New Pool Filter

[79 HUSTLER]

It's time to replace the 1986 pool filter finally. I think I have narrowed it down to a Pentair D.E. Cartridge style #188594??? A little bit of specs on the pool: approx 21,000 gallons for the pool and spa. Has a Pentair Variable Speed pump. No water features. Located in LHC and not really used that much at all except for my Lab. Any of the pool experts have any opinions? Shopping/calling around it does look like this filter can be found right now at a few places. I just hope I'm not going to regret not rebuilding the old stainless filter that all the parts are still available for 1/3 of the price of the new one. Shit is not built the same anymore.

 

[Lumpy]

Gotta Love an old Pac-Fab Stainless Dinosaur...unless ya want to tear it down every year and rebuild it every four with new parts replace it.

If it was my house in Havasu...I'd roll in 3 or 4 Pentair 520's manifolded together and replace the cartridges every year or every other year depending on
proper chemistry and debris intake but hell...I live in California and been in the business for 33 years so what do I know?

On a side note...no way would I be in the pool bizz in Havasu...not enough money in it unless it was all commercial...even then...not sure I would do it.

My suggestion...build a rocket ship.

A little build I did a couple years ago on a commercial property.......pool/spa combo...

By the way...I love that old school PacFab Stainless DE Filters!!! If I remember right...they pull down to two microns but are hi maintenance.

 

[2Driver]

I just replaced a pentair triton sand filter. Worked flawless for 17 years, It was time to change the sand and I said screw it I’ll just get a new filter. I think it was around $1,200 installed.

I just backwash every 2 weeks and call it a day. Super low maintenance, pool is perfect.

 

[TCHB]

I have the Pentair Cartridge filters on my pool and have only replaced the actual cartridge once in 10 years. I wash them out every six months

 

[79 HUSTLER]

Gotta Love an old Pac-Fab Stainless Dinosaur...unless ya want to tear it down every year and rebuild it every four with new parts replace it.

If it was my house in Havasu...I'd roll in 3 or 4 Pentair 520's manifolded together and replace the cartridges every year or every other year depending on
proper chemistry and debris intake but hell...I live in California and been in the business for 33 years so what do I know?

On a side note...no way would I be in the pool bizz in Havasu...not enough money in it unless it was all commercial...even then...not sure I would do it.

My suggestion...build a rocket ship.

A little build I did a couple years ago on a commercial property.......pool/spa combo...

View attachment 1045150

By the way...I love that old school PacFab Stainless DE Filters!!! If I remember right...they pull down to two microns but are hi maintenance.

PAC FAB nautilus is exactly what it is!!! Thanks for the info, I will look up the 520s.

 

[Melloyellovector]

We primarily use cartridge on every pool, pentair clean n clear 520s. Cartridges will last 5 years plus depending on how often cleaned etc. clean every 6months and they should get good life out of them

The quad de is good, just not a fan of de in a cartridge. It puts a lot of stress on the cartridge itself w de during filter cycles and puts reverse pressure on them during backwash. Cartridges usually blow out.
Life expectancy is usually less then 5years

Normal DE if that’s what you prefer go with FNS+ and order backwash valve with it

As far as old versus new - internally a FNS+ ( new filter ) grid is identical to your filter grid from 86

Surprised your nautilus lasted this long, usually they are riddled with holes by now. Or crack at air release or tank band. New SS filter certainly won’t last that long. So don’t go that route. Lol

 

[79 HUSTLER]

We primarily use cartridge on every pool, pentair clean n clear 520s. Cartridges will last 5 years plus depending on how often cleaned etc. clean every 6months and they should get good life out of them

The quad de is good, just not a fan of de in a cartridge. It puts a lot of stress on the cartridge itself w de during filter cycles and puts reverse pressure on them during backwash. Cartridges usually blow out.
Life expectancy is usually less then 5years

Normal DE if that’s what you prefer go with FNS+ and order backwash valve with it

As far as old versus new - internally a FNS+ ( new filter ) grid is identical to your filter grid from 86

Surprised your nautilus lasted this long, usually they are riddled with holes by now. Or crack at air release or tank band. New SS filter certainly won’t last that long. So don’t go that route. Lol

Thank you for all the info!! I was under the impression that DE was the way to go for the clearest and cleanest? I sure wouldn’t mind not dealing with it if it is not needed. Surprisingly the SS tank is in great shape, everything else, not so much.

 

[Melloyellovector]

Thank you for all the info!! I was under the impression that DE was the way to go for the clearest and cleanest? I sure wouldn’t mind not dealing with it if it is not needed. Surprisingly the SS tank is in great shape, everything else, not so much.

It’s literally 2 microns different. Not enough you’d notice with out a microscope

Internally it functions exactly same old versus new. Grids are same, shit manifold and holding wheel might even be the same as new. Been to many years since Iv had a dinosaur apart. We cut em out and replace.

The only thing that may not be available is the stand pipe, through tank fittings
If those are fine, replace manifold, holding wheel, o rings, maybe even a new air release assy. You got a new filter with labor you can do.
Not sure it will be 1/3 the cost but maybe
Old stainless filter in LHC if tank is good will likely out live any plastic/frp/fiberglass filter exposed to 120 temps.

 

[JB in so cal]

I've been trying to get half a dozen customers to replace the stain less stuff but I keep fixing them lol

 

[79 HUSTLER]

It’s literally 2 microns different. Not enough you’d notice with out a microscope

Internally it functions exactly same old versus new. Grids are same, shit manifold and holding wheel might even be the same as new. Been to many years since Iv had a dinosaur apart. We cut em out and replace.

The only thing that may not be available is the stand pipe, through tank fittings
If those are fine, replace manifold, holding wheel, o rings, maybe even a new air release assy. You got a new filter with labor you can do.
Not sure it will be 1/3 the cost but maybe
Old stainless filter in LHC if tank is good will likely out live any plastic/frp/fiberglass filter exposed to 120 temps.

Shit, microscope?? Shit mines a one eyed taste test. Thanks for the info, non DE 520 it is, I think.

 

[79 HUSTLER]

I have the Pentair Cartridge filters on my pool and have only replaced the actual cartridge once in 10 years. I wash them out every six months

Sounds great. Six months will be a walk in the park as I clean the current ones way more then that, heck I’d be just fine doing it every three months.

 

[79 HUSTLER]

I just replaced a pentair triton sand filter. Worked flawless for 17 years, It was time to change the sand and I said screw it I’ll just get a new filter. I think it was around $1,200 installed.

I just backwash every 2 weeks and call it a day. Super low maintenance, pool is perfect.

What did you replace it with?

 

[2Driver]

What did you replace it with?

The same model. Pentair Triton.

 

[79 HUSTLER]

The same model. Pentair Triton.

Gotcha. Thanks.

 

[79 HUSTLER]

Thanks for the insight and the suggestions on this. I changed up my original idea and ordered the Pentair CCP520 (Clean & Clear Plus #160332) so hopefully I picked the right one this time.