Sta-Rite Cartridge Filter?

[Mandrake]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with Sta-Rite cartridge filters (I am interested in SM850, 500 sq feet).

I was talking to my Pool Store guy about Cartridge filters, and the store manager strongly recommended Sta-Rite, saying that they are far better than either Pentair or Hayward.

It seems that the main advantage of this filter is that it is easy to (dis)assemble and clean, which is really nice (I have Pentair right now and putting the belt back is pain in the neck, you need two people and even then is not easy, Hayward seem to be similar).

However, when I went to amazon.com, I saw that people buy Hayward and Pentair filters far more than Sta-Rite (even though it is actually manufactured by Pentair), so I am not sure if I am missing something, i.e. why Sta-Rite is not selling more (it's slightly more expensive).

There is also issue with pluming, as I said I currently have Pentair DE filter, and both Hayward and Pentair cartridge filter have about the same radius (22-24") so my existing plumbing should do. Sta-Rite is quite a bit wider (31"), so have to check if it will fit easily.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[mknauss]

Most cartridge filter systems are pretty similar. For replacement cartridges, many here use Pleatco brand.

 

[Jeff_Pleatco]

The Sta-Rite system 3 system is a beast of a cartridge (500 sq ft). It is a two cartridge system (one sits within the other). It is very unique with how water flows and filters within the tank. A lot of people it because it can hold a ton of dirt, therefore you don't have to clean it often. However, everyone's biggest complaint is that there are no after market cartridge companies that make direct replacements for the system 3 tank. So you would either have to buy the OEM (Pentair) cartridges or buy the retrofit system by Filbur.