newbie here.....filter is toast.....which filter should we get?

[cathicool]

thank you!! I am thinking I will go with the DE filter. Unfortunately, the pool company I have a contract with to replace the liner (loop-loc brand) and install the SWG and the slide and a new pump (written on the contract as a Tristar VS, but can upgrade it to the Ecostar VS for +$200) is charging me $75 less for the DE filter vs. the cartridge filter. I really do not want to add a 2nd pool company into the mix to do the filter install.

The C7030 looks like it uses 8 cartridges, so that is really one of the biggest things that is making me think I will just do the DE 7220. The previous setup was a DE (4800) filter and it had a multiport that is still in good condition, so I will be using it and not have to purchase one at this moment.

Do you think I am fine with the tristar vs or upgrade to the ecostar vs for +$200?

thank you!!!!

[JimK]

I vote for DE.

I've been using a Hayward Pro Grid 6020 for my 20k gal pool for over 10 years and have been very happy with it's performance. Normally I can go all summer on a single charge, so annual DE costs are next to nothing. In the fall I take it apart and give it a thorough cleaning, not exactly fun but not a big deal IMO.

[PoolDoc]

Thanks for the input, Jim. Hands on information is always valuable. I wouldn't have anticipated being able to run all summer on a single DE charge.

[cathicool]

wow! All summer JimK? That's great! I am going to go with the DE. I've had it before and I like the clarity of the water.....and after reading PoolDocs input and seeing a few youtube videos, the cartridge filter seems like it will be a big PITA to me. Sometimes the bear you know.......

so last question.....
Do you think I am fine with the tristar vs or upgrade to the ecostar vs for +$200?


thank you all for such valuable help!

[PoolDoc]

Mark (mas985) might know, but I don't and couldn't find any useful info on the Ecostar vs the Tristar. The only clear difference I found was that the controller on the Ecostar could be rotated.

[mas985]

Do you think I am fine with the tristar vs or upgrade to the ecostar vs for +$200?

The EcoStar is a bit more efficient than the TriStar (~15%). Other than that, they are fairly similar.

[cathicool]

so now the multiport has to be replaced as well if I do DE- (for an additional $200)! my multiport only is for 1.5" piping as is all the pool piping. the new filter (DE or cartridge) and new tristar pump are both 2" piping. the pool company said they sell 90% cartridge, 10% DE filters and the cartridge filters today are excellent.

ugh....my head is spinning.

[mas985]

I am a big cartridge advocate but for your location and because you close the pool in winter, a cartridge may not be your best choice. With a cartridge, opening can be a pain unless you have a filter bypass and a way to vacuum to waste. Otherwise, forget it.

[JimK]

Thanks for the input, Jim. Hands on information is always valuable. I wouldn't have anticipated being able to run all summer on a single DE charge.

I think there's a few things that contribute to going so long on a single charge. First, keeping up with pool maintenance so it doesn't get so dirty and you avoid algae. Also, with only two of us here, bather load is low. I think most significantly was getting an oversized filter (the dealer recommend this and I'm glad he did!).