sta rite system 3 cardtidge as good as de?

[CarlD]

Carts filter well, but I think they only go down to 20 microns. They are generally more difficult to clean than DE or Sand filters.

[coryinsocal]

that's what i've heard typically, i was just trying to see if this filter or element in particular was touted as being any different....

[waterbear]

Carts filter well, but I think they only go down to 20 microns. They are generally more difficult to clean than DE or Sand filters.

I have to disagree. To clean a filter means breaking it down, not backwashing or bumping....Carts are the EASIEST to clean!

[Poconos]

Don't you have to take the filter apart and remove the cartridges to clean them? Never dealt with cartridges and probably never will. What can be easier than throwing a valve on a sand filter?

[duraleigh]

I have to disagree. To clean a filter means breaking it down, not backwashing or bumping....Carts are the EASIEST to clean!

Evan,

I swore I would never get involved in this interminable (and redundant)argument but you have misspoken.

You "clean" a sand filter by backwashing....no further "cleaning" is necessary. It is misleading to inexperienced people to imply that carts have a lower maintenance load.

[waterbear]

Evan,

I swore I would never get involved in this interminable (and redundant)argument but you have misspoken.

You "clean" a sand filter by backwashing....no further "cleaning" is necessary. It is misleading to inexperienced people to imply that carts have a lower maintenance load.

I have to disagree. To 'clean' a sand filter requires breaking it down, flushing the sand with a hose to unclump it and get rid of any channeling that has occurred, and possibly using a sand cleaner if there is much scale clumping the sand together. IMHO, this should be a yearly procedure (and is similar to a yearly soaking of a cartridge in TSP or dishwater detergent). Backwashing just removes the excess dirt from the filter that usually just sits on the top layer of the sand. Channeling DOES occur in a sand filter and it lowers the filtering ability. Backwashing does not eliminate channeling. Backwashing is certanly an easier procedure than hosing a cart off....these would be equivalent processes...but to really clean any type of filter requres a filter breakdown and here the cart is definately easier, IMHO!

[Poconos]

Evan,
I don't know where you're getting your information as it is incomplete and contrary to almost everything that has been posted about sand filters in the past. First, channeling will occur with an oversized pump. Why don't you state that? When the pump and filter are properly sized this is not an issue. Next, backwashing will break up any clumps on the surface unless something has gotten into the filter to goo it up, like baquagoo. Next, sand doesn't have to be routinely 'cleaned', again, unless something has gotten into it to cause problems. Finally, for 9 seasons I never had a problem and the only time I dumped the sand was to make a unique addition to let me drain it better for winterizing. And I put the same sand back. Never added, never changed, never got my hands messy.
Now...I'm tempted to exercise my power as a moderator and lock this thread but I won't. Not yet. It has gotten completely off topic and as Dave said, is misleading to inexperienced people. Enough of this sand filter nonsense and misinformation. Guess I'm just a little rattled right now.
Al

[waterbear]

You might want to consider moving it to the china shop then. Channeling can occur even in a free flow sand filter that is not pressurized. It is the nature of the beast when filtering with sand. Organics, oils, and scale can collect on the sand and backwashing will not effectively remove them and over time they will take their toll. These same organics, oils, and scale also cause DE to clump and bridge and are what effectively 'wears out' a cartridge. It is true that a pump that is oversized can cause channeling and other problems but that is not the only reason it occurs. Cleaning the sand and declumping it is not the same as replacing the sand. All filter mediums get dirty with use and a dirty filter medium reaches a point where it is just not as effeicint anymore.