A swimming pool doesn’t function well without a clean pool filter. It is an important part of your overall operation of a pool. Dirt and debris will not only make its way into the pool but will remain in the swimming pool without a pool filter. Illnesses and the potential for algae growth in the water may occur without proper filtration.
You can identify a poorly circulated pool if the water looks cloudy. The water that circulates through the filter will come from your skimmers or the main drain at the bottom of the pool. Their purpose to pull debris and bacteria through the return pipes to the filter.
There are 2 primary types of filters that are used on Residential pools. 1) A DE or Diatomaceous Earth Filter and 2) a Cartridge Filter. The main differences are the medium used to filter the water. A third type of Sand filter is used in commercial pools typically.
The DE filter introduces Diatomaceous Earth into the filtration process, finely ground microscopic coral, shells, and more coat the cloth grids. The DE particles capture even the smallest suspended dirt particles as it passes through the grids. A DE Filter allows you to backwash or reverse the flow through a clean out pipe when the filter pressure is high. More DE is then added through the skimmer to replenish any of the DE lost during the backwashing process. Recommended backwashes should be completed monthly or when filter pressure becomes high. A full cleaning and replacement of the DE medium should occur twice annually. Grids need to be replaced every 2-3 years or whenever they tear. When grids are not fully cleaned as recommended this puts a strain on them and they can tear. This allows DE to pass through to the pool.
The cartridge filter uses only a cloth-type material as the filtering agent. Water is introduced to the filter which has several cylindrical cartridges. The water runs through the material and sends clean water back into the pool. There is no way to backwash a cartridge filter. This means that typically they may need a full cleaning 3-4 times annually when the pressure gets high. Cartridges, themselves, usually need to be replaced every 3 to 4 years, depending on usage and pool environment.
When was the last time you had your filter cleaned? We recommend a good filter clean prior to Spring pollen and pollutants. Call us today to schedule one at 214-503-7171