how do i know what size pool filter to get

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

When it comes to maintaining a sparkling clean swimming pool, a filter is one of the most essential components. It's responsible for removing debris and contaminants from the water, ensuring it stays clean and healthy. When shopping for a new pool filter, it's important to get the right size for your pool. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision when choosing a filter.

Why is the Size Important?

The size of your filter is critical to the efficiency of your pool setup. If you get a filter that's too small for your pool, it won't be able to keep up with the debris and contaminants, leading to cloudy water and other issues. On the other hand, if you get a filter that's too large, you'll be wasting energy and money unnecessarily.

Factors to Consider

To determine the right size for your pool filter, you need to consider a few key factors.

Pool Size: The size of your pool is the most important factor to consider. Larger pools require larger filters to effectively remove debris and contaminants.

Usage: The frequency of pool usage can influence the filter size. If you have a high traffic pool, you may need a larger filter to ensure it can efficiently keep up with all the debris and contaminants.

Location: The location of your pool can also impact the size of the filter. Pools in areas with more debris, such as trees, may require larger filters to keep up with the extra debris.

Types of Filters

There are three primary types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and specific sizing requirements.

Sand Filters: Sand filters are the most common type of pool filter, and they use sand as the filter media. For a sand filter, the rule of thumb is to choose a filter that is at least 1 square foot of filtration area per 10,000 gallons of water.

Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters use a pleated material to trap debris and contaminants. For a cartridge filter, choose a filter that has a cartridge area that is at least 1 square foot per 100 square feet of pool area.

DE Filters: DE filters use a fine powder made from fossilized diatoms to trap debris and contaminants. For a DE filter, choose a filter that has a filtration surface area that is at least 2 square feet per 10,000 gallons of water.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size pool filter is crucial to maintaining a clean and healthy swimming pool. Factors such as pool size, usage, and location all play a role in determining the right size for your setup. Consider the type of filter you want, and use the sizing guidelines above to choose the right one for your pool. With the right filter, you'll have sparkling clean water and an enjoyable swimming experience all season long.