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

Is Your Pool Filter in Need of Replacement?

A beautiful, safe swimming pool is only possible when the filtration system is working properly. Whether your pool has a sand, cartridge or DE filtration system, all of these systems need maintenance and eventually replacement. If you are unsure whether it is time to change your filters, here are the basics on how often these filtration systems need maintenance and replacement.

Sand Filters

One of the most basic and common filtration systems relies on sand to remove particles from the water. While not as effective in pulling smaller particles from the water, this system works for normal pool use. Sand filters will need the sand replaced every 2-5 years, depending on amount of use and type of sanitizing system. Regular backwashing is also required for maintenance.

DE Filters

DE filters need to be kept clean through regular maintenance, including backwashing, cleaning the filter/grid and adding DE. The grid can last ten years or more before replacement. However, the monthly maintenance is necessary to ensure you keep a healthy pool.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters for pools are becoming increasingly popular. These filters do a better job of filtering out smaller particles than sand filters and do not require backwashing. The cartridges need to be cleaned about every 4-6 weeks with pressurized water and routinely soaked in a chemical mixture to remove any algae. Replacement of these filters is every 1-2 years, depending on use.

If you are not sure whether it is time to replace your filter or if your filtration system needs maintenance, contact your local pool service company for an inspection. Keeping your filtration system maintained can ensure you have a safe swimming pool for your family and reduce the cost of sanitization.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Is it Time to Replace Your Pool Filter Cartridge?

There are many benefits to using filter cartridges for your pool versus other methods. Often DE systems are more expensive and require more maintenance than filter cartridges, while sand filter system are affordable, but don’t always offer the best filtration. Pool filter cartridges offer a nice alternative to these other systems, but they will require replacement, more often if they are not properly maintained. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your pool’s filter cartridge? Here are a few signs to watch for:

  • Cracked plastic on the ends. If the plastic ends of your filter cartridge are beginning to crack, that is a sign that you will need a new cartridge soon. Now only does it show that amount of time the cartridges have been in place, you don’t want a piece of plastic breaking off and damaging your pool equipment.
  • PSI levels. Spikes in your PSI levels can mean your filer cartridge is dirty or clogged. Often they can be cleaned and still be used. However, if you clean your cartridge and your PSI level still remains high, it may be clogged and need replacement.
  • Crushed, flattened or tattered filters. If you can see that the filter pleats and material is starting to look crushed, flattened or tattered, it is probably time to replace your cartridge. This means the material is beginning to decompose or is damaged and will no longer offer the same filtration level.

Proper pool maintenance and occasional filter cartridge cleanings can help preserve your cartridges. However, they will eventually need replacement. If you have noticed any of these signs, call your local pool service to discuss a pool filter cartridge replacement.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Basic Pool Filter Maintenance and Replacement

For residential pools, there are three main types of filters: sand, cartridge and DE filters. Each of these requires ongoing maintenance to ensure they are properly cleaning your pool water and will need to be routinely replaced. Allowing a filter to go without maintenance will jeopardize the cleanliness of your pool and can cause additional damage to the rest of your pool equipment. It is important to care for your filters on a regular schedule to protect your investment into your pool.

Sand Filters

One of the most common filters is the sand filter, which uses a special sand to filter out particles and debris. To care for these filters, they need to be backwashed, usually about once a week. If you are on a pool maintenance plan, your pool service can do this for you. About every five years the sand will need to be replaced.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are more expensive than sand filters but also require less maintenance. These filters can be routinely cleaned by taking them out and rinsing them clear of debris. They will need to be replaced more often than sand, usually about every three years or more, depending on your pool usage.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

DE filters use a fine powder from biological sources to filter the pool. These filters need to be cleaned and backwashed often, usually about every few months, more often with heavy use. The easiest way to maintain these filters is to have a professional pool service backwash and add more DE as needed as part of your pool maintenance.

One of the benefits of having professional pool maintenance is not needing to worry about caring for your pool filters. Most pool maintenance service includes cleaning, backwashing and replacing your filters as necessary.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Pool Water Without Chlorine?

Traditionally chlorine has always been used to clean and disinfect the water in commercial and residential swimming pools.  While very effective, there are a number of downsides to chlorine such as irritating and drying out the pool users skin and causing discoloration to the swimmer’s clothing.  In addition, chlorine is not a “green” product and can be hazardous if the material is misused or if the containers are not properly disposed of when empty.  Advances in technology have resulted in two alternate systems, which make it possible to reduce the amount of chlorine by up to 90% thru the use of either an ozone generator or a chlorine generator.

The first system generates ozone, which is a natural product that has excellent sanitization properties.  One of the benefits of this system is its ease of incorporation into existing pool equipment, as well as its effectiveness in keeping the water in the pool clean, while greatly reducing the amount of chlorine in the pool.   The second system is a chlorine generator or a “salt system” and relies on installing an electrolytic cell onto the existing pool equipment and adding salt to the pool.  As the water passes by the cell, it reacts with the salt, creating hypochlorous acid, which is the key killing ingredient found in chlorine.

This system requires little maintenance beyond maintaining the salinity of the pool.  Added benefits include a lack of a chlorine smell and the overall salinity of the pool is very, very mild. Both systems are affordable and will reduce the cost of keeping the pool clean, while providing a “greener” alternative to chlorine.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

What Is The Best Filter For Your Pool?

There are three main types of pool filters available, sand, diatomaceous earth (DE) and cartridge, each one offering pros and cons. Determining which filter is best for your pool will depend on how much you use your pool, municipal codes in your area and your personal preferences. Knowing the differences can help you make the best choice for your pool.

Sand Filters

Sand filters clean your pool water by using a combination of pea gravel and sand to filter out contaminants.

  • Pros: Sand filters do not require annual maintenance, and only need the media replaced about every six years in most home pools. Media replacement in sand filters is generally affordable, they backwash easily and rarely require repairs.
  • Cons: The biggest drawback of sand filters is that they provide poor filtration in comparison to other options, and need to be cleaned every week.

DE Filters

DE filters use diatomaceous earth to coat the interior of the filter, cleaning the water as it flows through it.

  • Pros: DE filters provide excellent filtration. They only need to be cleaned about every 4-8 weeks, and do not require a water clarifier.
  • Cons: Not all municipalities allow DE filters. In addition, repairs can be expensive.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use a pleated filter, similar to filters used in air purifiers. These are typically used for smaller pools or spas.

  • Pros: Cartridge filters are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Cons: Replacing cartridge filters can be very expensive, and cleaning the filters can be more difficult than other types.

Talk with your pool professional to determine which filter is best for your pool, and build an oasis that’s as clean and clear as it is refreshing.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises