Pentair CCP Filter lifespan (actual filter not cartridges)

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A

abgoldberg

Member
Feb 17, 2022
6
Columbia, MD
Pool Size
26000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
We bought our house with a pool 4 years ago, and the original pool filter - a Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 - is about 14 1/2 years old now. We have a couple sets of filters and rotate them, everything seems to work fine. No visible cracks. Occasionally after reassembly I see a few small drips/leaks around the middle seal, but reseating it and tightening fixes it. Have replaced the gasket around the middle and interior metal ring a few years ago.

We just had a new heat pump installed, and the pool company said they usually advise replacing a filter like ours at this point, since Pentair says they last about 10 years. We don’t want to risk it cracking and have some catastrophic problem, but what’s realistic here?

Should we replace it at this point? Are there specific warning signs to check for that might indicate it’s really time to replace?

Thanks!
 

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abgoldberg said:
and the pool company said they usually advise replacing a filter like ours at this point, since Pentair says they last about 10 years
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ab,

Gee, why would that say that??? Maybe because they see $$$$$ in their head.. :mrgreen:

I would expect the shell to last 25 to 30 years... But that is just a guess on my part.. We very rarely see any reports of cartridges filters going bad, and none that I have seen 'exploding'...

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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I would have said any quality pool filter should last a generation, so I'm with Jim.
 
My filter is old enough to vote and the only thing that really, really annoys me about it is the fact that even grazing against it with bare skin means fiberglass torture for hours.

I replaced the big rubber gasket 2 years ago or so, and besides that it still looks to be in great shape. Since it is a pressurized vessel I do inspect it now and then, but that's about all. If I get rid of it anytime soon it'll be to drop DE like a bad habit and install a cartridge equipped model.
 
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I have the Pentair DE filter which has the same shell. It is 29 years old. I am replacing it to go to a Pentair cartridge filter only because I dislike messing around with DE.
The filter housing is still good.
 
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agree with all of the above. If there aren’t any issue with it, it’s not time to replace.
 
Thanks! I suspected this is likely just an attempt to sell more filters but I also generally really like and trust my pool company to be fair.

What are some warning signs or issues to keep an eye out for, so I know when it really is time to replace? The guy I talked to said it could just crack at any time and lead to draining your pool if no one's around to see and turn off the water.

Thanks again to all,
Andrew
 
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The two biggest filter killers are UV eating the protective coating and shedding 1 fiber at a time, and ice.

Many delay the UV damage by repainting the shell with Krylon (etc) every other yeaorir as needed.

Besides that, they all last until they dont, but it's a loooooong time.
 
@JamesW

Would you say your video is a normal occurrence?? What is your guess as to what % of pool filters suffer this type of failure??

There is probably a million things that could kill you on any day of the week..

This would not be on the top of my list of things to worry about... :mrgreen:

We should not drive cars, nor build two story houses, nor take baths, nor walk on sidewalks, nor fly in planes... the list goes on forever..

Some common sense has to be used with every decision...

Sigh!!

Jim R.
 
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Jimrahbe said:
Would you say your video is a normal occurrence??
Click to expand...
Not common.

Probably due to a band clamp not installed correctly.

Actual explosions do happen, but they are rare.

Normally cracks will develop and then it is time to replace the filter.

Deep oxidation is also a sign that the filter is compromised.

The filter does have some surface oxidation, but it does not look very deep right now.




IMG_7905.jpeg
 
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My SwimClear Mega 550 filter is not original to my 23 y.o. pool because the top was replaced about 10 years ago due to a crack and the bottom was replaced last year due to a crack. Just wait for a crack to appear and then replace either the bad half or the entire thing if you want. I did mine one piece at a time.
 
abgoldberg said:
The guy I talked to said it could just crack at any time and lead to draining your pool if no one's around to see and turn off the water.
Click to expand...
Andrew,

While that statement is true, it could also apply to a brand new filter.. It is just a fact of life..

Most filter leaks start off as very small leaks at the equipment pad.. They can go on for months... These leaks cannot be repaired, so obviously at the first sign of a leak, the filter should be replaced.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Simple routine inspection should suffice - the solid body of the filter is not going to suddenly explode, things just don’t happen like that. What will fail are areas of penetration and threaded connections. So simply inspect all connections for moisture or drips, check the main body seal for leaks, and keep an eye on the air relief valve and pressure gauge. Those are the areas of tank failure. The internal manifold and filter elements can fail as well but that typically shows up as reduced filtration performance or dirty water coming from the returns. The internal parts of a filter aren’t cheap but can be replaced. Whether or not it’s worth doing or installing a new filter is a judgment call only you can make.
 
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