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Swimming Pool Filters - FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions about
Swimming Pool Filters




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 frequently should I change the sand in my sand filter?

The sand stays in the filter for a long time. Five to ten years if you are using chlorine. If you use a biguanide sanitizer, you should have the sand changed every 3 - 5 years. Believe it or not, a sand filter works better when it's dirty, so it's important not to backwash it too often. A clean sand filter will trap a particle 50 microns in size, while a dirty sand filter will trap a particle only 20 - 25 microns in size. Sand should be chemically cleaned at least once a year, twice if you're using a biguanide sanitizer.

How long do I need to run my filter system?

The filter system should run for a minimum of 8 hours every 24 hours.

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.

Is there any way of sealing a leak in a filter tank?

Unfortunately, there is no way to safely seal a leak in a filter tank. The best option is to replace the tank

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 is better, a D.E filter or a cartridge filter?

The cartridge filter is easier to take care of and cheaper to install The D.E. filter requires occasional trips to the pool store, a little instruction and costs more, but it filters bacteria, algae spores and other material out of the water that goes right through the cartridge. The D.E. filter is better for you and your pool

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 would the pump pressure be low?

Theyre is normally only a couple of reasons why you would get low pump pressure. The main one is that your skimmer box filter is blocked or your filter before the pump. What I would suggest is clean out both these fliters and give your sand filter a good backflush and rinse. If the pumps performance doesnt increase your other problem maybe that your pool water level is low. If non of these things work or are the problem. The only other 2 options you really have is that you have a blockage in plumbing or your pump is an old pump and needs replacing.


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