Hayward W3c17502 Swimclear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter
Best Cartridge Filter for Large Pools
Getting a larger pool clean presents a unique challenge. But with Haywards W3C17502 SwimClear Plus system, you can keep the water sparkling all season. Youll have multiple connection options, which is helpful for a range of plumbing scenarios, and the durable base and body are easy to install.
Filter cartridges lift out for cleaning or replacement, and you wont need any fancy tools or hardware to install or maintain your Hayward SwimClear Plus filter. However, you will likely need some thread sealant to ensure a watertight fit on the connectors.
Three Most Commonly Used Pool Filters
Which Pool Filter Is Best
Every swimming pool needs a pool filter. Without a functioning pool pump and filter, your water will inevitably turn green. However, which pool filter is best: sand, cartridge, or D.E. filter? We often encounter pool owners who are struggling to decide whether to keep their cartridge filter or to switch to sand or D.E.
Each filter has its own pros and cons and each pool owner has his/her own list of priorities, as well. Its important to keep your personal pool priorities in mind when choosing your filter.
The best pool filter for you is one that aligns best with your pool needs.
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Hayward Ecx270861 Boxed Pressure Gauge Replacement For Select Hayward Sand And De Filter
$ as of February 27, 2022 8:23 pm
Features
- Boxed pressure gauge replacement
- Fits micro-clear vertical grid, perflex extended-cycle d.e. filter and sand filter models ec30, ec40, ec40ac, i_pfppts, s160t, s200, s240, s245t, s190t
- Also fits hayward pro series sand filter models s210s, s244s, s310s, s140t, s144t, s180t, s210t, s220t, s220t2, s230t, s244t, s244t2, s270t, s164t, s166t
- Weight 18-pound
How Do I Change The Sand In My Pool Filter
In order to change the sand in a pool filter, first backwash the pool filter and then remove the drain plug to let the water drain. Then remove your filter cover and multiport valve. Next we recommend you cover your standpipe with a plastic bag or duct tape to prevent any sand from falling down it as you remove the sand. Removing the sand is next, and we recommend removing the old sand with a Shop Vac if you have, and if not, use a cap or gently use a small garden shovel.
It is important to be careful not to damage the fingers located at the bottom of your filter when doing this. After the sand is removed, rinse the inside of the tank and use a sponge to clean the inside of the filter. Reapply the drain plug and fill the tank about halfway with water, once this is done, gently add the new pool filter sand, spreading it evenly around.
Remove the tape or bag you used to cover the standpipe, then check the lids O-Ring and replace it if needed. Next, re-install the multiport valve and filter cover, along with all of the screws and unions. Backwash your filter for a few minutes, and then switch it from backwash to rinse. Set it to rinse for a couple of minutes and finally set your multiport valve to filter.
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Which Type Of Filter Is Recommended
The most common types of filters you will see are sand filters. They will effectively clean the pool for years with little or no problems. They are the most inexpensive filters to provide so are often offered as part of the basic pool package. DE filters are used less often because they are so maintenance intensive. Premium pool builders often encourage using a cartridge filter to make the pool more maintenance friendly. Most pool companies will allow you to pick and chose which filter is right for you. Sometimes the cartridge filter comes standard and other times there might be an additional charge for this. Whether this is true or not is up to the specific pool builder.
Best Pool Filter Type
- Sand filters are least effective but also the least expensive to buy and use.
- Cartridge filters are more effective but are more expensive to buy and use.
- DE filters are the most effective but are the most expensive to buy and use.
Determining the best filter for your pool will mean determining your feelings on water quality, price and maintenance. Your best pool filter may be the largest filter you can afford, no matter which filter type.
So remember: Go big! A sand filter that is oversized for your pool is a better purchase than an undersized DE filter. Larger filters require less maintenance and the filter media lasts longer. And when you really need them to clean up poor water conditions, larger pool filters will do so faster and better than smaller. They often prevent poor water conditions in the first place.
If youd like us to help you select the filter that will give you the most filter size for your buck, give us a call at 1-800-288-7946!
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Our Teams Conclusion On Pool Sand Filters
We hope you enjoyed our guide on finding the best sand filter for your swimming pool.
