do it yourself diy pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

DIY Pool Filter: Keep Your Pool Water Clean and Sparkling All Summer Long

Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to get your pool back in shape. A crystal clear and hygienic pool is a refreshing haven during the hot season, but maintaining it can be time-consuming and expensive. However, with a DIY pool filter, you can save money and effort while keeping your pool water clean and sparkling.

A pool filter is an essential part of your pool's circulation system that clears out debris, dirt, and impurities from the water. It pushes the water through a filter medium that traps the particles and returns the purified water back to the pool. There are many types of pool filters available, such as sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. Each has its pros and cons, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep your pool water clean and healthy.

In this article, we will show you how to build a DIY pool filter using readily available materials and tools. You don't need to be a professional plumber or have advanced DIY skills to complete this project. With our step-by-step instructions and helpful subtitles, you can do it yourself and save a lot of money in the process.

Materials Needed

- 5-gallon bucket with lid

- Pool filter sand (or other filter medium)

- PVC pipe (1.5-inch diameter)

- PVC fittings (elbow, T-joint, end cap)

- PVC cement

- Pool pump

- Pool hoses

- Pool skimmer basket

Subtitles

1. Choosing the Right Filter Medium

The filter medium is the substance that traps the debris and impurities from the water as it passes through the pool filter. There are three main types of pool filter media: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Sand filters are the most common and affordable, but they require backwashing to clean them periodically. Cartridge filters are easy to clean by removing and rinsing the cartridge, but they need to be replaced every few years. DE filters are the most effective but also the most costly, as they use a fine powder that needs to be replenished regularly. Choose the filter medium that fits your budget and needs.

2. Building the Filter Chamber

The filter chamber is the part of the pool filter where the water passes through the filter medium. To build it, take a 5-gallon bucket with a lid and drill a hole near the bottom for the PVC pipe. Insert the PVC pipe and secure it with PVC cement. Attach a T-joint at the top of the pipe and an elbow joint at the side for the pool pump connection. Cut a hole in the lid for the pool hoses and the pool skimmer basket. Fill the bucket with the filter medium of your choice, leaving enough space for the water to flow through.

3. Connecting the Pool Pump

The pool pump is the device that circulates the water through the pool filter and back to the pool. To connect it to the filter chamber, use a pool hose to connect the pump's intake port to the elbow joint on the filter chamber. Use another pool hose to connect the pump's outflow port to the pool's return port. Make sure that the hoses are tight and secure, and the connections are leak-free.

4. Installing the Skimmer Basket

The skimmer basket is the component that collects the floating debris and directs it to the filter chamber. To install it, remove the pool's skimmer lid and insert the basket. Connect one end of a pool hose to the basket and the other end to the filter chamber's hole on the lid. Make sure that the hose is secured and tight, and the lid is closed.

5. Testing and Maintenance

Once you have built your DIY pool filter, it's time to test it and maintain it regularly. Turn on the pool pump and check if the water is flowing properly through the filter chamber. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the damaged parts. Backwash or clean the filter medium as instructed in the user manual, depending on the filter medium you chose. Monitor the pool water's pH and chlorine levels regularly and adjust them if necessary.

Conclusion

A DIY pool filter is an affordable and practical solution for keeping your pool water clean and healthy. With just a few materials and tools, you can build your own pool filter that fits your budget and needs. By following our step-by-step instructions and tips, you can enjoy a crystal clear and hygienic pool all summer long.