In ground pool 30K gallons, we're on our second Hayward Cartridge filter unit, the original lasted 10 years and burst out the side, the replacement has been leaking around the outlet port, I've rigged it with pipe tape, even some of that spray on Flex Seal stuff.

hey it worked for 6 months, but the leaks back, I'm guessing the threads and/or outlet sides are cracked internally and failing. Won't be long we'll have a gusher...

So time to replace, thinking of going DE, probably hayward vs cartridge. Just looking for member experiences with DE filters... Good place to buy... Amazon, Local Pool Store, etc

I'm a bit of a Hayward product expert.

Tell me more... 30K gallons.

In-ground, obviously.

Chlorine or salt?

How good are you on upkeep? Looking for as little maintenance as possible?

-Rob

pool supply world. I use DE. I rarely even have to backwash my water stays so clear. I do pull the grids out before and after pool season and clean them thoroughly for a full DE change.

Yes its 30,000 gallons +/- a thousand

In-ground - Yes
Screened - Yes

Chlorine, in pool chlorinator

Upkeep - Pretty good, it's FL, the filter is cleaned weekly in summer, pump is a variable speed programable, shock is liquid pour weekly..

Reduced work would always be appreciated!
the cartridge isn't a problem, but you have $100 per replacement, constant cleaning, etc.

Haven't researched it but pool filter housings failing have me questioning hayward, they should last more than 10 years...

They have the Swim Clear which is a larger cartridge filer and no backwash vs the ProGrid DE which requires a backwash valve and has to be backwashed every so often

Our current pool has a DE filter, Hayward. Original owner put it in but I believe it's at least 10 years old and shows no signs of wear to the case. DE provides the best filtration in terms of particle size, with the added cost of back washing and more expensive grids. The grids do tear on occasion, they're not as robust as a cartridge, though they should last a couple years at least. I buy aftermarket grids on Amazon, much cheaper than pool supply stores or OEM. You'll know when one gets a hole as DE will start coming into the pool through the outlets. Also the grids are not all the same size, there's one or two that are slightly smaller, so I'd just buy a spare set so when one does fail you'll def have a spare. And don't run the pool without any DE on the grids, if you do it will clog the grids and shorten the time between backwash cycles. You still have to remove the grids and clean them manually at least once a year, twice is probably better. There are solutions you can buy to either soak them in a bucket or spray on and let sit then rinse off. Overall I don't find the upkeep to be excessive or much more of a pain than cartridge. I buy most of my chemicals at Lowes: liquid chlorine, 3in tabs, shock, and DE. Much cheaper than local pool stores.

DE here..

I have a 17k pool so only need about 6-lbs.

I only have to backwash once after initial opening...after it stabilizes and clears...then maybe once more towards end of season.

DE has my pool clear in first 24hrs...

Its easy peasy...

I use liquid Chlorine and Muriatic acid via Stenner systems (talks/pumps) on timer.

I buy HomeDepot HDX liquid chlorine and Lowes muriatic acid.

quote:

Originally posted by Puckpilot78:
You still have to remove the grids and clean them manually at least once a year, twice is probably better. There are solutions you can buy to either soak them in a bucket or spray on and let sit then rinse off.

Negative...pool store lore to get to you use more DE or have them clean your grids ($$$)

I have gone three years without opening the filter and cleaning the grids. Once I cracked it open, the grids were pretty clean.

As long as you:

1) DONT add too much DE...more is not better.
2) Do a proper backwash and rinse.

Many people skimp on the proper backwash because it can use a lot of water. I try to coordinate after a big storm where pool level is way heigh.

I have a 38k gallon diving pool. 20 yrs ago it had a cartridge filter setup that sucked. Water was never clear. Had a sale on a DE setup at the local pool supply and jumped on it. Water is crystal clear. My pool guy now claims that the newer cartridge filter setup is alot better than the old setup I had. For now I am sticking with DE.

Resident RV Resort manager for 4 years. Large "commercial " pool inspected monthly by County Health Department. We use a DE filter, tablet clorinator, with a natural gas heater suplemented by large solar panels. Dual pump system. Cleaned (robot) and chemistry tested daily.

Leslie for replacement products.

I’d definitely go with a DE filter. It’s what I use and even opening seasonally, I can clean water and keep it stable all season with very little effort. You’re looking at the right hardware.

Just stay away from clarifiers. They don’t mix well with DE filtration systems. I’d avoid stabilized chlorine products of all kinds. Not worth having to deal with added calcium and/or CYA.

Also, something I advise everyone with a pool... if you think shock is a noun, go to troublefreepool.com and get some schooling. Save money and know more than your local pool store flunkies (i.e., Leslie’s).

Most importantly, get yourself a proper test kit and learn how to use it. I prefer the Taylor K-2006 myself. It has the advantage of coming with the FAS-DPD chlorine test so you won’t have to guess when you SLAM your pool.

-Rob

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
I’d definitely go with a DE filter. It’s what I use and even opening seasonally, I can clean water and keep it stable all season with very little effort. You’re looking at the right hardware.

Just stay away from clarifiers. They don’t mix well with DE filtration systems. I’d avoid stabilized chlorine products of all kinds. Not worth having to deal with added calcium and/or CYA.

Also, something I advise everyone with a pool... if you think shock is a noun, go to troublefreepool.com and get some schooling. Save money and know more than your local pool store flunkies (i.e., Leslie’s).

Most importantly, get yourself a proper test kit and learn how to use it. I prefer the Taylor K-2006 myself. It has the advantage of coming with the FAS-DPD chlorine test so you won’t have to guess when you SLAM your pool.

-Rob

Two thumbs up! Could not agree more...Trouble Free Pool.

I went liquid...got rid of the CYA issues with tabs...K-2006...SLAM...

No algae in 8 years...pool stays crystal clear from day 2 until close.

quote:

if you think shock is a noun, go to troublefreepool.com

Thanks, this is the info I was looking for, stopped by and they have a 15% off sale on the filter and I have a $100 rebate from my recent pool cleaner purchase.

Looking at a DE36 vs a DE48, cost differential is a hundred bucks.

Big expense is the backwash valve, since I have 2 inch pipes it's $249.

Install is $150 but that kicks the warranty from the store to 3 years.

Have until the 22 if I go that route.