What kind of filtration systems are available for my swimming pool?

Each type has pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages. Goodall Pools & Spas: hot tubs, pools and swimming spas Get up to date with the latest news about the spa &. An essential part of your backyard pool is your pool filter. The pool pump pushes water into the filter, where dirt and debris are removed.

After passing through the filter, the now clean water returns to the pool. Goodall Pools' & spas will help you select the pool filtration system that best suits your personal needs and the type of pool you have. Dust that covers the grids or cloth-covered fingers inside the filter housing. Filters provide the highest level of filtration.

Filters are the ones that require the most work to maintain compared to other types of filtration. These filters require frequent backwashing and cleaning. This means you're more likely to lose water and alter your chemical balance. After backwashing, more diatomaceous earth dust must be added through the skimmer after each cleaning.

If the pool has algae or the water is cloudy, it can take a lot of work to keep the DE filter system clean and working. Sand filters require the least amount of maintenance compared to other types of filters. As the name suggests, these types of filters use sand to filter dirt and debris from the pool water. The disadvantage of sand filters is that they do not filter particles as small as a D, E.

If your pool has algae or cloudy water, it will take longer to clean it than if you used a cartridge or D, E. The advantage of these filters is that they require little maintenance. The filter sand only needs to be changed every three to five years. The filters should also be flushed backward when the pressure increases by 10 psi.

Cartridge filters combine the best of both worlds: a sand filter and a D, E filter. A cartridge filter consists of one to four cartridges that fit inside the filter housing. When the filter pressure increases, simply turn off the equipment and remove the cartridge or cartridges from the filter. You can clean the cartridges with a cartridge cleaning solution and a garden hose.

Each cartridge lasts about three years and these systems do not need to be backwashed. This means that you won't waste as much water or chemicals compared to sand or D, E. Pool filters are as important to your pool as your kidneys are to your own body. We know it sounds a little rude, but it's true.

Although chlorine and other disinfectants work to kill bacteria and other contaminants, the filter is what actually removes them from the water. Without it, the pool water would become muddy and filled with debris. So how do you choose the best one? It's not a question of which one is the least expensive, although cost is certainly a factor. You want a filter that traps contaminants, that is easy to clean and maintain, and that lasts longer than a few seasons.

To make the best selection for your pool, first discuss your options. But before you can accurately compare the types of pool filters, how well they work and how much work they require to maintain, you need to know the microns. Pool filters measure the size of the contaminants they are capable of removing in microns. It's short for micrometer, which is one millionth of a meter.

Do you have trouble imagining how small it is? A single strand of human hair measures approximately 50 microns, or approximately. Some bacteria measure around 2 microns, or approximately. Whether or not they have been eliminated by chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants can only be filtered if the filter medium (the material that actually filters) is fine enough to pick up those tiny, very small particles. If you have a limited budget and want to spend minimal time on maintenance, a sand filter is the best option for you.

It's also optimal for large pools because it doesn't clog up as easily as other filters. Every grain of sand is, for lack of a better word, thorny. If you could look at it under a microscope, you would see that it has a lot of small, rough edges around it, which is how it traps contaminants and dirt that pass through the filter. As weeks and years go by, and more water passes through the filter, those rough edges slowly wear down by erosion and eventually turn into smooth surfaces that can't capture anything.

At the same time, particles trapped in the sand will accumulate over the life of the filter. In fact, this can help trap smaller particles, even as the sand itself begins to soften. But eventually, it will prevent the proper flow of water through the filter, reducing the filter's efficiency. A pressure gauge on the side of the filter will alert you if there is an increase in internal pressure, a sign that it is time to wash the filter backward.

With this simple cleaning method, the filter reverses the flow of water and removes all dirt in the trash. Because silica captures particles of 20 microns or larger, you'll really need to be aware of the chemistry of your pool water. If there isn't enough disinfectant in your pool to kill those tiny 2-micron bacteria, a sand filter won't catch them either and they'll be floating around the pool with you. Coarse-grained filter media for swimming pool sand filters.

