I wanted a multiport valve because we can sometimes get more rain than the pool drain handle. So I go out and pump water to waste. With a slide valve you would have to backwash the filter to remove water from the pool.

I bought a Hayward 36 sqft pro grid filter because the local Leslies carried Hayward not Pentair. Both brands looked good to me but it all came down to what was available.

The hayward has a clamp so disassembly is easy. My pressure has gone up 1-2 psi so far this season. At this rate I might makeit through the season without backwashing the filter.