3 Types of Swimming Pool Filters

The filtering system for your pool is a vital part of maintenance. The better the filtering system, the easier it is to clean and maintain your swimming pool. There are three main types of swimming pool filters used in residential pools, each with their own pros and cons. However, any of the three will work for most pools; choosing which one is up to the homeowner and usually based on their preference for cost, purification and maintenance.

Sand Filters

The oldest and most affordable type of pool filter uses sand to clean the water as it passes through. Sand filters are popular due to their price and simple maintenance. A tank contains a special pool-filtering sand, usually filled about 3/4 of the way full. The size of the tank depends on the size of the pool. Water flows through the tank, leaving behind contaminants in the sand. The sand must be replaced every 3-5 years, but it should be backwashed to clean out debris once a week or after you vacuum your pool.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

DE filters work similarly to a sand filter, with a tank that contains grids or fingers that is coated with diatomaceous earth (DE). This is a natural substance created from sea shells and silica that is released by sea diatoms and works well to filter out debris from water. DE filters offer better purification of the water, filtering out smaller particles than sand or most cartridge filters. However, it does need replacement more often than sand; usually more DE must be added after each backwashing, which should be done every 4-6 weeks.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are one of the most commonly used in residential pools, especially newer pools. These filters come in single and multiple element cartridges which filter out particles. Cartridge filters can last several years before they need replacement but do need to be cleaned 2-3 times a year and degreased at least once a year for maintenance.

If you are installing a new pool or considering changing your filtration system, contact your local pool service to learn more about your options.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
3502 Sixes Road, #108
Canton, GA 30114
(494) 496-5579

4 Elements that can Damage Your Pool Surface

Pool surfaces protect the shell underneath from leaks and damage, plus add beauty and safety for swimmers. Most pool coatings can last for several years or more, depending on the type of surface you choose. However, every surface is impacted by certain elements, causing wear and tear over the years. Here are the top four elements that can damage your pool surface, causing aesthetic and safety issues.

  1. Sunlight. You may enjoy laying in the sun at your pool, but those UV rays can be harmful, not just to your skin, but also your pool’s surface material. UV rays can fade and breakdown surfaces, impacting the beauty of your pool.
  2. Poor chemical balance. If your water quality is poor due to fluctuations in the PH balance, it can harm your pool surface. You may notice pitting in the surface caused by chemical imbalance. This can cause the surface to become rough or wear through, increasing the chance for leaks,
  3. Algae and leaves. Algae that grows in your pool water and leaves that fall into your pool can cause dark stains on your pool surface. While a stain does not impact the function of the surface, it is unattractive.
  4. Minerals and rust. Mineral deposits, rust and chemical reactions to metals can leave green, brown or other colored stains on your pool’s surface.

If you begin to notice your pool’s surface is wearing through, stained or you are concerned you are leaking water, contact a pool renovation professional. They can inspect your pool and discuss the options for resurfacing your pool. It can protect your pool and make it look like new again – ask about pool surfaces that are designed to resist fading and last longer for the best value.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-800-0780

Take a Break from Pool Cleaning

Has your pool become more of a chore than a place to chill? Swimming pools are a wonderful luxury to have at your home, but they do require ongoing maintenance. Cleaning, chemical balance, repairs and other pool chores can take hours of your free time each week. If you want to spend more time enjoying your pool instead of maintaining it, give yourself the gift of a pool cleaning service.

Many people do their own pool maintenance to save money. However, it is not easy or cheap to maintain your pool on your own. Scrubbing pool walls, scooping out debris, checking the water quality and adding the right chemicals need to be done constantly. Plus, filters need backwashing or replacing, and your pool pump and other equipment needs maintenance. Why not just hire a professional?

Pool Services May Cost Less Than You Think

It may seem like hiring a pool service is a waste of money, but you may be surprised on what the real cost is compared to doing your own maintenance. If you care for your own pool, you need to buy chemicals, equipment and use your valuable time to clean, drive to the pool supply store and complete weekly maintenance. When you add up the cost to do it yourself and look at the price of a professional pool service, it is more affordable than you may have thought. Plus, a professional pool service can help ensure your pool equipment is maintained, extending the life of pumps and other items that can be costly to replace.

Give yourself a break from pool cleaning and hire a professional. It is more affordable than you may believe and is worth every penny to give you more time to enjoy your life.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

5 Ways to Improve the Safety of Your Pool

Enjoying your swimming pool with friends and family is easier when you know your pool is prepared for safety. Pools offer a wonderful way to relax, cool off and exercise, but they do pose a risk when safety is not a priority. Here are five ways to improve the safety of your pool to ensure everyone is protected from injury and health concerns.

  1. Water quality. Maintaining the right chemical balance keeps your pool water safe. Harmful bacteria can grow in pools with poor water quality. Make sure to check your pool regularly or hire a pool service to maintain your pool.
  2. Life preservers and floats. Even if everyone in your household can swim, you may have guests that are not great swimmers. Every pool should have life preservers and floats to aid someone struggling to stay afloat.
  3. Maintain pool equipment. Inspect and repair pool ladders, loose pool deck tiles and other equipment regularly to avoid injuries.
  4. Add a fence. Your pool should have a fence to keep it off limits to pets, neighbors and children when not supervised by you or another adult. Your pool fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate.
  5. Check your pool drain covers. Broken drain covers can cause suction that can hold a child or small person underwater. Drain covers should be replaced if they are cracked or have loose screws and should be rounded in design.

Keep your pool safe for everyone by following these tips. Your local pool service can help you repair and maintain your pool to ensure it is a safe, healthy place to enjoy time with your friends and family.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755