Need advice regarding cartridge filter...

[otisdog]

I quote from the Pentair Quad D.E. brochure..."And cleaning couldn't be easier. In fact, you have three options...backwash and recharge like a traditional D.E. filter, remove and rinse off the cartridges, or simply remove the lid, leave the cartridges in place, open the drain plug and rinse."

[mas985]

A cartridge filter has the lowest head loss of any type of filter. The main reason is that it does not have a backwash valve which tends to have a lot of head loss. You can look it up in the manuals yourself. But here is a table I put together that compares the head loss through several filters +backwash valves:

[PoolDoc]

From PacFab engineering bulletins I received in the early 90's:









When I was running flows over 60 GPM, I always switched to the PacFab Full Flo valve, now called the "High Flow Valve":
http://www.pentairpool.com/products/...w-valve-68.htm

Over a 100 GPM, I made backwash valve chains, using an H-ladder and 4 full port ball valves.

It's also worth noting that neither sand nor DE filters have a failure mode that approximates cartridge pleat collapse, illustrated on a System3 cartridge:



(This cartridge also shows the effects of cleaning with a low power electric pressure washer. The pleat collapse results from high pressure drop across the cartridge that results when the filter clogs with algae or dirt. The 'fuzzy' fibers are a result of the pressure washing.)

Once that failure mode has been achieved -- and I've seen it on EVERY modern "high capacity" cartridge that's been used even briefly on dirty pool water -- the cartridge cannot be restored, and pressure drops are far greater than with the new, un-collapsed, cartridge.

[mas985]

The cartridges I was quoting were the Hayward SwimClear and the Pentair Clean & Clear plus. You can see the curves here:

http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manu...xx25-C7000.pdf
http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/CleanandClearOM.pdf

But this cartridge has even lower head loss:
http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/cleanclearrpOM.pdf

But you are right, there are some lines that are worse. I would never recommend those since they are usually pretty small.

As for cleaning a cartridge, I would never use a pressure washer. I use a small nozzle on the end of the hose which doesn't damage the fabric. That is probably one of the reasons why my cartridges have lasted so long (> 8 years).

[PoolDoc]

I think it's pretty clear that there are some serious weaknesses in specific models of filters within each filter group . . . and that information about these problems is hard for new pool buyers to acquire. It's something I'd like to work on, hopefully with your help.

Sorting out the whole problem with configuring and servicing electronic controls is out of my reach, at least for now. But I think we could do something useful with filters and pumps, that would help people make better decisions, and have better experiences with their pools.

[Pappy]

I quote from the Pentair Quad D.E. brochure..."And cleaning couldn't be easier. In fact, you have three options...backwash and recharge like a traditional D.E. filter, remove and rinse off the cartridges, or simply remove the lid, leave the cartridges in place, open the drain plug and rinse."

D.E. filter does not equal CARTRIDGE filter. Is this what your guy is suggesting?
http://www.pentairpool.com/products/...ilters-139.htm

[mas985]

Oh, Mark...? You've had a cartridge filter for 8+ years? You must have been a pioneer of sorts!

Not really. They were pretty common in our area when I installed it and with the drought restriction we now have, I am glad I have one.