Replace sand filter and motor with a new quad de filter

[vinjvinj]

I currently have a sand based filter. My motor died last year and I'm looking to replace it, as part of this I would also like to change the sand filter to a quad de filter. I live in the north east and also have a water heater that I'm not changing.

I currently have a multi port attached to the sand filter and also have a backwash option.

I'm going to try and do this myself. I'm comfortable with the electrical piece and also cutting and connecting pvc pipes. Couple of questions:

1. Is there a connection diagram that I can look at on how a quad filter de should be connected?
2. What motor should I use with this?
3. What multi port should I buy?
4. What's the best place online to purchase these items?

[PoolDoc]

I'm not sure what you mean by a "quad de filter". Most DE filters have multiple elements, but 4 elements is not a number I recall being associated with any particular filter.

Regardless, when changing the pump and filter, pool volume AND piping size are the critical factors. Also, if you can take good pictures of your current installation, that would make it much easier to provide you with useful advice.

[vinjvinj]

Here is the filter I saw mentioned in other forums:

http://www.pentairpool.com/products/...ilters-139.htm

Here are the images of my pool filter and motor:






Questions:

1. What filter + de should I buy
2. What motor should I buy? I currently have a booster motor which has never worked and would want to remove it when I install the new filter. Are the new motors which can run at dfifferent rpm's and have built in timers and auto shut offs worth it. They seem rather cool.
3. Where can I figure out what to buy and how to connect everything together. Are there techs online who can help for a fee?

Regards

[PoolDoc]

1. I would not get a cartridge DE filter: the pleats plug rapidly, and you end up with a DE filter with 1/10 the capacity it started with.

2. Sand filters are *MUCH* lower maintenance than DE or cartridge filters. Unless you're looking for somewhat enhanced water clarity, or are planning on taking underwater pictures, you may want to consider sprucing up your sand filter, rather than replacing it.

3. If you really want a DE filter, get something like this: http://www.pentairpool.com/products/...series-170.htm (Do NOT get a System-3 sand filter -- the Pentair TR series is probably the best sand filter; the System-3 sand filter sux; the System-3 cartridge filter is even worse! But the System-3 DE filter is a good product.)

4. If you get a System-3 DE, get the matching multiport.

5. I'd recommend a 2-speed Whisperflo to replace your SuperPump. What size is the SuperPump?

6. Why aren't you using a pool vac with the booster pump?

[vinjvinj]

1. Ok. Read a few posts where people seemed to be happy with it. What about a plain cartridge filter?

2. I'm pretty bad with running the motor on a timer and the water goes green some time and then I have to shock it and then it becomes cloudy and takes quite a bit of time to clean up. I was thinking this would be less of an issue with a better filter and a better motor with a digital timer built in.

how would I spruce up the sand filter? I've not replaced the sand in the three years since I've got the house? and am not sure how long the sand has been in there? How much should I expect to pay for replacing the sand?

5. My super pump is 1.5 HP. The motor you recommended is 899. Leslie said that I can bring my super pump in and they can replace it with a 2 speed motor for 599. The motor you suggested seems to have different plumbing how much would I need to cut and replace?

6. The bottom drain has been plugged since I bought the house only the two side drains work. The booster pump has not worked either. I've bought a robotic cleaner.

[PoolDoc]

Sorry I didn't get back to you on this:

?#1. I'm not a fan of cartridge filters, but a lot of people seem to like the Pentair Clean & Clear line.

?#2. With a 2 speed, you can toggle lo/hi OR you can just run on low all the time, except when cleaning or backwashing.

?#3. Filter spruce up: Open, check, and probably, add sand.

?#5. Replacing the motor on a Super Pump is an acceptable option AND that motor has a manual toggle (I think!)

?#6. Dunno about those. CarlD likes his; the ones I've seen sucked . . . and not in a good way.

[CarlD]

Sorry I didn't get back to you on this:

?#1. I'm not a fan of cartridge filters, but a lot of people seem to like the Pentair Clean & Clear line.

We have a number of users who LOVE their carts and have mastered cleaning them easily. Personally, I'd rather have root canal, but...like anything, if you KNOW how to do it right it works!

?#2. With a 2 speed, you can toggle lo/hi OR you can just run on low all the time, except when cleaning or backwashing.

?#3. Filter spruce up: Open, check, and probably, add sand.

?#5. Replacing the motor on a Super Pump is an acceptable option AND that motor has a manual toggle (I think!)

My 2 speed SuperPump has a toggle switch on the back end of motor.

?#6. Dunno about those. CarlD likes his; the ones I've seen sucked . . . and not in a good way.

My Blue Diamond Wireless Remote has been a really good unit for me. The Dolphin Dynamic I had before it worked great for 2 years, then never worked right again, nor did the replacement they sent me.

When the BD broke down, the warranty coverage and repair was terrific! Fast and friendly and it's been fine ever since, now over 5 years.

[PoolDoc]

Carl, is this what you are talking about?

Water Tech BLD03RC Blue Diamond R/C Robotic Pool Cleaner with Cart

The reviews for the different models seemed positive, but I saw some bad reviews because the vacuum didn't remove fine dust or algae. However, I'm not sure if that vacuum is designed to do so -- I know that many are not.

[mas985]

There a two types of pool owners that dislike cartridges:

1) Ones that don't own one and probably never have.

2) Ones that have/had one but it is/was way too small for the pool so they end up cleaning it multiple times per season.

If sized properly and you only have to clean it once a year, cartridges are relatively maintenance free. Cleaning my cartridge filter takes 45-60 minutes once a year so it really isn't that bad. I would much prefer cleaning a cartridge once a year than rolling out a hose and backwashing several times a year. But neither filter is as bad as a root canal.

But I would add that a cartridge is not appropriate for every situation. I would recommend a cartridge for the following situations:

1) West of Mississippi

2) Pool stays open year around

3) Algae blooms are rare

4) Water restrictions require separation tanks.

And of course the opposite is true for a sand filter. They are much better for cleaning up algae blooms.

[PoolDoc]

I would add a 3rd type:

3. Some who's had to deal with a cartridge filter on a heavily used commercial pool.


I've seen them on multiple commercial pools, but I have NEVER seen one perform well on in that environment. As of last summer (August) Pentair/StaRite CS techs recommend against System3 cartridge filters in commercial pool applications.

I grant that the seem to do well in residential applications in arid regions, but I'm pretty sure that the swimmer 'goo' I've seen clogging them in commercial applications is going to be present in Arizona, too.