New Owner's Guide to Pool Filters
New pool owners may have difficulty understanding how pool filters work and how to use them.
With the summer season around the corner, homeowners are on a mission to ensure their pools are in perfect shape. New pool owners, however, may have difficulty understanding how pool filters work and how to use them. This article jumps in to help.
Importance of pool filters
Pool filters keep the water in the pool clean and safe for swimming. They filter out algae, dust, and debris from the pool and ensure a healthy and safe swimming environment for people using the pool. Without filters, swimmers risk infections due to poor water health.
Types of pool filters
The three main types of pool filters include cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.
Cartridge filters
A cartridge filter holds multiple filter cartridges that help clean the water. These filters have a porous membrane for easy filtering of contaminants up to 5 microns in size. Cartridge filters are simple, eco-friendly, and easy to replace. They require manual cleaning with a hose.
Sand filters
Sand filters are the original pool filters, making them the most affordable. They filter particles up to 25 microns and need replacement every five to seven years.
DE filters
Diatomaceous earth filters can filter particles up to 3 microns in size for the most comprehensive cleaning. They are also the most expensive ones and need the most care. Most commercial pools use DE filters.
Choosing the perfect filter size
Consider the pool's surface area, volume, and turnover rate (the time required for water to get filtered) to determine the ideal filter size. Refrain from purchasing small filters that would take a long time to filter the water. When in doubt, always go for a bigger solution to avoid issues in the long run.
Filter maintenance
Consider cleaning the pool filter once a month or whenever the pressure gauge reads 10 psi above normal. Cloudy water is another sign that the filter needs cleaning.
The cleaning procedure is different depending on the filter type. For the cartridge solution, it's necessary to depressurize the tank, remove the cartridge, and clean it using a garden hose.
For sand filters, backwash, add a cleaning solution, then backwash again.
Finally, for DE filters, backwash and drain the filter, remove its manifold, and rinse the filter grids.
New pool owners must create a swimming pool maintenance plan to stay organized. Doing so ensures all pool maintenance tasks, including those related to filter health, are in order.
Replacing the filter system in a pool is crucial to keep the water in optimal and safe condition. Cartridge filters require replacement every few years, while other filters are more long-lasting.
Understand pool filters to make the best choice
Choosing the perfect filter type for a swimming pool makes all the difference in the water's cleanliness and clarity. When in doubt, contact professional pool installation and maintenance services for advice. Schedule a checkup or have a filter professionally installed to get the most out of the investment.
Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012
