Swimming pool filtration clarifies the water, which contains suspended material, by allowing the water to flow through a porous medium. It also prevents algae from growing out of control. It has a filtration apparatus and closed-circuit circulation that is driven by a pump.
3 Types of filters for swimming pools
When planning a pool, the type of filter you want to use should be chosen well before the construction process. Each type has pros and cons as well as a range in price, effective filter lifespan, and unique cleaning features. Our pool filters are efficient and equipped with weather-resistant tanks for dependable use for many years. A filter is necessary to keep the water in a swimming pool pure and clean. It also maintains the pool’s degree of hygienic upkeep, making diving in safer. Dust will enter the pool without a filter and remain there. Additionally, this will raise the possibility of algal blooms in the water, which could harm pool users’ health.
Pool filters and filtering systems come in a wide range of styles, including sand, cartridge, and DE (Diatomaceous Earth). Pollutants and other impurities in the water are primarily gathered and trapped by pool water filters. The freshwater is subsequently poured into the swimming pool. Backwashing is a process that should be done frequently to release stored contaminants.
When deciding whether a filter is appropriate for a pool, the filter’s capacity may be more crucial than its type. Select a size that is at least one larger than what you require.
Types of filters include:
- Cartridge Pool Filters
- Sand Pool Filters
- Diatomaceous Earth Swimming Pool Filters
Let us discuss all the above in detail:
- Cartridge Pool Filters
It is a popular option for small above-ground, in-ground, and spa pools that require less water to circulate. Filter cartridges are commonly made from polyester spun yarn. There is no backwash system for cartridge filters. The filter should be cleaned at least once every four to six months. When the clear pressure gauge’s reading increases by more than 8–10 lbs (0.5–0.6 Bar) on the scale, it is optimal to clean the cartridge.
To finish the process, just take out the cartridge and flush it with a garden hose. To guarantee that all bacteria are eliminated, let the cleaned filter cartridge air dry in the sun for the entire drying process. If you soak the cartridge in TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a similar cleaning solution before hosing, cleanliness will be improved. Every 10 to 18 cleaning cycles, the filter cartridge should be replaced for best results.
- Sand Pool Filters
The sand filter is the most fundamental form of filter available to pool owners. In a sand filter, there is practically no need to regularly inspect the inside. Cleaning and backwashing are made simple by a multi-port valve and an automatic backwash system. This is also available on the market.
Sand (#20 silica sand; 45–55 mm) that has been carefully processed and graded to capture particles between 10-100 microns serves as the principal filter material in a sand pool filter. Water is drawn into the sand filters using a pump with a pre-filter using the suction from the main drains. Pool sand filters are believed to require the least amount of maintenance out of the three types of pool filters. If the tank is well maintained and backwashed, you might only need to open it up every three to four years. When to backwash, the filters will be determined by a clean pressure gauge. The greatest alternative for a pool owner who prioritizes price, use, and lifespan may be a sand filter.
- Diatomaceous Earth Swimming Pool Filters
Since DE pool filters can capture or filter particles as fine as 3 millimeters, they provide the best filtration of any pool filter type. DE powder actually performs the filtration. The powder is applied by the skimmers, coating the filter cloth or fine mesh of the grid. After the water has passed through the powder, the grid is coated in fabric, and the DE, the dirt is then held in the DE powder “cake” or coating. Compared to other filter types, DE pool filters are more expensive and require a little more care. They deliver top-notch outcomes.
Diatomaceous earth, often known as DE, is made up of the minute remains of extinct diatoms, a kind of aquatic organism. Perlite and diatoms appear as tiny sponge-like things under a microscope. This is how the particles of dirt, oil, and other pollutants become embedded in the powder of your filter.
How does it work?
Technology is challenging. Even worse is when you are unable to choose the equipment from a lineup. Nevertheless, we’re available to assist you in any way we can. Therefore, let’s discuss filter systems now. Be warned that River Pools only manufactures and installs fiberglass pools. However, this filter system guide is applicable to all three types of pools.
Your Filter System’s Operation
Your pump takes water from the pool through the main drain(s) on or near the pool’s bottom and the skimmer(s) on the pool wall. If the filter is efficient, it will also get rid of dirt, debris, and other pollutants as the water flow through the pump. If you have a heater, the water cleaned before going to the salt chlorine generator goes via the pipework. The clean water returns to the pool through return jets on the pool walls.
The Main drain and skimmer
These qualities are undoubtedly already familiar to you, but let’s go over them again. Skimmer refers to the rectangular opening at the top of the pool wall, close to the coping. The main drain is the sizable drain at the bottom of the pool.
Observation: Since skimmers are increasingly taking their place in domestic pools, you would not have a primary drain. This is because main drains are not actually necessary for smaller pools. Water flows via the main drain, the skimmer, and the pump and filter that need to be cleaned.
The pump of the pool
A pool pump typically has a broad, rounded front section that extends backward. The huge, spherical component in the front with a lid is the strainer pot. It functions and appears precisely like a strainer. A revolving impeller inside the pump sucks water in from the pool. Any significant material is caught by the strainer pot, which receives this water first in the pump. After the water has gone through the strainer pot, the impeller propels it onto the filter.
