Your pool’s filtration system is what keeps your pool clean so that it’s suitable for swimming. Without a good pool filter, your pool would not only have visible debris, such as hair, dirt, and other small particles, but there would also be dust and oil that you might not see that certainly impacts the cleanliness of your pool. An important part of good swimming pool care in Johns Creek is making sure you replace the filter as needed, but if you’re not sure which type of filter to purchase, here’s a basic rundown of the types of filters and how they work.
Sand Filters
Sand filters are one of the most affordable types of filters. As the name implies, the water is filtered through sand. There are tubes at the bottom of a bed of sand that separate the clean and dirty water after the water is pushed through the sand. The dirty water goes to the top and the clean water goes through the bottom. A sand filter effectively filters out larger particles but isn’t quite as effective as other filters at filtering smaller particles, which might slip right through the filter. To properly maintain a sand filter you need to watch the pressure level so that you know when to backwash the filter. When the pressure gets between eight and ten pounds, you just backwash the tank, which pushes the water backward through the filter. This maintenance process isn’t difficult, but it does use quite a bit of water, which makes it a less energy-efficient model. But the sand in the filter lasts up to seven years, so it’s a cost-efficient model.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters filter out smaller particles than a sand filter and require less maintenance as well. This means that they typically cost a little more, but they’re very effective. The filter is made of a large tank that contains a cartridge that traps the particles. The filter doesn’t require backwashing and can easily be cleaned. You can clean it yourself by removing the cartridge and spraying it with a hose, or a swimming pool maintenance service may use chemical solutions to spray or soak the cartridge before it’s rinsed off. The replacement cartridges are relatively inexpensive and since they have a large surface area, they’re able to filter well even at low pump speeds.
Diatomaceous Earth Filters
Diatomaceous earth is a type of sedimentary rock that’s ground into a fine powder. They work like tiny sponges, so when they’re used to filter, they can absorb very small particles. In fact, they trap the smallest particles of any of the types of filters. The tank contains grids that are coated with the diatomaceous earth and any particles that pass through are trapped in the coated grids. This type of filter does require backwashing and then fresh powder needs to be added. These filters are similar in price to cartridge filters, but replacement grids and powder are inexpensive.
Choosing Your Filter
Now that you know the basic types of filters and how they work, you simply need to weigh the pros and cons of each type of filter. Your decision should be based on how willing you are to do maintenance compared to what you’re willing to invest in the filter. The best thing to do is contact a pool company to get a professional opinion. Call Sunrise Pool Services, Inc., to learn more.