Sand or Cartridge Filter for New Pool

[Watermom]

I do sometimes add DE but not routinely. You can read more about adding DE to a sand filter in the following thread:>

http://pool9.net/de-test/

I cannot imagine how adding DE would affect the filter negatively. Filters are made to trap debris. Basically, DE is just debris that is caught by a sand filter just as any other debris would be.

[Toybuilder]

Thanks everyone for your very helpful input. Went ahead and told the builder to go with sand. However, I noticed that he will be installing the largest filter available for a Pentair Triton II, the TR-140C. which will need 925lbs of sand (really??). The pump will be a Pentair Intelliflo VS pump and will have an attached spa. The pool capacity will be ~16k gallons. He explained that we needed the larger filter because it’s the only one rated to flow the amount of water that we need for the spa to function properly. The spa only holds ~850 gallons. Does this sound right? I think I’m going to need more than 1/3 of a cup of D.E.

I will be anxious to try D.E. but I think I'm going to hold off and see what it looks like without it. I will add the skimmer sock immediately once we're up and running.

[FormerBromineUser]

Yes, you can say the brands and models. Give as much info as you can to the equipment guys on the forum before you commit.

[Toybuilder]

Yes, you can say the brands and models. Give as much info as you can to the equipment guys on the forum before you commit.

Point taken. Will edit my previous post.

[CarlD]

While 925# seems like a lot, you ARE filtering a spa, which I presume requires a much higher flow rate for all the jets if it's a single pump--I'm guessing as I know nothing about spas. But he's 100% correct that the filter MUST have a greater capacity than the pump. With filter that large you may WELL see fantastic performance that makes DE unnecessary. You can always try it, and if you don't like it or you put in too much, you simply backwash and VOILA! it's gone!

Be absolutely certain he installs surge protection for your VS pump, not just GFCI. They are very sensitive to surges and lightning, having electronic circuit boards. While they do perform better than a 2-speed pump, they are more sensitive because of the electronics.

These days, with all the electronic appliances, surge protection is everywhere. We have to have it on our washer and dryer, even though the dryer is gas, because they are electronic. We have lost too many coffee makers till I put a surge protector on the latest one! We even have a fridge and range that have them on them (gas stove, electronic controls)!

[BigDave]

Rinse is a setting on most multiport valves. Your builder may be installing the full flow valve as flow for the spa appears to be the factor driving filter and pump selection. I don't know if the full flow valve option has a rinse position. There is an MPV option for that filter but it would probably restrict flow.

I think your builder is offering a nice filter and you'll be happy with the water quality. Don't worry about the half-ton of sand, you'll never have to replace it (unless you use Baquacil or cellulose DE substitute).

[Toybuilder]

Rinse is a setting on most multiport valves. Your builder may be installing the full flow valve as flow for the spa appears to be the factor driving filter and pump selection. I don't know if the full flow valve option has a rinse position. There is an MPV option for that filter but it would probably restrict flow.

I think your builder is offering a nice filter and you'll be happy with the water quality. Don't worry about the half-ton of sand, you'll never have to replace it (unless you use Baquacil or cellulose DE substitute).

Thanks BigDave. I'm sure the builder will review everything once the pool is done, but I'll keep this thread to remind me once the big day comes. Thanks again for all your help.

[CarlD]

Well, as far as SWCG goes, you can go either way. Personally, I'm happy with my Autopilot.
First off, while an SWCG can make life easier, it won't make it A LOT easier if you're always and home and good at maintenance. Because if you are, you'll spend 2-5 minutes a day testing and adjusting your water and 15-45minutes once a week, unless you hand-vacuum. If you travel a great deal and have to leave the pool unattended for days or even a week at a time, an SWCG can be a big help.

It will NOT save you money. It will cost more in initial cost to run than buying bleach and Liquid Chlorine. Plus figure every 5 years you'll need a new cell...at aprox $500/pop. That's at least 5 years worth of bleach/chlorine on a 16000 gallon pool.

Still, this builder sounds like he knows his business, recommended the surge protector, and recommended you get it separately. So I'm guessing he'll know how to install the SWCG, which includes the necessary wiring. I did my own and merely piggy-backed it off the pump's timer (220v) and plumbed it in. But I'm an do-it-yourself addict. If you DO have him install it, be sure to have him put quick-release cutoff valves on either side of the cell. Most SWCG cells have their own filter screen that needs to be cleaned from time to time and it's MUCH easier to do it if you just shut off the pump, flip both ball valves, and open it up and clean it. Also, if you have to service or replace it, it's easy enough.

We do have a couple of SWCG experts here, PoolSean comes to mind, but I haven't seen him posting in a while.

[FormerBromineUser]

Just an aside here, if you do get DE (Diatomaceous Earth), get it from a Home Depot kind of store. Years ago when I was being pool-stored, I asked them for DE and they sold me the cellulose product saying it was the same thing. I used it and it made a gooey mess of my sand and I had to replace it.

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

[Toybuilder]

While 925# seems like a lot, you ARE filtering a spa, which I presume requires a much higher flow rate for all the jets if it's a single pump--I'm guessing as I know nothing about spas. But he's 100% correct that the filter MUST have a greater capacity than the pump. With filter that large you may WELL see fantastic performance that makes DE unnecessary. You can always try it, and if you don't like it or you put in too much, you simply backwash and VOILA! it's gone!

Be absolutely certain he installs surge protection for your VS pump, not just GFCI. They are very sensitive to surges and lightning, having electronic circuit boards. While they do perform better than a 2-speed pump, they are more sensitive because of the electronics.

These days, with all the electronic appliances, surge protection is everywhere. We have to have it on our washer and dryer, even though the dryer is gas, because they are electronic. We have lost too many coffee makers till I put a surge protector on the latest one! We even have a fridge and range that have them on them (gas stove, electronic controls)!

Whew! Thanks CarlD. This builder said he has over 28 years of experience, and for a moment, I thought were being taken.

I will try D.E., just because I’m more curious than anything, but will wait a few weeks after startup to see how it looks without it.

As for surge protection, the builder actually recommended it. We do get some severe lightning storms over the summer months here in the Denver metro area so better safe than sorry. He just installed one on a pool that was struck 3 times before the owner got fed up (I would have been fed up after the first time). He’s telling us to go ahead and purchase the surge protect on our own as he would have to mark it up if he were to purchase it, $200 vs less than $100 from an online store I found. I take savings anytime.

He’s also having us purchase the SWCG which I have more questions on that. Should I start a new post in SWCG? I’m looking at the Hayward Goldline but not sure which one? Size?

Thanks again for all your help, and for everyone else’s help for that matter. You’ve made me feel a lot better about the filter…and the builder. I will be posting several more questions around the forum so please keep the good information flowing. I can use all the help I can get.