Pool filters are an essential piece of pool equipment, without one, your pool would be virtually impossible to keep clean. There are a couple of different options and if you're wondering which one is best, keep reading because in this post we'll explain the ins and outs of each type to help you decide which one is most suitable for your pool.
Sand Filters
What are they?
Sand filters work by removing pollutants such as dirt and debris from the water through a large tank that contains pool filter sand. They can pick up minuscule contaminants enabling them to produce superior water quality and, they are easy to look after which makes them a sought-after choice amongst pool owners.
How do you look after a sand filter?
You can typically determine whether your sand filter needs a cleanout or not by looking at the pressure gauge on the sand filter tank. When the sand component builds up with collected debris, it will cause the PSI reading on the gauge to escalate. Cleaning your sand filter is simple and can be done by backwashing. This will flush out the collected dirt and debris.
How do they work?
The power of your pool pump propels water into the sand filter, and in doing so, it passes through a generous section of sand. This sand collects the contaminants that are in the water as it travels through the filter. The water then returns to the pool free of nasties. This is a continuous process the occurs when your pool pump is on.
How often do I have to replace the filter?
When looked after properly by keeping up with backwashing as needed, you can expect your sand filter to last for a good 3 to 5 years.
Different types of sand filters
There are 3 main types of sand filters, and they are:
- Glass sand filter– The sand in a glass sand filter is made from recycled glass. It can collect microscopic spores such as algae.
- Silica sand filter – This is made from crushed quartz and is the most affordable option of the three. Again, this option is great at collecting tiny particles dispersed through the pool water.
- Zeolite sand filter – This sand is created using volcanic rock and can effectively adhere to chloramines to produce better quality water.
Benefits to choosing a sand filter
- Affordable to purchase
- Filter replacements are budget-friendly
- Simple to clean and minimal maintenance required
- Only need replacing every 3 to 5 years
- Three sand types to choose from
Disadvantages of choosing a sand filter
- As backwashing is needed to clean the filter, this means they use more water than some other types of filters
- Doesn't pick up nanoscopic particles as well as some other filters unless you upgrade to a better-quality sand
- Consumes more energy when paired with a high-pressure pool system
Cartridge Filters
What are they?
A cartridge filter is a big tank made of plastic, and inside it stores anywhere from one to four filter cartridges. These cartridges can be removed from the tank and feature a hollow tube that’s covered in a cloth material. This cloth material is either pleated or folded.
How do you look after a cartridge filter?
Every couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to give your cartridge filters a clean. You can do this by removing the cartridge filters from the housing unit and rinsing them with a hose to remove any bits of debris that have been collected in the cloth. Once they are clean, you can replace them back into place.
How do they work?
Your pool pump directs the water toward the filter and as it passes through the cartridges, dirt and debris gets stuck in the cloth. This clean water is then directed back to the pool. Like sand filters, this process is continual.
How often do I have to replace the filters?
Cartridge filters have around the same lifespan as sand filters and will need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. When cleaning your cartridge filters, you can inspect them for damage at the same time.
Benefits to choosing a cartridge filter
- Easy maintenance
- Offers superior energy efficiency
- Premium filtrating potential
- Low water consumption
Disadvantages of choosing a cartridge filter
- The cost of the cartridges is more expensive
- The cleaning process is more time-consuming
- More expensive to buy upfront
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
What are they?
Housed in a plastic tank is a collection of powder-coated fabric grids called diatomaceous filters. The DE powder that is covered on the fabric grids boosts the filters ability to collect impurities, in fact, DE filters can collect the smallest fragments of all filtration systems.
How do you look after a DE filter?
DE filters are more tedious to look after than the other two options. They need to be back washed in the same fashion as a sand filter however, they also need the DE powder to be replaced every time afterwards.
Once you have back washed the DE filter, you then can replace the DE powder by adding it slowly to your skimmer while the filtration system is running. DE filters require both backwashing and DE powder replenishment, so the cost of maintaining this type of filter is higher than the other two.
To ensure there are no remaining fragments of dirt or similar remaining in the filter, you should rinse the filter with a hose as well as backwashing.
How do they work?
As the pool water is pushed to the filter, it passes through the DE powder and fabric grids as it goes, and these capture whatever contaminants are in the water.
How often do I have to replace the filters?
With regular maintenance, DE filters typically last longer than sand and cartridge filters and have a lifespan of around 7 to 10 years.
When your DE filters need replacing, you can do it by following the steps outlined below:
- Switch your pump off
- Relieve pressure from the valve
- Open the filter housing unit
- Take out the DE grids
- Replace with new grids
- Close the housing unit
- Turn your filter pump back on
- Place DE powder into the skimmer
Benefits to choosing a DE filter
- They offer the most superior filtration of the three and remove contaminants from the water as small as 3 microns
- They last the longest
Disadvantages of choosing a DE filter
- They cost the most purchase initially
- The upkeep costs are more expensive
- The maintenance is more involved
- They use more water
- DE powder needs to be stored and handled correctly as it can be hazardous
Deciding Which Filtration System is Best For Your Swimming Pool
Deciding which filter is best for your pool depends on what is a priority for you. Some prefer to choose the most cost-effective option, whereas others would rather pay more and put a little more effort into maintenance to have better filtration performance. All are great options, and when they are looked after properly, you can expect them to keep your pool crystal clear.
If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of each type, we hope this post has helped you to determine which is best for you. For more information, contact the fibreglass pool experts here at The Fibreglass Pool Company!
