cybern8

i've been buying the brand-name intex replacement filters and am having some weird problems with them. 1) after replacement, you can only run the spa for a few days then you'll get the e-90 code again. remove the filters (the entire housing AND the filters, not just the cartridge), and the problem goes away. 2) WITH the filters in place, i'm getting a bizarre build-up of sediment that's coming from i have NO idea where. i don't walk barefoot through mud and sand before i get into the spa, and i skim and vacuum it regularly. WHERE IS THIS CRAP COMING FROM?? i live in tucson az and have a brine tank water softener in case anyone asks about water quality. so two questions -- Q1. anyone else having these issues, and if so have you solved them? Q2. are there any -better- filter cartridges other than the intex ones that any of you are using and finding they do NOT have this problem?

so i've been doing the e-90 dance for awhile now. i am not sure what the issue is with these filters, but there does appear to be something that causes restricted water flow and results in the e-90. try removing completely the filters and housings and run without them. that is what i am doing now, and although they say not to do that because it can gunk up the pump, i don't coat myself with mud and dirt and hop into the spa so my water stays pretty clean (i.e. i'm not worried about it). i will put the filters back on at some point, and then when e-90 happens again, i'll take them off. the other e-90 scenario is if the pump itself actually fails. mine worked fine for the first two years i had it and then the pump failed. if that is what is going on, you'll hear the pump get steadily noisier as time goes on letting you know that's likely headed your way. what happens is the flimsy ceramic shaft that the pump impeller spins on breaks and you either need to replace the shaft or get a new pump assembly (you can order these from intex). there is a youtube video out there that shows how you can make a replacement shaft out of 1/8" od brass rod (i get mine from ace hardware. you can also try carbon fiber rod you can get online from craft supply places; whatever you use MUST be non-magnetic). you cut it to size (hopefully you get the broken one out in two pieces so you can measure it), deburr the ends disassemble the pump to get at the impeller and shaft (be careful of those little washers - you want to reuse those). replace the busted ceramic p.o.s. with your new brass one, put it all back together and you're back in business. entire process including fabricating the new shaft (tip: make a few of them) takes about 1.5 hours if you're taking your time. here's a couple of the videos for reference.