3 Types of Swimming Pool Filters

May 3rd, 2019 Posted in Pool Filters
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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

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Maintaining a Sand Pool Filter

February 26th, 2019 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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Sand filters are an economical option for cleaning and maintaining the water in your pool. Rough sand is effective at removing dirt, algae and debris that accumulate in your pool water from swimmers and the environment. Water flows through the container of sand, leaving behind the contaminants in the sand. To maintain your sand filter, you will need to clean it every so often to ensure it keeps working.

Sand Filter Cleaning Frequency

How often you will need to clean your sand filter depends on how much you use your pool and other factors. The number of people that swim in your pool on a regular basis will impact how quickly the filter gets full of debris. Leaves, pine needles, algae and other environmental debris can also clog the filter. To determine when to clean your filter, you need to keep an eye on the filter and your pool water.

  • Filter Indications. Your filter needs to be cleaned when the pressure becomes higher, indicating more dirt is in the sand. For filters that have an inlet and outlet pressure gauge, a psi of 16 or higher means it is time to clean. Filters with just an inlet gauge should be cleaned at 8 psi or higher.
  • Water changes. Another indicator your filter needs to be cleaned is when the water becomes cloudy or unclear. Dirty water is usually caused by a dirty filter.

Cleaning a sand filter requires backwashing your system to force water the opposite direction, pushing out the dirt and debris into the waste water. You can do this yourself or contact your local pool service to clean your pool and sand filter for you.

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

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Is Your Pool Filter in Need of Replacement?

September 14th, 2016 Posted in Pool Filters
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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

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Basic Pool Filter Maintenance and Replacement

September 10th, 2015 Posted in Pool Filters
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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

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