Pool Filter Cleaning

Regular Pool Filter Cleaning For Good Pool Maintenance

Keeping a pool clean requires more than checking chemicals, skimming debris from the surface, or vacuuming pool walls and floors. The pool filter is a vital component of the every day pool cleaning process. How do you need if a pool filter needs to be cleaned? You will likely notice poor performance of your cleaning system. However, that is not the only indicator that your pool filter needs cleaning or replacement.

When To Clean Pool Filters

Routinely scheduled pool filters are the best way to be sure the pool cleaning system is working optimally. The dust and rain storms can introduce contaminants and debris into pools very often during the storm seasons. It is important to keep the pool filtration system working in proper order. Not only for clean, healthy pool water but to avoid costly repairs over time.

Please be aware of the potential dangers of cleaning pool filters. There are many typess and brands of pool filters each with various components in use. Proper care is needed to ensure the pressure involved in a pool cleaning system is managed properly. The many filter components must also be carefully removed and properly placed during assembly. Improper pressure management or assembly could lead to system damage and further costs.

Types Of Pool Filters

There are three main types of pool filters currently in use:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
• Cartridge
• Sand

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

DE filters use Diatomaceous Earth as a method to filter water. DE is a fine powder substance that contains microscopic skeletons of diatoms, a type of algae, to the pool filter. Funny how an algae can be beneficial to your pool, right? Water passes through a series  grids coated with DE. The DE in the grid system works like a collection of tiny sponges that allow water to pass but microscopic impurities like dirt, algae, and some forms of bacteria cannot.

DE filters do need routine backwashing. This can be wasteful because it lowers the water level of your pool and often discharges Diatomaceous Earth to wherever the flow of backwashed water is directed. Diatomaceous Earth must also be added back to the system as well as filling the pool to replace the water lost to backwashing.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are similar to the air filters you can find in your car in regard to how they work. The pump pushes water from the pool into the filter tank. Water then flows through the cartridge membrane. The fabric of the filter membrane traps particles and debris.

One of the pluses of cartridge filters is the lack of backflushing required. This conserves water and does not result in any discharge. There are no multiport valve necessary which means less plumbing and less repairs over time.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are the least expensive option for upfront costs but the oldest form of pool filters in use. This filter system is typically a tank filled with sand 2/4 of the tank volume. The sand works as the method to capture debris and contaminants. This type of filtration system requires backwashing or backflushing. This, again, can be wasteful because it lowers the water level of your pool and often discharges sand and debris in the process. You will need to fill your pool more often. The backflushing process also builds up pressure on the pump which over time could require repair or replacement.

 

Contact us to find out whether there is a more efficient pool filtration option available or to schedule filter cleaning service or repair.