You can also completely replace silica with one of these two alternatives. Although they tend to be a little more expensive than sand filters, cartridge filters are just as easy to maintain and are more effective as long as you don't have a huge pool. Inside a tank, slightly smaller than its sand cousins, there is a plastic cylinder surrounded by a polyester filter medium that is pleated and capped at each end. Water flows into the tank and through the folds.

Debris as small as 10 microns is captured in the filter and then the clean water returns to the pool. Cartridges save energy and are economical. As the filter accumulates contaminants, it will need to be cleaned. Instead of washing it against the current, you'll simply remove the cartridge from the tank and spray it with a hose to remove dirt and dirt.

From time to time, you'll want to spray it with a filter cleaner and, on a regular basis, submerge it in dilute muriatic acid or in a chemical solution to clean filters. While this is a bit more physical work for you than backwashing, it wastes less water. Filter media for backwashing and cleaning D, E. Like sand filters, a pressure gauge in the tank will let you know when it's time to clean your D, E.

The filters are washed against current, just like sand filters. Some brands have a shockproof handle, which allows you to hit used D, E. Clean outside grids or fingers. Whether you're washing against the current or hitting the filter, you'll need to add more D, E.

It can be difficult to determine exactly how much to add, so it's especially important to disassemble and clean the filter by hand at least once a year. After cleaning the filter, instead of adding D, E. Spray directly onto the grids, you'll get much better coverage if you add it through the pool skimmer. Pass through the filter, it will be evenly distributed over the grids.

You'll need to wait a bit before swimming so that the mixture has time to fully integrate with the filter, so you can do it at night and then run the pump overnight. Some cities and towns appreciate backwashing as much as parents of young children. Yours may have regulations that specify how to legally dispose of used D, E. When rinsing from the grids, D, E.

Dust can build up over time and create a concrete-like residue that can clog storm drains or suffocate fish eggs. You will generally be allowed to empty the old D, E. In a disposable container and place it in the trash. Check with local authorities for specific information to make sure you don't end up with a fine and, more importantly, that you don't harm the environment.

It is a known carcinogen, it has only been shown to cause cancer in mice when inhaled in the long term. A pool filter and a pool pump go hand in hand. The filter cannot work without the pump to move water through it. And it won't work properly if the pump isn't the right size for your pool either.

Before you decide on a pool filter, make sure you have the right size pool pump. It's good to save money when you can. However, faulty brands can come and go, making you have to look for replacement products from defunct companies in the future. Buying a pool filter from a trusted manufacturer can save you headaches and money in the long run.

Because it plays such an important role in keeping your pool clean, it's imperative that you keep your pool filter in good condition. Filters detect some common problems, and knowing how to recognize them will help you fix and then repair them. Do you hear or see water dripping around the filter? Have you noticed that a small puddle forms underneath? If so, your pool filter may have leaked. A filter leak won't cause a significant drop in pool water, but it's still important to identify and repair the problem before it gets worse.

First, try to identify the source of the leak. Check for holes in the filter tank. If you find one, you may be able to patch it. But be prepared to replace the tank, as a patch probably won't last long.

If your filter often seems to work only in short cycles and you notice that this happens even when the pool is not in use, the filter could have a flow problem. Most likely, the flow rate is too high, which means that the pool pump may be too strong for the filter. It could also mean that your filter isn't big enough for your pool. The filter can also operate in shorter cycles because algae or other debris clogs it up.

Clean the pool filter thoroughly and consider replacing it if it seems worn out. It's not uncommon to see some filter material in the pool after backwashing, regardless of the type of filter you have. But if you start to notice it when you haven't just washed yourself against the current, you might have a problem. The first thing to check are the bolts that hold the filter in place.

If they are loose, they could allow particles to escape into the pool. If they aren't, look for other causes. If you have a sand filter, the side or the vertical tube of the filter may be broken. If so, you'll need to replace it.

Filter, there could be a tear in the structure of the grille or even a crack in the grille manifold. Again, if this is the problem, you'll need to replace the manifold. Checking the pressure gauge should be part of regular pool maintenance. Problems with water pressure can affect the performance of your pool filter.

