how pool filter works

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Have you ever wondered how your pool water stays so clean and clear? It's all thanks to your pool filter. In this article, we'll be taking an in-depth look at how pool filters work and the different types available.

Why You Need a Pool Filter

Pool filters are essential for maintaining healthy and safe swimming pools. Without a filter, dirt, debris, and bacteria would accumulate quickly in the water, leading to cloudy, unhygienic conditions and potentially harmful illnesses.

A pool filter works by circulating pool water through a filter media that traps particles and contaminants, ensuring that only clean, clear water returns to the pool. It's vital to remember that a filter alone won't keep your pool in top condition. Regular maintenance, including cleaning your filter, brushing your pool walls, and maintaining chemical balance, is also crucial.

The Three Types Of Pool Filters

There are three main types of pool filters. Let's take a closer look at each one.

1. Sand Filters

Sand filters are the most popular type of pool filter due to their affordability and ease of use. They work by passing water through a bed of sand, where particles and debris are trapped, so only clean water returns to the pool.

To maintain a sand filter, you'll need to backwash it every four to six weeks. Backwashing involves reversing the water flow to remove any trapped debris from the sand, which is then discarded, and clean sand is reintroduced into the filter.

2. Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are a low maintenance option that provides excellent filtration performance. They work by passing water through a cartridge containing a filter media, such as polyester or paper. The filter media traps debris and contaminants, ensuring only clean water enters the pool.

To maintain a cartridge filter, you'll need to clean or replace the filter cartridge regularly, depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations. Cartridges that have become clogged or damaged can be cleaned using a hose, soaking them in a cartridge cleaner, or replaced entirely.

3. DE Filters

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters provide the highest level of filtration performance, making them the most effective pool filter option. They work similarly to sand filters, but instead of sand, they use a filter media made from the skeletal remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.

To maintain a DE filter, you'll need to backwash it regularly, usually every few weeks or as recommended by the manufacturer. Once a year, you'll need to empty the filter tank and recharge it with fresh DE filter media.

The Importance of Proper Filter Sizing

Choosing the right size pool filter is crucial to maintain optimal pool performance. A filter that's too small won't effectively clean the water, while a filter that's too large will be unnecessarily expensive and waste energy.

Filter sizing is based on two factors: the size of the pool (measured in gallons), and the flow rate of the pump (measured in gallons per minute). Your pool supply store or a pool professional can help determine the correct filter size for your pool.

In Conclusion

Understanding how pool filters work and the different types available is key to maintaining a clean and healthy swimming pool. Remember, proper maintenance and chemical balance are equally important in keeping your pool in top condition.