you were cleaning it, indicate that your cartridge is already destroyed -- and has a EFFECTIVE cartridge size that is 1/4 or less of the ORIGINAL size.
8. Replacing it with a Unicel will likely reduce your problems with filtration, and will improve filter performance.
9. BUT, you must be careful to clean the cartridge BEFORE you see a filter pressure rise of 8 psi.
10. I'll need to help you select a Unicel cartridge -- it's hard to buy them, because Pleatco cartridges are cheaper AND higher margin for retailers, so they are sold MUCH more commonly.