How to Choose the Right Pool Filter
One of the most essential components of any swimming pool is the filter, and choosing the right pool filter can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing. The filter is responsible for removing dirt, debris, and contaminants from your pool water and keeping it clean and clear. But not all filters are the same. There are three main types of pool filters: diatomaceous earth (DE), cartridge, and sand filters. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your pool depends on several factors, such as your pool size, usage, maintenance, and budget. Here is a brief overview of each type of filter and how they work, along with some pros and cons to help with the decision making process.
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DE Filters
DE filters are considered the most effective and efficient type of pool filter. They use a fine powder made of fossilized algae called diatomaceous earth to coat a series of grids or fingers inside the filter tank. As the water passes through the filter, the DE powder traps particles as small as 2 to 5 microns, which is smaller than a grain of salt. This results in crystal clear water that is free of bacteria, algae, and other impurities.
DE filters have the capability of being backwashed allowing accumulated dirt and debris to be removed from the filter. Backwashing is a process where you reverse the flow of water through the filter and flush out the dirty waste water. More DE powder should be added to the filter after each backwashing to replenish the filter media. The amount added back through the skimmer depends on the size of the filter and the duration of backwashing. DE filters do not need to be regularly backwashed, unless there is a change in water quality or a significant increase in pressure, otherwise they are able to go for 6 months between cleanings. DE filters should be disassembled every 6 months to be cleaned thoroughly and the grids and manifold examined for tears or cracks.
DE filters are comparatively priced to cartridge or sand filters, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing maintenance. They may require some extra plumbing and a little more space to install. However, they offer the best filtration performance and water quality for your pool.
Pros
They provide the cleanest filtered water possible.
Cons
Backwashing releases and clears the grids of dirt, debris and DE. You should have a designated area where you will not mind having residual DE powder left behind from backwashing.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are the most popular and common type of pool filter. They use a cylindrical cartridge made of pleated polyester or paper to capture dirt and debris from the pool water. The cartridge has a large surface area that allows more water to flow through it with less resistance and pressure. This means that a clean cartridge filter has the potential to use less energy and produce less wear and tear on your pool pump.
Cartridge filters are easy to install and maintain. They do not require backwashing; instead, you simply remove the cartridge(s) from the filter housing and rinse it with a hose or soak it in a cleaning solution. Cartridges should be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on your pool usage and water quality. Cartridge filters should be disassembled every 6 months to be cleaned thoroughly and the cartridges examined. Most cartridges have one or more horizontal bands encompassing the cartridge. A good indication that it is time to replace your cartridge is when these bands become frayed or torn.
Cartridge filters are comparatively priced to DE filters, and sand filters. They provide good filtration performance, but not as good as DE filters. They can trap particles as small as 10 to 15 microns, which is enough to keep your pool water clear and clean, but not enough to remove all bacteria and algae.
Pros
Cartridge filters do not need to be backwashed
Cons
Inability to backwash a cartridge filter can be a huge inconvenience if a pool ever turns green and has excessive algae growth.
Sand Filters
Sand filters are the oldest and simplest type of pool filter. They use a bed of sand to filter the pool water. As the water passes through the filter, the sand particles catch and hold dirt and debris. The sand also acts as a natural sanitizer, killing some bacteria and algae with its abrasive action.
Sand filters require backwashing to clean the filter and prevent clogging. You need to backwash the filter when the pressure gauge indicates that the water flow is reduced or when the water clarity is compromised. You also need to replace the sand every 3 to 5 years, as it loses its filtering ability over time. With newer and more modern types of filter medium for sand filters such as: zeolite sand, recycled glass and filter balls you can trap particles as small as 2 to 5 microns and they can last as long as 10 years or more. The newer mediums cost more than normal sand, but will improve the efficiency of the filter and the quality of the pool water.
Sand filters are comparatively priced to DE filters, and cartridge filters, both in terms of initial cost and maintenance. They are also easy to install and operate. However, they offer the lowest filtration performance and water quality for your pool. They can only trap particles as large as 20 to 40 microns (with silica sand), which means that they leave behind a fair amount of fine dust, bacteria, and algae in your pool water.
Pros
Easy to maintain
Cons
Over time sand can clump and form channels that reduce it’s ability to filter.
Changing out the sand can be labor intensive as well as expensive undertaking.
Which is the Right Pool Filter for your Pool?
The type of filter you choose for your pool depends on your personal preference and your pool’s specific needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Pool size: Larger pools require more powerful and efficient filters to handle the higher volume of water. DE filters are ideal for large pools, as they can filter more water with less pressure drop and energy consumption. Cartridge filters are suitable for medium-sized pools, as they can provide adequate filtration without too much maintenance. Sand filters are best for medium to small pools, as they are cheap and easy to install and operate.
Pool usage: If you use your pool frequently or have a lot of swimmers, you need a filter that can handle the higher load of dirt and contaminants. DE filters are excellent for high-usage pools, as they can remove more impurities and keep your water sparkling clean. Cartridge filters are good for moderate-usage pools, as they can filter out most of the dirt and debris without too much hassle. Sand filters are good for medium to low-usage pools, as they can provide basic filtration and sanitation without too much cost.
Pool maintenance: If you want to spend less time and money on maintaining your pool, you need a filter that is easy and convenient to clean and service. Sand filters are the easiest to maintain, as they only require periodic backwashing and infrequent sand replacement. Cartridge filters are easy to maintain when a pool does not consistently experience large swimmer loads or is inundated by an excessive amount of organic matter. Many people believe that DE filters are the most difficult to maintain, because they require DE. However, they can be as easy to maintain as a sand or cartridge filter when you have a plan for how to dispose of DE, when it is backwashed. When you consider the quality of water it produces and if you can come to grips with the DE powder, DE filters should not be overlooked.
Pool budget: If you want to save money on your pool filter, you need to consider both the initial cost and the ongoing maintenance cost of the filter. People often try to save money by downsizing their filter. In some cases this may save you money in the short term, but in the long run can cost you more time maintaining your filter when pool usage and external factors such as debris and vegetation are not taken into account.
Sand filters are often considered to be the cheapest option, both in terms of purchase price and operating cost. When you factor in the additional cost of sand medium, the cost of a sand filter becomes comparative to the other filters. Cartridge filters are often considered to be more expensive than sand filters, and little cheaper than DE filters. DE filters are thought to be the more expensive option, both in terms of installation cost and maintenance cost. We have found these beliefs not to be true and the overall costs of DE, cartridge and sand filters to comparative to one another.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the right pool filter for your pool is the one that meets your expectations and requirements. You can consult with a pool professional or a pool store to get more advice and recommendations on which filter is right for you. No matter which filter you choose, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines on how to use and care for your filter properly. By doing so, you can ensure that your filter works efficiently and effectively for your pool, and that you enjoy a clean and healthy swimming experience for years to come.
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