Lost in filtration

[anne]

I modified my post regarding % efficiency, since I accidentally reversed the numbers the first time.

[Vinny]

The DONT last if you abuse them: I found this out. They are designed with bigger to smaller "holes" as you described, so that the water first goes through larger micron openings, eventually down to 1 micron.

With these, you cannot use enzymes, clarifiers, even stain and scale products. They "gunk" up the pores, and cannot be washed.

I don't consider that abuse - that's my point.  Unless you don't soak often I can't see a filter with a very small micron opening lasting too long.

[anne]

I don't consider that abuse - that's my point.  Unless you don't soak often I can't see a filter with a very small micron opening lasting too long.

Their claim is that you dont NEED clarifiers/enzymes with those filters. Why the Stain and scale stuff is a problem, still a mystery to me. That being said, I'm going to see how it goes with a traditional pleated filter for now, since I dont want to be limited in what I can use in the tub. This was an interesting thing that a rep from Micropure sent me in regards to my high calcium question:

"Stain and scale reducer will hamper the filters effectiveness as well.
Our desire is to see less chemicals in spas, so I would recommend not
adding any Defender to your spa.  The only sacrifice you are making is
shortening the life of your heater element and Arctic Spas uses a
special coating on their element to reduce scaling anyway.  Heater
elements cost about $60 and you can easily put $60 of Defender in your
spa over a few years.  Plus then you will be exposing your body to the
stain and scale remover (see attached spec sheet)."

Guess i sorta took this thread off course- sorry.

[salesdvl]

I've got one of the little people working on it.  Terminator

Ooompa Dooompa Oooompady Doo.  

[East_TX_Spa]

Ooompa Dooompa Oooompady Doo.  

[Vinny]

 Their claim is that you dont NEED clarifiers/enzymes with those filters. Why the Stain and scale stuff is a problem, still a mystery to me. That being said, I'm going to see how it goes with a traditional pleated filter for now, since I dont want to be limited in what I can use in the tub. This was an interesting thing that a rep from Micropure sent me in regards to my high calcium question:

"Stain and scale reducer will hamper the filters effectiveness as well.
Our desire is to see less chemicals in spas, so I would recommend not
adding any Defender to your spa.  The only sacrifice you are making is
shortening the life of your heater element and Arctic Spas uses a
special coating on their element to reduce scaling anyway.  Heater
elements cost about $60 and you can easily put $60 of Defender in your
spa over a few years.  Plus then you will be exposing your body to the
stain and scale remover (see attached spec sheet)."

Guess i sorta took this thread off course- sorry.

Anne,

I'm sure ALL tubs need help once in a while and I would agree with you on the pleated filters. This is not a function of one tub is better than another in filtration but sometimes things can get out of hand in a tub (going on vacation for instance) and the filters need help.

I would NOT take the advice of a filter salesman - he wants to sell these things and put $$$ in his pocket - I would listen to your dealer or even the dealers here (sometimes with a grain of salt   ) on how to treat your water. Replacing a "great" filter every 5 weeks or so will put a lot of money in his pocket.

I don't know how much a heater element is or how much defender is but the less you have to work on replacing things the better IMO. Given the choice I would take using the chemical product vs replacing a heater in who knows how long.

I think you're making the right choice!

[Guru]

Avoid Tri-x filters.

[Chas]

Avoid Tri-x filters.

NO!

I plan on continuing to use them, enjoy them and tell all my friends about them.

Why?

[anne]

"I would NOT take the advice of a filter salesman - he wants to sell these things and put $$$ in his pocket - I would listen to your dealer or even the dealers here (sometimes with a grain of salt    ) on how to treat your water. "

Agreed. I sent that quote to the Arctic guy who has been helping me "electronically" with my water, and said "I'll do whatever you recommend." For now, I'm having no trouble with the pleated type.

Can anyone comment on the real difference seen depending on the square footage of a filter? It would make sense that more surface area= better filtration. My filter is 50sq ft. Seems that some are as little as 25, and as much as 125? Are the "denser" ones harder to clean and riinse well?

[Spatech_tuo]

My filter is 50sq ft. Seems that some are as little as 25, and as much as 125? Are the "denser" ones harder to clean and riinse well?

Bigger is not always better. If you pack the filter with too much paper you're actually losing effective filtering area because it's almost lying on top of each other. There is a point of diminshing returns. Also, just because you have 50 sq ft and someone else talks about theirs being 125 don't assume they can be compared. One may be much taller than the other and thus you'll get more sq ft because it's taller even if they are equally dense per inch.

[anne]

Spatech- thanks for the advice, but I really love your avitar!!! LOL!!!!! That is new, right? Please dont tell me I have just been unobservant lately......

[salesdvl]

So we still dont know for sure?

Chas, how bout it?  How come there isnt a difinitve answer to the tri-x micron question?  Won't Watkins tell you guys?  I remember they wouldnt tell me when I called them when they first came out.

[shabba34]

Avoid Tri-x filters.

Nice pesamistic approach to your first 4 posts Guru.  Very insiteful.

[drewstar]

Avoid Tri-x filters.

Okay. If YOU Say so!

what else should I be doing? No need to explain, just shout out your declarations.  

I'm waiting with baited breath.

[mattNY]

Spatech- thanks for the advice, but I really love your avitar!!! LOL!!!!! That is new, right? Please dont tell me I have just been unobservant lately......

He's actually had it for a while now, but I agree, it's great!  
"A scratch?!  Your arm's off!"
...
"I've had worse."