Hayward DE4820 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter, 48 Square Foot, Vertical Grid

Just replaced a 10+ year old Hayward DE4800 with this newer model. The photo isn't the smaller 48 sqft model its the larger model. The actual filter housing is a much better and slightly thicker material. My old filter housing was more like a PVC than fiber resin. The clamp on my old filter had a single hinge and the new model has two hinges on the metal clamp making it easier to install or remove. The coating on the metal clamp is better than my old clamp and the clamp bolt no longer uses a tension spring. The clamp has a sheathed copper insert where you tighten the bolt. The rubber o-ring is not round its square and feels like it has silicon material added. The gauge is better in my opinion, has low/hi setting adjustments and although the valve is still plastic as was the old system its a better design. I only wish there was a over pressure release valve option that would open if pressure exceeded 30+ psi. My old Hayward back-flush valve was a direct fit with no modification needed to fit this newer model. I had just bought new filter grids for my old DE4800 but they are the exact same grids that came with this newer model, so I have a spare set. The interior guts look to be the same. To me its just a DE filter but with the better housing material, better clamp, better gauge and compatibility with the older grids I feel makes this a great product. Trying to add some photos but the option isn't there only video. Will try and add some photos later if the option is there.

After fighting an old filter for months I finally gave up and bought this. I got one with more surface area than needed. It works great. One small issue is that back washing didn't remove all of the DE from inside so I got a large accumulation of extra earth inside. The starting pressure was higher than originally measured which was the clue. Also, when taking it apart to clean it out be sure to remove the drain plug at the bottom and wash out the bottom half of the shell. It gathers debris down there that affects performance. Overall a great product that keeps the pool clear and clean. I highly recommend this filter.

So far after three weeks working great, easy install (replaced previous model), only one star downgrade because gauge was not working from the start, thought about giving three stars for that but in truth my pool looks pretty good. Do need to get that gauge replaced though.

I love this filter! Bearing in mind that I upgraded from a vintage 1979 felt bag filter, this thing is still very impressive all around. Even with having resurfaced the pool this spring with Pebble Fina (and the required acid start process that produced a huge amount of sediment afterward), in just three full cycles of the DE powder I'm crystal clear and running as smooth as silk. The footprint and outward appearance of this unit are also big bonuses over the old system and most of the current competitors...it all but disappears behind the slope that forms the pools downhill side.

I am still trying to understand why I waited so long to upgrade to this de filter. I've had a sand filter (3.14 sq ft) ever since I can remember. It was the same story every season; super shock the pool, add yellow out, add clarifier, add more floculant, shock again, let particles settle and hope for the best. Here in south Texas we can generally squeeze swim season to mid/late September, maybe even early October if it's a hot season. This season after pool closing I decided to take the plunge and upgrade. I found a great deal here on Amazon for a Hayward de4820 filter. Filter was a warehouse deal and arrived in perfect condition in no time at all. Within the week I had the filter installed and boy was I shocked, no pun intended. My water went from dull, hazy, cloudy, to crystal clear blue!!! I still can't believe it. I had read reviews and did my homework, but I was certainly skeptical at first. I'm still partially in shock, I find myself just standing and marveling and the beauty and clarity of our pool. I think I'm starting to drive my wife nuts just talking about what a great pool upgrade. I'm using way less pool chemicals and I am running my pump only 6 hours, compared to 12 hours before upgrade. Anyway, I highly highly highly recommend upgrading to a de filter from a sand filter. My next step is to upgrade to a high efficiency variable speed motor. I'm doing my homework as we speak. Tech details - 18k in ground plasture pool. Dedicated vac line, 2 skimmers, 1 main drain, 4 jets, pentair 320 chlorinator, Hayward rs1000 pump and motor, 3 jandy two way valves.

This fit well and was a good buy. However my pool guy said some of the guts are the same as my old model 4800 which makes putting it back together after cleaning a little more time-consuming (the all tread bolt that holds the grids together). He said the newer ones should have the re-designed ones.

Received and installed both filter and multi-port valve; everything working great and very easy to work with. I have not had to breakdown to clean grids but looks simple enough to do when I close for the season. The only problem was condition of the shipping container...pretty beat up resulting in a broken dial of the pressure gauge - gauge still records the tank pressure but start-up and back wash reminder needles are laying in bottom of the dial due to the knob being broken off during shipping. I will be filing a complaint and asking for a replacement. Recommend this product.