When are DE filter fingers unusable?

[lxjenkins]

Had to replace the bottom tube sheet in my Hayward EC65a and noticed that several (25-35) filter fingers are cracked near the top. I'm not adverse to replacing some of them (those that are so cracked I can't fit them back into the tube sheet); however, 35 filter fingers adds up to some $$$. What effect, if any, is there to continuing to use some of these cracked fingers? Thanks.

 

[pookiesunshine]

I think the cracked fingers would make filtration ineffective. I could be wrong though.
I learned to hate my de filter when i was on baquacil. fingers got clogged frequently and a PAIN to clean. Replaced it with sand. I have no experience with de using TFP method; however, i would seriously consider replacing the filter- either sand or cartridge. JMO.

 

[1poolman1]

If you truly have a 33,000 gallon pool, the smartest thing you could do is get a filter larger than your 33.5 sq. ft. A large cartridge filter or sand filter would serve much better.

 

[lxjenkins]

If you truly have a 33,000 gallon pool, the smartest thing you could do is get a filter larger than your 33.5 sq. ft. A large cartridge filter or sand filter would serve much better.

Thanks. Actually, just reran the math on my pool size and it's definitely closely to 26,000 gallons than 33,000 gallons.

 

[lxjenkins]

If you truly have a 33,000 gallon pool, the smartest thing you could do is get a filter larger than your 33.5 sq. ft. A large cartridge filter or sand filter would serve much better.

Assuming I have a 26,000 gallon pool, is my existing DE filter so completely inadequate that it would make sense to upgrade to a larger cartridge or sand filter now?

 

[ajw22]

Assuming I have a 26,000 gallon pool, is my existing DE filter so completely inadequate that it would make sense to upgrade to a larger cartridge or sand filter now?

A smaller filter requires more frequent cleaning.

How long does it take for your clean filter pressure to rise 30%?

How often do you need to backwash your DE filter?

 

[lxjenkins]

A smaller filter requires more frequent cleaning.

How long does it take for your clean filter pressure to rise 30%?

How often do you need to backwash your DE filter?

I backwash my filter once every 6-weeks during the summer (pool is only open late May - late September). Thorough cleaning at the end of the season. Rarely does filter pressure rise 30%.

So the only downside of a small filter is more regular cleaning? No impact on filtration if properly maintained?

 

[ajw22]

So the only downside of a small filter is more regular cleaning?

Correct.

No impact on filtration if properly maintained?

None.