If the pressure is too low, there could be a blockage in the system somewhere before the filter. If the pressure is too high, there could be a blockage sometime after the filter. Check the filter system thoroughly to see if it is clogged and clean it if necessary. If you don't find any blockage and the filter is clean, check the return valve to make sure it's fully open, and then check the pipes to see if you can find an obstruction.

If you're looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance filtration that doesn't clog up quickly, four models stand out above the rest. With a weather- and corrosion-resistant tank, the Hayward S224T Pro series is built to last. It is available in three sizes and includes a multi-port valve. You can get models with side supports, if needed.

In addition, you only have to wash it against the current every few months, depending on how often you use the pool. If you have an Intex pool, why not buy a sand filter designed specifically for it? The Intex Krystal Clear has a 24-hour timer so you can automate filter cycles. The six-function valve easily switches between filtering, backwashing, rinsing, recirculating, draining and closing. At the end of the season, it's easy to quickly break down and store this filter during the winter.

Plus, you'll only need to replace the sand every five years or so. Do you want a finer filter medium than sand, without maintenance costs or labor? Four cartridge models do the job. Designed with the maximum filter surface to clean water faster and more efficiently than other filters, the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus has an effective filter area of 420 square feet. The internal and manual ventilation system makes it easy to maintain good water pressure.

Filter 150 GPM inside a robust injection-molded tank. From a trusted name in the pool industry, comes Micro StarClear. This small Hayward filter is perfect for raised pools under 24,000 gallons. It offers easy access to the cartridge for replacement, and you can turn the head so that the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve are right where you need them.

If you are an Intex owner and are looking for a cartridge filter, this is for you. Unlike other options, this filter uses disposable cartridges. Maintenance is as convenient as turning the handy discharge valve and inserting a new cartridge. At the end of the season, take it apart and store it with your pool.

If the climate is mild, its double-walled construction means you can leave it that way without worries. For a little more money and maintenance, you can enjoy the best filtration available by choosing a D, E. Designed with easily removable cartridges, the Pentair Quad makes maintenance a little easier. It has four high-capacity cartridges that provide a large surface area so that the pump uses less energy and leaves the water as clean as other D, E.

The increase in surface area also means that it takes longer to clog up, so you can clean it less often. Everything is housed inside a durable polypropylene tank reinforced with fiberglass. With four high-capacity cartridges, this filter provides a maximum filter surface for greater dirt retention capacity and longer periods between cleanings. And its easily removable cartridge elements make maintenance quick and easy.

If you're looking for serious cleaning and low maintenance, look no further: the Hayward Perflex Extended Cycle. It has a cold damping mechanism that allows D, E. Flexible tubes to clean on their own, this model means minimal cleaning time. It's designed to minimize drag, so you can maximize efficiency with less power.

Designed for raised pools, this D, E. The filter provides powerful filtration at an affordable price. Dust to keep the filter running cleanly. You can spend less money on less maintenance and less filtering.

Or invest a little more up front to filter better and save more time and work. It's really up to you what's best for your schedule and budget. Regardless of which pool filter you choose, remember that keeping your water chemistry balanced will allow you to have a pool that is more than half clean. Keep up to date with cleaning and maintenance, and your filter can last for many years.

Should you switch to a variable-speed pool pump? Learn all the benefits of the upgrade, plus some benefits that might surprise you. Does the filter work and is it suitable for your pool? Here's everything you need to know about D, E. The pool pump is the heart of the pool's circulation system. Choose the right type, learn how to fix it and save yourself time and money.

Sand filters are the most popular pool filters that our customers choose because of the combination of the desired characteristics. Low cost and incredibly easy to use. These filters are effective for most household installations and require very little interaction. All Royal Swimming Pool in-ground pool kits come with a standard 24-inch sand filter.

This filter can be exchanged for any premium filter as an improved feature. Regardless of the type of filter you choose, you'll want to make sure that you correctly select the right combination of pump and filter. This means that the pump has to be the same size as the filter (ideally) or smaller than the filter. The pump cannot be larger than the filter and is expected to work properly, if at all.

READY TO RELAX? DESIGN THE POOL OF YOUR DREAMS TODAY. These filter systems for swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular on the market and for good reason. .