Tag Archives: Pool Filters

Spring Pool Improvements: Filter Cartridges

Filter Cartridges
One often overlooked area of pool maintenance is cleaning or changing your filter cartridge. If your filter cartridge is obviously and excessively dirty or your pump seems to be running at a higher pressure than normal, it is probably time to clean or replace your cartridge. Remove your cartridge and clean it with a water hose or, for best results, a filter flosser cleaner. If you notice that the pleats are broken or are excessively worn and dirty after cleaning, it is probably time to buy a replacement filter cartridge. Making sure that you purchase the right one can be tricky. If you know your model number, we can find it for you quickly. If not, our website gives detailed measuring instructions to help you determine the model that you need.

Updating Your Sand Filter

Zeobest Sand Filter Media

Is it time to change the sand in your filter? If its has been longer than 5 years since your sand was installed, it definitely is. While replacing the media, why not consider switching to a powerful sand alternative? There are several products out there that offer filtering capabilities that are far superior to regular sand. Zeobest Sand Filter Media is one great option. Zeobest has nearly 9800 times more square footage than sand which it enables it to small particles down to three microns for exceptional water clarity. Sand usually filters down to only 30 microns. You also use only 1 lb of Zeobest for every 2 lbs of sand required. Half the product equals half the work! It offer longer cycles and is completely safe for you and your loved ones. It will be a great change for your pool!

Expert Help for Choosing the Perfect Filter Cartridge

Filter Cartridge Diagram

Do you need to replace the filter cartridge in your pool or spa? Knowing which replacement model to choose can be confusing. Use the easy step by step guide below to make sure that you choose the correct option!

  1. Measure the outside diameter of the end cap. Be sure to use exact measurement (+ or – 1/32″).
  2. Measure the existing cartridge length. The length is calculated from end cap to end cap and should be exact (+ or – 1/16″). Be sure to exclude any handles or extensions from this measurement.
  3. Measure the top inside diameter. Again, be sure to use exact measurements (+ or – 1/32″).
  4. Do the same with the bottom inside diameter.
  5. Note the name and model of the filter that the cartridge came out of.
  6. Next, you will have to identify the correct top and bottom type. These are the types that you will see. Note the one that most closely matches your filter cartridge.

Open Top/Bottom

Open Top/Bottom w/Gasket

Closed Top

Closed Top
w/ String Handle

Castle Top

Molded Cone
Handle

Semi-Circular
Handle

Open Bottom
w/ Male Slip Fitting

Open Bottom
w/ ThreadedFitting

With all of the information that you have now gathered, you are ready to call or visit your pool supply source with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase!

Pool Filters Explained

No matter how diligent we may be with our pool cleaners, dirt, debris, and other unsavory bits in our pool water can elude our pool cleaning devices.  Luckily, pool water gets pumped through the pool’s filter system where particulates in the water become trapped.  A swimming pool’s filter system is an essential component for maintaining clean, safe water.  What type of filter system does your swimming pool use?

The three existing types of swimming pool filters are Sand Filters, Cartridge Filters, and Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE Filters, for short).  Here’s how they each work:

Sand Filters

Sand FiltersSand filters, often considered the easiest filters to own and maintain, use a specially graded sand as the filter media. Water enters the tank through a diffuser.  As the water goes down through the bed of sand, the dirt and debris are trapped between the grains of sand.  When the water reaches the bottom of the filter, it enters the laterals and is returned to the pool.  Sand filters trap debris as small as approximately 40 microns in size.  Anything smaller than 40 microns will often pass through the filter and get circulated back into the pool.

 

 

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge FiltersOne of the most popular choices among the filter systems is the cartridge filter because it can be removed and cleaned with out backwashing, which saves pool-owners time and energy.  Cartridge filters use a paper-type cartridge as the filter media.  They do not filter as finely as DE filters, but they produce about the same water quality as sand filtration.  In the past, cartridge filters were considered a nuisance to maintain, but over the years, manufacturers have developed newer filters with enough surface area (300-500 square feet) to require cleaning only once or twice each year.

 

 

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) FiltersDE filters are the most effective of the three filter systems.  Diatomaceous earth comes from a naturally occurring sedimentary rock that crumbles easily into a fine powder.  The DE filter has plastic grids covered with a plastic type of fabric.  A layer of the diatomaceous earth filter powder covers the grids and filters the water.  As the water passes through the filter powder, any debris down to 5-8 microns is filtered out.  Because the DE is much finer that sand, it is able to filter much more effectively than a sand filter or cartridge filter.

50 Hottest Pool Products of the Season List Released

Trophy
Pool and Spa News has released their annual list of the 50 hottest products this season for your pool and spa. Below is an excerpt of their list. 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting season for pool and spa owners! You won’t want to wait to get your hands on these!

  • Insta-Link Home Advanced Iphone App – This water quality program allows Iphone users to photo scan test strips to prevent questions about variations in color. The program returns customized chemical recommendations in seconds, helping pool owners get their pool chemicals balanced in almost no time.
  • Eco-Friendly floats – Several companies are producing floats that are made from reprocessed vinyl and packaged in recycled cardboard. This is a great product for environmentally friendly pool owners who are looking for a product with less impact on the environment.
  • Direct Command Pool Cleaner – As one of the few robotic pool cleaners to make the list, the Direct Command is a breakthrough.  It comes with a hand-held remote, which makes it easy for pool owners to spot clean their pool quickly and efficiently. It is also more affordable than comparable robotic cleaners, making it a great buy for any pool owner. Both its cleaning path and debris bag are larger than most robotic cleaners on the market. This lightweight new addition to the market is already claiming its place as an industry leader.
  • Natural Pools – Chemical-free pools have taken a new turn with in ground pools that are being filtered through plants rooted in the system and other biological filters. These pools are eco-friendly and completely safe for swimmers. The “organic watershapes” are cleaner and clearer than lakes or ponds, but do not use the traditional harsh chemicals or filters of swimming pools, making them more efficient.
  • Solar Powered Pool Filter – Many people already harness the sun’s power to heat their pools. Now, you can use solar power to CLEAN your pool. It is 100% natural and efficient, using no electricity. As the cleaner floats freely around the pool, water is filtered through cartridges to purify water. They are lightweight and easy to remove from the pool for swimming. Since some pool filters can cost up to $100 a month to operate, these filters can save you hundreds of dollars each pool season.