In our previous house, we had a sand filter and it was great. Very little maintenance and overall pretty trouble free. We just moved into a new house and there is a DE filter. This looks like a relative pain the rear. I want to just swap out the filter and am looking for advice on what I need and potential pitfalls I may be unaware of. I’m definitely no expert.
What I have: Hayward DE4820 (I’m not sure it’s this exact model, but the specs are the same) Hayward Super II Pump 2HP Pool is approx 20,000 gallons
I want to swap it out for a Hayward sand filter because that’s what I had previously and it worked well for us. Should I just match the new sand filter’s specs with our current DE filter? Is that overkill or inadequate? I am specifically looking at the Hayward S220T. The specs are less than my current filter, but it looks adequate though I admittedly don’t know what I’m talking about.
Hello Rizzodrat - We’d be glad to assist you. The DE4800 has a designed flow rate of 96 gpm. This is important because of your 2HP pump. The sand filter you select should have a similar flow rate. The sand filter model S220T has a designed flow rate of 52 gpm. A 2HP pump would provide more than 52 gpm.
We would recommend a larger filter like the Hayward S310T2. The S310T2 has a designed flow rate of 98 gpm.
Thank you! I posted this same question on a pool forum and I’m being told that the DE filter is much better than a sand filter. They said, “That’s like switching out your Ferrari for a Ford Focus.” Do you agree with this?
I was under the impression that I would have to clean the DE filter monthly. This individual says only once or twice per year is necessary. Do you agree with this also?
It sounds like maybe I should just give this DE filter a shot for this season.
I would agree that you’d be downgrading the filter. The DE filter is better as far as water clarity. DE will filter down to a much smaller micron. You would only need to open up the filter once or twice a year. You’ll have to backwash and add DE powder more often than that.
My suggestion would be to give the DE filter a shot and then make a decision.
That’s what I will do then. Thank you very much. Also, thanks to you guys for all of your videos. It’s been a great resource for me.
We’re glad we could help. Come back and let us know how the DE filter works out for you.
I have an FNS Plus DE 36 and I hate it. I live in the country and am surrounded by dirt roads, plow fields and Kansas wind. I regret the purchase and would like to return to sand filter. Can I just buy the dome and hook it up like the DE is? I have a polaris vacuum. How easy would the transition be? I have a Grecian 16x32 inground with steps making it 16x34. The DE filter needs to be pulled out almost twice daily for hosing because of all the dirt in the air around here I guess.
Unfortunately, there is not a way to convert the FNS Plus to a sand filter. You’d have to just go with a complete sand filter.
You mentioned that you have to take the grid assembly out daily and hose it off? Does backwashing not work?