A clean pool is a healthy pool, that’s what the swimming pool maintenance contractors from Express Pool Care in Phoenix, AZ tell their customers. The equipment and tasks that make that a reality are the circulation, the chemicals, general daily maintenance and the pool filter. How to choose a swimming pool filter is also a question Express Pool Care pros field.
There are three different types of pool filters and they each operate in a unique way and each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that your pool filter is aided in keeping your pool clean by the ongoing upkeep and maintenance you and your pool contractor regularly perform.
How to choose a swimming pool filter
Let’s look at the different types of pool filters so you can make an informed decision on the one you want to use for your swimming pool. You will need to make this decision whether you’re starting a new pool project or if you’re upgrading and updating the pool equipment.
Cartridge filters. These filters have the highest capacity of the three types of filters. A cartridge filter is a combination of a DE and a sand filter. With a cartridge filter your pool contractor will need to clean the filters two times a year. He will remove dirt and debris and will check the pressure gauge to assure it is still operating at its peak. When he cleans the cartridges in the filter he will remove them and soak them to clean them thoroughly. It makes sense to have an additional set of filters on hand so you can use the pool while one set of filters is being cleaned.
A cartridge filter is highly efficient and can filter out debris as small as 15 microns.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters. These filters are said to offer pool owners the cleanest water of the three types of filters. A DE filter can capture and clean debris as small as 5 microns. The DE is derived from the exoskeleton of algae. The DE filter will need to be cleaned when the pressure guage reads fewer than seven pounds per square inch. When a DE or a sand filter is backwashed it will require copious amounts of water and this can be seen as a major disadvantage to some pool owners.
Your pool contractor will clean the DE and “recharge” the filter annually.
The easiest filter to use is the sand filter. It provides basic operation and does an ideal job of removing dirt and debris. The water is pumped into the filter and the sand traps any debris. A sand filter is considered to be at its optimal cleaning peak when the pool water is slightly dirty because the dirty water is pushed through the sand particles and cleaned before the water is moved back into the pool. A sand filter can clean microns of about 25 micons.
Like a DE filter, the sand filter will need to be cleaned annually and backwashed.
Do your research. Talk with your pool contractor and understand all of the ins and outs of the pool filter you’re choosing. You can’t go wrong with any of the styles, it’s the cleaning and backwashing and maintenance that may have you choosing one over the other as well as the upfront cost.