Filter systems are usually a very practical solution
for most pool owners that are starting their swimming pool for the first
time or for those who wish to replace their aging filter and pump that
are no longer working efficiently. The filtration process in your
swimming pool require both the filter and the swimming pool pump to work
together and, along with the
chemicals
that you need for your swimming pool, are an important element in
keeping your water beautiful, inviting and hygienic. These systems have
been brought together because they work great together and are perfectly
matched so you don't have to worry about which pump will suit the filter
of your choice or worry about the system's overall efficiency. This
increased efficiency will save you money and time in the long run and
you can enjoy your swimming pool in the manner you deserve.
We would like to mention that a pool can be properly
maintained with any of the systems described and that suitability of a
system is often more related to the size rather than the type. As an
example, I would rather choose a larger cartridge filter than a smaller
DE filter even though the DE filter has the ability to filter out finer
particles than the cartridge filter. A grain of table salt is about 90
microns and the human eye cannot see anything less than 35 microns. The
size of the filter itself will matter more than its type or even its
manufacturer. The larger the filter and the pump driving it, the better
the filtration system for your swimming pool.
The correct pump for your swimming pool should be
able to pump your pool's volume of water in at least 8 hours (we highly
recommend 6 hours) to cycle your water and enable the filter to keep
your water clear and inviting. Remember that each manufacturer's pump
essentially performs differently and you should not rely on the stated
horse power but rather in the volume of water pumped in gallons per
minute (GPM) against the friction loss of your pool plumbing system. The
type of filter is the next main consideration for your pool filtration
system. Our filter systems are already configured and matched properly
so that it can offer your worry free service from day one!!
Sand Pool Filter
Sand Pool filters are the most common types of filters used in the pool industry. They are
the accepted standard in commercial applications or large pool facilities
and is an effective economic solution for your pool filtrations needs.
Sand Filters use especially created sand as the filtration medium and water is pushed through
the medium. The dirt particles get trapped between the sand where the sharp edges of the sand catch the dirt.
On comparison with the other filter types, sand filters usually remove particles
only as small as 20 to 25 microns. Sand filters are the least effective
method in terms of particle size. As the filter sand gets clogged with
debris, it becomes more efficient and catches more dirt but pressure
also increases and the water flow drops. Thus it must be cleaned and
repacked by backwashing the sand.
Backwashing is a process where you run the filter in
reverse through the use of a valve and flush out the dirt. The frequency
of the backwashing is directly proportional to the size of the filter in
respect to the pool. Backwashed water is usually wasted water and this
is another drawback of maintaining a sand pool filter. If the sand gets
too dirty the sand medium can be replaced easily and inexpensively. Sand
filters are are super reliable, inexpensive and has been around the
longest.
Cartridge Pool Filter
Cartridge pool filters utilizes a cartridge as the filtration
medium. Usually very popular for most spas and many smaller above ground
pools, the cartridge filter is rapidly gaining popularity among in ground
pool users as well. Cartridge filters use cartridges made of synthetic
filter materials. Cartridges don't clog up as quickly and usually have more available area to
filter. This allows cartridge filters to not reduce water flow like
Sand and DE filters. Cartridge filters put less back-pressure on the pump and hence you get more flow and turnover for an equivalent pump size.
Another advantage is that cartridge filters require little maintenance.
Most often cartridges simply need to be rinsed off and eventually
replaced. Cartridge filters are considered to be between sand and DE
filters and can filter out particles as small as 10 microns. The use of
a clarifier can greatly help cartridge filter perform efficiently. A
great choice where water is a considerable expense
DE Pool Filter
DE filters can take out particles as small as 3 to 5 microns.
Diatomaceous earth are fossilized exoskeletons of tiny diatoms. They are
used to coats grids that are used in the filter to house the DE material
and so filter out debris. Diatom filter area is sized between sand and
cartridge filters. The pressure will still build up as in sand filters
and so DE filters require backwashing usually through the use of a
valve. A multiport valve usually works wonderfully for backwashing
purposes. No other filter type comes close to the performance of a DE
filter.
If you have questions about your pool filter system selection
please contact us either by calling our experts toll free or using our
email system..