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Swimming pool filters Last Updated: 03/01/2010 |
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By removing impurities such as dirt, leaves, grass, hair, body oils, sunscreen, and even many bacteria from the water, the filter keeps your pool water clean, clear and inviting. Once the pump collects water from your pool, it is cycled through your filter to be cleaned before it enters the heater or heat pump or returns to your pool or spa. The filter should be sized to meet the requirements of your pool and the performance characteristics of the pump. Your pool builder or pool equipment dealer can recommend the proper filter/pump combination for your pool. We carry the three most popular methods of swimming pool filtration systems out on the market today. We carry cartridge, diatomaceous earth (D.E.), and sand filters in all the major brands including: Jandy, Hayward, Pentair, and Sta Rite. If you are not sure what filtration system is right for you, do not hesitate to ask. Cartridge Filters Cartridge filters have a greater surface area than sand allowing for fewer clogs and easier maintenance. Cartridge filters are designed to run at lower pressure than sand which puts less backpressure on the pump, providing more flow and turnover. Cartridge filters should be cleaned once or twice a season by simply hosing them off. Cartridge element filters trap debris as small as 10 to 15 microns. Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous Earth is mined and is the fossilized exoskeletons of tiny diatoms. They are used to coat "grids" in the filter housing and act as tiny sieves allowing for the removal of debris as small as 5 microns. Once the pressure rises, the filter is backwashed just like a sand filter and then "recharged" with more DE powder. DE filters trap debris as small as 2 - 5 microns. Sand Filters In this method, impurities are extracted from the water utilizing sand to collect and attract the debris. Sand filters must be backwashed (running it in reverse) to unload the water waste. This is a manual process that must be performed every few weeks. Sand filters trap debris as small as 20 to 40 microns. |