what causes a pool filter to crack

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

What Causes a Pool Filter to Crack - Understanding the Most Common Reasons

Keeping your pool water clean and healthy is crucial for maintaining a safe swimming environment. A pool filter plays a vital role in keeping the water free from impurities, debris, and contaminants. But what happens when your pool filter cracks? Your pool maintenance routine can go out of whack, and the quality of the water could suffer. In this article, we delve into the top reasons why a pool filter can crack and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

What Is a Pool Filter?

Before we delve into the reasons why your pool filter can crack, it's essential to understand what a pool filter is and its significance in maintaining a clean pool. A pool filter is an essential piece of equipment designed to remove impurities such as dirt, debris, leaves, and tiny organisms from pool water to ensure that the water stays clean and safe to swim in.

Types of Pool Filters

Pool filters come in three different types: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Sand filters utilize a bed of sand to trap impurities from water. Cartridge filters, on the other hand, are composed of pleated fabric materials that can trap tiny particles in water. Lastly, DE filters use a fine powdery substance to coat a grid, which is used to trap dirt and debris in pool water.

Why Do Pool Filters Crack?

Pool filters are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, they can wear down and develop cracks, which can spell trouble for your pool's cleanliness. Here are the most common reasons why pool filters crack:

1. High Pressure

Pool filters are designed to operate within a specific pressure range. When the pressure exceeds the manufacturer's recommended limit, the filter can crack. This typically occurs when the filter gets clogged with too much debris, which restricts water flow.

To prevent high pressure, ensure that you clean your pool filter regularly by backwashing, rinsing, and replacing cartridges or sand as needed.

2. Water Chemistry

Another common cause of pool filter cracks is unbalanced water chemistry. When the water in your pool has high levels of acidity, it can corrode vital parts of the filter, leading to cracks. Over-chlorination can also damage pool filters and cause them to crack.

To avoid this, ensure you maintain proper pool water chemistry by testing the water regularly and balancing it correctly.

3. Freezing Temperatures

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, your pool filter could crack due to ice build-up inside the filter tank. When water freezes within the filter, it expands and puts pressure on the walls, leading to cracks.

To avoid this, ensure you winterize your pool and drain all the water from your filter to prevent ice build-up.

4. Physical Damage

Physical damage is also a common cause of pool filter cracks. This can occur when someone accidentally steps or leans on the filter, causing it to crack or deform.

To prevent physical damage, ensure that you keep the pool filter in a secure and visible location, and discourage people from leaning on it.

5. Defective Parts

Sometimes, pool filters can develop cracks due to poor workmanship or inferior quality materials. In this case, the filter's manufacturer may be responsible for replacing the defective part or the entire filter, depending on the warranty.

In Conclusion

Pool filter cracks can be frustrating and expensive, but they're not entirely unavoidable. By understanding the common reasons why pool filters crack and taking steps to prevent them, you can enjoy clean and safe pool water for years to come. Remember, regular maintenance and proper installation are the keys to preventing pool filter cracks.