Filters of the pool
All swimming pool filters fit into such three groups:
- Cartridge filter
- Sand filter
- D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filter
A heater for the pool
Almost all pool heaters fall into one of these three categories:
- Electric space heaters
- Sun-powered heaters
- Heaters using natural gas or propane
A pool heater usually has a bulky, large appearance. Fair enough; there is still plenty to be done. There is a heating system with a cooler feature. That’s excellent if you have a little stream, live in a warm climate, or utilize an automatic pool cover.
The salt chlorine generator
If your pool has a traditional chlorine system, you shouldn’t worry about this component. Since you don’t have a salt-chlorine generator, switch to return jets. or keep reading this paragraph. anything brings you joy. In a saltwater pool, you add salt, and the generators convert it into chlorine, as opposed to adding chlorine to the pond.
Multiple components make up the salt chlorine generator:
- The cell
- The command panel
The plumbing pipes are joined to the cell. Typically, the control unit is a little further away. After being filtered, the water in your pool passes through the cell. The salt within is converted into pure chlorine air droplets via an interaction between a number of metallic grids and a low-voltage current inside. Hypochlorous acid, which is produced when this pure chlorine reacts with the water, cleans your pool.
DO’s and Don’ts for swimming pool maintenance
Follow these guidelines before you dive in to ensure a healthy and safe summer in your little backyard paradise:
Nothing better than a refreshing plunge in the backyard pool embodies the spirit of summer. Your swimming pool does, however, need upkeep and the proper chemical dosages to guarantee safe, enjoyable swims. It’s crucial to control both the problems brought on by blown-in plant life and all of the chemicals that are injected into the water every time someone submerges. The key is to establish a regular maintenance program that minimizes the time spent getting the pool ready so you can spend a lot of time using it.
Not jump in right away
When opening your pool after a season of inactivity, be prepared to spend more time upfront cleaning up any debris that may have amassed over the winter. Remove the larger branches and leaves first with a pool net. Before you begin chemically treating the water, resume circulation by running the filter after that. A typical 1 HP pool pump moves about 3,000 gallons of water per hour, so make sure to run it long enough for one full cycle to happen.
Set Equal Levels
While it’s fun to relax in the summer, it’s important to keep your swimming pool’s levels balanced to avoid irritating swimmers’ skin and eyes. Therefore, each time you treat your water, it is imperative that you strictly follow the directions in your pool kit. In addition, a healthy pH, overall alkalinity, and calcium balance stop scale from building, metals from corroding, plaster from aging over time, and other issues that, if left unattended, can cloud water, stain surfaces, and even clog your filter.
Don’t Forget about chlorine
Despite the availability of chlorine alternatives, none of them can destroy bacteria as effectively or inexpensively as the real thing. The chemical destroys the structures, activities, and enzymes of potentially harmful bacteria. There are alternative ways to chlorinate, though. Find out whether you would prefer liquid or tabs, whether you would prefer to manage the green muck separately or whether you would prefer an all-in-one solution that incorporates algaecide by doing some study.
Give it a shock
For pools that see a lot of use, the majority of pool experts suggest “shocking,” or applying five times as much chlorine as usual, at least twice. At your local swimming pool supply store, you can get shock products in granular or liquid form. Use 3.5 quarts of liquid and one pound of granular fertilizer for every 10,000 gallons of water. The best part is that some shock treatments are so effective that a pool can be used once more in as little as 15 minutes after they are applied. Pool expert tip: Even if you usually use bromine rather than chlorine, you still need to shock with chlorine.
Remember the Algaecide
It’s possible for microbes to get into your pool and quickly multiply to the point that swimmers absolutely avoid the water. By using an algaecide, you may get rid of all existing algae and stop them from growing again. It is especially useful in windy and rainy environments. As such components blast those unpleasant spores directly into your pool, they promote the growth of algae. Generally speaking, a weekly or fortnightly algaecide application should stop such blooms.
Stay away from pool issues
Don’t make common blunders that could undo all your hard work keeping the pool clean. Point the garden pump away from the pool when cleaning the poolside; otherwise, you’ll only be adding to your workload. In addition, cover the pool if a series of storms is forecast because moisture promotes the growth of algae.
IF POSSIBLE, REMOVE EMPTY CONTAINERS
The main rule of thumb that every pool owner should abide by is to never add water to chemicals or chemicals to water. You won’t accidentally cause an explosion while rinsing away your used pool chemical containers due to Chemistry 101 principles. Do not risk your safety by failing to properly dispose of them.
Conclusion
If you intend to have a pool, a filter system that can catch all the debris that can accumulate in a pool is necessary. In most places, the rate at which the water in the pool must travel through filtration is officially regulated by legislation. The general rule of thumb is eight hours. Although your pool’s size may make it anywhere between six and twelve. If you want to keep your pool pump operating properly, you must ascertain the precise turnover rate of your particular pool because every pool is unique. To keep the pool, clean without a filter, it is crucial to combine chlorine with a flocculant or to use a flocculant chemical. This chemical collects the impurities that float in the water so they can be cleaned up with a cleaner. And makes them fall to the bottom of the pool.
