Any swimming pool filteration experts here?

Hugh R · 08-10-2015, 06:19 PM

I have a 35+ year old swimming pool with an American Titan Vertical Grid (screen) filter that uses diatomacous earth as a filter media. The screens are expensive and when I backwash it, and pour in new D.E. I get tons of D.E. in the pool. I've inspected the screens and it seems even with little tiny holes it still blows D. E. into the pool. New 7+1 half screens are about $250 on Amazon.

I've got to think that newer technology is available. Cartridges that you can backwash? I'll goggle search, but any thoughts. At this point, I don't mind spending a few hundred $ to quit having to deal with this.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

And here I've been thinking of switching up to a DE filter. It filters smaller particles if done properly.

The easiest system these days is cartridge filters. Keep a spare set of filters to swap in, then clean the ones in the filter with a hose and spray nozzle. You do this about every 6 months.

You might consider a newer DE filter like the one from Hayward.

Perflex | Filters | In Ground Pool Filters - Hayward Pool Products

Here are the cartridge filters

Filters | In Ground Pool Filters - Hayward Pool Products

I have the Swimclear

SwimClear | Filters | In Ground Pool Filters - Hayward Pool Products

And if you are getting these replaced, go ahead and get a new pump with a VFD.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

I have a 35+ year old swimming pool with an American Titan Vertical Grid (screen) filter that uses diatomacous earth as a filter media. The screens are expensive and when I backwash it, and pour in new D.E. I get tons of D.E. in the pool. I've inspected the screens and it seems even with little tiny holes it still blows D. E. into the pool. New 7+1 half screens are about $250 on Amazon.

I've got to think that newer technology is available. Cartridges that you can backwash? I'll goggle search, but any thoughts. At this point, I don't mind spending a few hundred $ to quit having to deal with this.

Look at the Pentair Quad 60 Hugh. It is still a DE filter with all the benefits of fine water filtration but modern elements that are durable and very easy to clean. It's a lot better than the old 60s grid technology that are fragile, a pain to re-assemble and tear easily. Modern technology has arrived.

PENTAIR >> Products >> Filters >> D.E. >> Quad D.E. Cartridge Style Filters

Eric Coffey · 08-10-2015, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

I've got to think that newer technology is available. Cartridges that you can backwash? I'll goggle search, but any thoughts. At this point, I don't mind spending a few hundred $ to quit having to deal with this.

I believe one of the big advantages to the cartridge filters is that you don't have to back-wash them. Just pop them out every couple months and hose them off. DE is still likely the best for water clarity, but the cartridge filters have come a long way.

VincentVega · 08-10-2015, 08:10 PM

I use a grid w/ DE, no complaints. Of course, there arent holes in my grid.

For my $$ replace the grid and enjoy a great filter. When you clean the grid is there debris or junk fine dirt? If anything but fine material make sure the skimmer baskets and the basket at the pump arent cracket or have holes.

dad911 · 08-10-2015, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Look at the Pentair Quad 60 Hugh. It is still a DE filter with all the benefits of fine water filtration but modern elements that are durable and very easy to clean. It's a lot better than the old 60s grid technology that are fragile, a pain to re-assemble and tear easily. Modern technology has arrived.

PENTAIR >> Products >> Filters >> D.E. >> Quad D.E. Cartridge Style Filters

I switched to this Pentair filter and a pentair 2 speed pump this season. Very happy with it so far.

dennis in se pa · dennis in se pa's Garage

My Apollo DE filter is 40 years old. It is in a pool equipment shed so it has lasted this long. I replaced all of the panels this year because of a few holes. Had DE all over the pool floor. Put new panels in the filter and swept up the DE from the pool floor. The panels cost $150. And DE is incredibly cheap. Buy new panels and you will be fine. $250 is nothing if you have a pool. I spend that on Bromine in a season.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

I have had a concrete in ground pool for about 15 years. Initially, it used a chlorine/cartridge type filter, but about 3 years ago I switched to using a salt/sand system. The salt/sand system is much easier to maintain with lower chemical costs. Under normal conditions, all it needs is the addition of an occasional bag of salt that is poured directly into the pool. Cleaning the sand filter only requires a backwash and rinse about every 2 months.

bivenator · 08-11-2015, 05:12 AM

Hugh, similar problem for me. After replacing the grid the problem continued. I solved the problem by replacing the gasket and valve that controls the backwash/filter water flow. Good luck.

Rednine11 · 08-11-2015, 05:14 AM

I have an in ground with sand filter. no complaints at all

Hugh R · 08-11-2015, 05:51 AM

Bivenator, hadn't thought to check the backwash valve/gasket. I'll check that before I look at other options. New grids from Amazon are about 1/2 the cost of the ones from the local pool supply.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Bivenator, hadn't thought to check the backwash valve/gasket. I'll check that before I look at other options. New grids from Amazon are about 1/2 the cost of the ones from the local pool supply.

BW valve seals are surely a possibility. Also a missing standpipe o ring, crack in the manifold, or missing air relief screen at the top of the manifold. Everything matters. That filter is also at least 30 yrs old so have a good look at the condition of the tank in the clamp band area. Lots of rust means the same on a filter as a 914.

If the tank is still in good shape without a lot of pitting around the waistband edges, replace the grids and o rings and you are good for another 5 years. Heavy pitting or cracks in the stainless and I don't trust the tank any more. Better off with all new.
JMHO

VincentVega · 08-11-2015, 06:23 AM

I had a leak this spring and found a few crusty seals in the T/backwash valve. Found the parts, diagram... online and it was pennies compared to the pool store. Sad thing was when I talked to the pool store parts guy he had no idea what I was doing. He just wanted to sell me a new valve. Simple enough to check and a good idea.