D.E. Swimming Pool Filters
The photo at left is the typical D.E.(diatomaceous earth)swimming pool filter. This particular model is a Pentair FNS plus,but all top manifold filters are pretty much the same. Top manifold means the openings in the grids where the water flows back to swimming pool are on top. Some people call the grids unicel pool filter which is a brand name for the the pool filter replacement grid. I do not like top manifold filters because: 1)After repeated backwashings,the weight of accumulated D.E. powder can get so heavy the nipples of the grids(where the grid inserts into top manifold)can break off,letting D.E./debris into pool. Also,the weight can damage the frames of the grids,meaning some grids will be shorter than others and not held in place by the bottom manifold,with the same result. 2)After taking apart grids to clean,re-assembly can be a hassle. 3)Taking apart/re-assembling the tank can be very hard especially on composite tanks. One thing I would like to say about D.E. filters in general is that although they filter the best as far as smallest particle size,the D.E. can be a mess to the equipment area,the yard,and evironmentally speaking in the gutter and sewer system....I can forsee the day when cities will outlaw these types of filters.
This filter is a BOTTOM manifold filter by pentair. It is known as the "2000" series and is made of stainless steel. It is very easy to take apart and reassemble and stainless steel holds up great to the harsh ultra violet rays of the sun,BUT...I do not believe these filters are of the same quality that they were say 20 years ago. I have seen more new models with leaks from corrosion than the older models. I have been told(but I cannot confirm)that due to the high price of stainless steel,the manufacturer has taken shortcuts in the production by eliminating processes such as "pickling" the steel. This is a process that puts a protective layer on the top of steel to harden it. This may be true,since the old filter had a 10 year tank warranty....the new tank has a 1 year warranty. Also,if you wish to install a salt chlorinator,a composite filter is best.
The filter on the top is the Sta Rite System 3 cartridge DE filter...the filter below that is the Pentair Quad DE Cartridge filter. These are both good designs,but the Sta Rite System 3 is my favorite because: 1)The cartridge is very easy to clean,there is no manifold or center rod to take apart...just lift the cartridge out of the tank and hose it off. The cartidge is covered with the same type of material as the grid on the filter at the top of this page,and has a 2 year warranty.(I have installed some that are going on their 4th year) 2)The composite tank holds up to harsh chemicals and sunlight and has a 10 year warranty...also, its much easier to assemble than composite tanks that have a wrap-around clamp. 3)The tank o-ring is impregnated with teflon and is self lubricating,no messy lube and rag needed. 4)The tank is very easy to take apart/reassemble once the 7 clamps have been taken apart. 5)No tools,lubricants,or rags are needed to take apart and clean filter(but a wrench is needed if you wish to remove plug and clean out tank) However,some pool service techs think the seven clamps are too much trouble to take off and remove...I personally think they are easier than round two piece tank clamps to put back on,but as a less expensive compromise to your pool service tech you may want to consider the model below:
This is a swimming pool pump and filter I installed. Its a Sta-Rite System 2 cartridge D.E. filter. Advantages to above filter: 1)Poolman love this filter!The simple ring lock is easier than the 7 clamps to remove and cleaning is even easier than the System 3 filter. 2)This filter is less expensive than the System 3 filter. 3)It can fit into small areas where a bigger filter cannot. Disadvantages: 1)The tank has a 1 year warranty instead of 10 like System 3. 2)The maxinum size is 48 square feet of filter area.The System 3 maxinum size is 72 square feet. 3)The System 2 filter cannot handle the pressure and water flow of a System 3 filter
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