At the end of the day, the best pool sand filter is one that is easy to maintain and performs well. These are the core features of this type of pool filter. Our teams #1 tested pick is the Hayward S166T Pro Series Sand Filter.
Do you agree with what we have on our top pool sand filters list? Let us know how you feel in the comment section below!
Troubleshooting: Signs That Your De Filter Is Faulty
A DE filter is pretty easy to troubleshoot than a sand filter. Moreover, the filter medium in DE filter does not go bad since it is changed every time backwash is done.
Basically, the filter elements or parts will go bad. However, troubleshooting a DE filter is straightforward, and there are signs you can look for to detect spoilt parts:
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Considerations When Buying A Pool Filter
Before deciding what type of filter you are going to get, you need to determine the size of your pool so that you choose the correctly sized pool filter.
If you get a filter that is too small, it wont be able to do an effective job of cleaning the pool. The result is that youll have to clean and replace a filter thats too small more frequently. Theres also a chance that the smaller filter will get fried, leaving you at the risk of a damaged pump and filter.
On the other hand, you dont want a filter thats too large either! These can make the pool dangerous for swimmers from draining the water too quickly.
To determine the size of filter that youll need, you need to calculate the area and volume of your pool. Yep, turns out that grade school geometry class is actually coming in handy!
Additionally, youll need to determine the turnover rate of your pool. The turnover rate refers to the amount of time it takes all of the water in your pool to cycle through the filter. While some states have a mandatory 12-hour cycle law, its better for the health of your family to operate on an 8-hour turnover cycle.
Filter Media Replacement Cost:
Sand: Pool filter sand is cheap if you can find it locally, usually about $10 per 50 pounds. Over time the sand will lose its sharp edges, resulting in a filter tank filled with tiny ping pong balls! Most inground pool filters use about 300 pounds of filter sand, but a larger sand filter can hold 500 pounds, which is still a low total cost, as long as you dont pay to have it shipped! Filter sand alternatives exist, however, which are cost effective to ship such as PolyBALLS, ZeoSand and Filter Glass.
DE: DE filter grids are the fabric coated plastic frames. Over time, the stitching will unravel or holes can develop in the fabric. If you are handy with an awl, you can sew up holes, but if they are old or damaged from bad water chemistry, DE grid replacement is in order. Most DE filters have eight grids, and complete DE grid sets are available for $100-$150 or individually for around $20 each.
Cartridge: Filter cartridges, like the air cleaner in your car, wont last forever. The fibers in the fabric will separate over time and can develop holes- or thin spots. It is advised to replace pool filter cartridges after 12-15 cleanings, or within a 3-5 year timeframe. Large cartridge filters, with four 32-inch tall cartridges, can go an entire season without cleaning on some pools and can last six or seven years in some cases. Replacement costs for cartridges vary but can be as much as $125 each for inground pool filters
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The Different Types Of Pool Filters And How To Clean Them
Is there anything better than jumping into your swimming pool on a hot day? Its a fun form of exercise and it can even help reduce anxiety.
But, all that fun can be ruined if your pool isnt clean. In order to keep your pool in the best shape, youll need your pool filter to work properly.
And, in order for your filter to keep your pool clean, youll need to make sure your filter stays clean too.
Lets take a closer look at the different types of pool filters and how to clean them so your pool is always ready for you to enjoy.
Best De: Hayward Ec40ac Perflex Extended
DE pool filter pumps use a filtration grid coated with Diatomaceous Earth . The advantage when compared to other pool filter pumps is the exceptionally fine filtration offered by DE filtrationit captures particles as small as 2 micronsmuch smaller than the width of a human hair, which is about 50 microns. For a combination of superior filtration and convenient cleaning and maintenance, check out the Hayward EC40AC Perflex Filter System.
Hayward uses a patented Flex-Tube system to help ensure that residual dirt and DE doesnt accumulate in the tube. A handle makes it easy to purge the tubescommonly referred to as “bumping” the DE filter. While not all DE pool filters are bump systems, it helps to reduce the hassle of regular cleaning and maintenance.
This pool filter pump can be messier to clean than a sand filter system, but it requires less frequent attention and offers a stronger return jet and less friction.
