An essential part of your backyard swimming pool is your pool filter. The pool pump pushes water into the filter where dirt and debris are removed. After traveling through the filter, the now clean water returns to the pool. Goodall Pools & Spas will help you select the pool filtration system that will work best for your personal requirements and the type of pool you have.
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filters
D.E. filters work by using D.E. powder that coats fabric covered grids or fingers inside the filter housing. D.E. filters provide the highest level of filtration. On the other hand, D.E. filters require the most work to maintain compared to other types of filtration.
These filters require frequent backwashing and cleaning. This means that you are more likely to lose water and disrupt your chemical balance. After backwashing, more diatomaceous earth powder must be added through the skimmer after each cleaning.
If the pool has algae, or the water is cloudy, it can take a lot of work just to keep the DE filter system clean and operating.
Sand Filters
Sand filters require the least amount of maintenance compared to other filter types. Just like the name implies, these types of filters use sand to filter dirt and debris out of the swimming pool water.
The downside of sand filters is that they do not filter as small of particles as a D.E. or cartridge filters. If your pool has algae or cloudy water, it will take longer to clean up than if you were using a cartridge or D.E. filter.
The upside of these filters is that they are low maintenance. The sand in the filter only needs to be changed every three to five years. Like D.E. filters, they also need to be backwashed when the pressure raises by 10 psi.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters combine the best of both worlds of a sand filter and a D.E. filter. A cartridge filter consists of one to four cartridges that fit inside the filter housing.
When the filter pressure rises, you simply turn off the equipment and take the cartridge or cartridges out of the filter. You can clean the cartridges by using a cartridge cleaning solution and your garden hose. Each cartridge lasts about three years and these systems never need to be backwashed. This means you will not waste as much water or chemicals compared to sand or D.E. filters.
For more information about your filtration system, or if you have any questions about your pool maintenance, contact us at Goodall Pools & Spas for more information.
