How do I know when it's time to clean my pool filter?
Normal, periodic rinsing or backwashing will remove most of the dirt from a basically clean filter. However, over a period of time, grease, oils and scale can attack and build up on the elements. When this occurs, you will see build up on the removable elements, short filter runs, reduced circulation and water that does not want to clear up.
How often is it necessary to backwash my pool filter?
The frequency of backwashing will depend on many factors including the size of your filter, flow rate of your plumbing, and bather load in your pool. You will know your filter needs to be backwashed when the pressure reading on your filter reaches the specified level (as set out in the filters manuals guidelines). Whenever the pressure reaches this level the filter should be backwashed. It is ususally 10-15 psi higher than the psi when the filter was new of just thoroughly cleaned.
How often should I backwash my filter?
The filter should be backwashed at least weekly and whenever the filter gauge reads 10 lbs. higher than what it does after backwashing and rinsing the filter.
How often should I change the diatomaceous earth in my DE filter?
Usually it is adequate to change the D.E. once every 30 days. However, if your pool water is very dirty it is not uncommon to change it 3 - 4 times a day until the water is clear.
What does D.E. stand for?
Abbreviation for diatomaceous earth. Fossil-like skeletons of microscopic water plants called diatoms.
What is a backwash valve on a swimming pool filter?
A backwash valve is a feature that allows the flow of water to be reversed through a sand filter or diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter in order to refresh the filter by knocking loose accumulated dirt and debris and leave the sand or (D.E.) clean and ready for further use.
What type of swimming pool filter should I use in my swimming pool?
The three main types of pool filters you have to choose from are: cartridge filters, sand filters, and diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filters. Each filter has different strengths. Your decision will be based on what is more important to you: the cleanest clearest water possible, or ease of maintenance.
Which pool filter involves the least amount of maintenance?
Cartridge pool filters have won over many pool owners for their ease of maintenance, simply open the housing, pull out the filter cartridge and wash off. Cartridges can also be soaked in special solutions to remove mineral deposits. Sand filters are also very easy as far as maintenance. The sand filter is designed to allow for backwashing that will knock loose accumulated debris leaving the sand clean and ready for more filtering of your pool water. Of the 3 types of pool filters the diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filters require the most detailed maintenance routine.
Which type of swimming pool filter will keep my pool the cleanest?
The smaller the particles the pool filter will trap the cleaner your pool will be. Diatomaceous earth (DE) pool filters are widely recognized for filtering down the smallest particles of any pool filters (3-5 microns). Any particle under 40 microns is invisible to the human eye but large quantities of these size particles can cause water to appear cloudy. After a diatomaceous earth (D.E.) pool filter, in order of pure filtering capabilities, come cartridge filters and then sand filters respectively.
Why is filtration important to the quality of swimming pool water?
Filtration is the mechanical system for removing visible matter from the water. The filter medium is designed to remove hair, dirt, minute skin flakes, metal or calcium precipitates and other visible debris that would otherwise cause the water to be hazy and cloudy.
Why is it that every time I vacuum and run the filter, I have D.E. on the bottom of the pool an hour later?
It would be best to vacuum up the D.E. in the pool and then add D.E. if you know how much is in the filter after you do this. If you don't, then vacuum up the D.E., backwash the filter, and add approx. 80% of the total amount recommended on initial filter D.E. start up. Clean the filter grids well and look closely at them for any holes. The slightest hole can allow D.E. to go through the filter. Also, the manifold at the top should be examined closely for any cracks or holes. Lastly, check all pipes to see if their associated o-rings are ripped, torn or missing. Replace as needed
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