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Where Can You Buy A Pool Sand Filter
Swimming Pool Sand Filters can be pretty easily purchased online on websites like Amazon, Leslies Pool Supplies, or The Pool Supplies Superstore. We recommend Amazon due to their often better prices and range of options. If you want to shop in-store, you can often find pool sand filters at Home Depot or Lowes, but the choices may be limited compared to online. No matter where you buy one, a swimming pool sand filter is a great option to keep your pool clean, beautiful and crystal clear!
How Long Do Cartridge Filters Last
Cartridge filters typically last for a few seasons before they need replacement. Some owners keep the old set as a backup or even to use specifically during startup when the pool is at its dirtiest. Instead of exposing your new, clean cartridge to everything in the water after the off-season, use the older grids to deal with the heavy debris. When the water clears up, remove the older cartridge, and install the newer ones.
The filter tank itself can last for decades.
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Cleaner Type Suction Side Pressure Side Or Robotic
Third, know what type of cleaner youll be using. Suction side, pressure side, and robotic cleaners effectively clean an above ground pool but are powered differently.
Suction Side Cleaners Suction side cleaners are affordable and most commonly used. Attaching to the suction side of the plumbing system, the pool pump powers the cleaner, drawing in dirt and debris. Large debris or high volumes of debris, such as leaves, can clog the filtration system.
Pressure Side Cleaners Pressure side cleaners conveniently capture their own debris and also help to circulate water and pool chemicals. This is convenient because uncirculated water in dead zones will encourage the growth of algae. Pressure side cleaners attach to the return port, and a vacuum is created to pick up dirt and debris.
Robotic Cleaners Robotic cleaners run independent of your pools pump and filter, collecting debris in a self-contained fine mesh bag. They are the most efficient out of all pool cleaners because they do not clean the same area twice.
Finding the correct sizes that work well together will greatly affect the way your pool will perform. Above ground pool pumps range from 1/2-1½ HP and a pump with too much horsepower will create excess water movement.
Things to Remember:
Choosing a higher horsepower will increase water flow movement and water turnover.
When using a sand filter, anything above 1.5HP will create excessive water movement and push sand into your pool.
Now Youre Ready To Choose The Best Pool Filter
We know this is a lot of information to process, but were confident that this guide to the different types of pool filters will help you make the best choice for your pool.
Looking for other types of filters for your home? Visit our website to get the filters for every home need from HVAC to refrigerator filters.
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Poolside Chat: Should You Switch From A De Filter To A Sand Filter
Poolside Chat is INYO Pools You Tube show where hosts Matt and Rob answer pool-related questions submitted by pool owners across the country. In a recent episode, Matt and Rob tackle whether pool owners should switch from a D.E. filter to a sand filter.
Watch the video below to hear some of the key points to keep in mind if you find yourself switching pool filter types.
How Does A Pool Filter Work
The pool filter is part of the pools plumbing network which includes large drains at the bottom of the pool and smaller drains known as skimmer drains around the edges of the pool.
The large drains catch heavier dirt and debris that sinks down whereas the skimmer drains are for the lighter debris, like leaves, which float along the waters surface.
As the pool water flows through these drains, the filter will clean the water. This freshly filtered water then flows back into the pool.
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What Are Cartridge Filters And How Do They Work
The design of cartridge pool filters centers around using spun polyester fibers as the filtration element that cleans the water. The fibers are folded tightly together and packed into a cartridge. The cartridge looks a bit like an air filter from a car, but they are taller and narrower than what you typically see in an automotive application.
Some filter systems load more than one cartridge into the tank for more filtering surface than a single cartridge.
This setup is a departure from the more traditional sand and DE filters you might be more familiar with as pool filters. They are very popular because they tend to be very efficient and easy to use and service.
Diagram: A) Pressure gauge, B) Dirt and debris gets trapped here as water passes through, C) Bulkheads, D) Air relief valve, E) Air relief tube, F) Cartridges, G) Lower manifold
A typical cartridge filter tank consists of a top lid and a separate bottom section, with a band, knob, or clamp holding the two halves together. Inside of the tank, the cartridge or cartridges sit on a pedestal or manifold that keeps them in place. Another manifold sits on top to further secure them, and they help force the water through them properly.
Your pools pump forces water into the tank, pushing it under pressure and making it flow through the membrane of the cartridge. The fine debris within the water remains trapped within the fibers of the cartridge element. Then the cleaned water is returned to the pool.
