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[S1190]Swimming Pool Filter Cartridges

by Shamoil Karachiwala, Sha

There are three types of swimming pool filters, sand, cartridge and DE (diatomaceous earth). In this article we are focusing on cartridge filters but for the sake of clarification I will give a brief overview of all three types.

Sand Filters

Sand filters remove impurities by using sand to collect and attract the debris. Sand filters have to be backwashed (running the filter in reverse) to remove the water waste. This is a very manual process that must be done every few weeks.

Diatomaceous earth is a mined substance used to coat "grids" in the filter. These coated grids capture the impurities. As more impurities are captured the pressure begins to rise. When the pressure has risen to the maximum level, you manually backwash the filter just like sand filters and then "recharge" it with more DE powder.

Cartridge

Swimming pool filter cartridges work by allowing water to pass through a very fine filter surface. This filter surface captures any impurities that attempt to pass through and hold them until you clean the filter cartridge or replace it.

Cartridge filters have more surface area than sand filters. This allows for fewer clogs and much easier maintenance. Cartridge filters also operate at a much lower pressure than sand. This causes less backpressure on the pump so you have a greater flow of water through the system.

The swimming pool filter cartridges can filter out anything down to 5 to 10 microns in size. To put this in perspective, a single grain of table salt is about 90 microns in size. Anything below 35 microns is invisible to the naked eye.

Swimming pool filter cartridges are extremely popular because they are very easy to maintain and relatively inexpensive. Basic cartridge maintenance can be performed by simply rinsing off your cartridge with a garden hose or soaking them in detergent. However, the best way to ensure a clean and sparkling pool is to just simply replace them.

Replacing your cartridges is very easy and you don't even need the help of a professional. You simply remove and discard the old filter and replace it.

Be sure to get your new filter before you dispose of the old one. To replace your swimming pool filter cartridge you should write down the brand, the size and the part number (if it has one). Always double check the cartridge dimensions against the one that you are try to replace. Cartridges are the preferred method of many pool owners because they are simple to replace and they are a very cost effective way to keep your pool crystal clear.

SAND FILTERS, the first type of filter operates using fine filter sand inside the tank or vessel to gather the dirt and debris from the pool. The pool water is sent to the filter from the pool pump to the top of the tank and a fitting inside the vessel called the distributor "rains" the water down and through the sand. As the water migrates down through the bed of sand the pool water is collected by the laterals inside the bottom of tank and returned to the pool filtered and clean. The sand inside the filter can last for many years if the filter is "backwashed". What is backwashing? Backwashing is when the water flow inside the filter is reversed (using the selector valve outside the filter) and the dirty water and debris are flushed out through the waste line of the pool system. During backwashing, some sand will be lost each time and the water level of the pool will be lowered. When it is time to replace the sand, the old sand will need to be removed, either by hand or tool and the filter will need to be replenished with new fresh filter media.

The second type of filter is a CARTRIDGE FILTER, it uses a replaceable cartridge element to capture dirt and debris from a pool and or spa. The cartridge filter element is houised inside the tank, the upper lid is normally held in place by a clamp or knob which has been manufactured with remove ability in mind. When the cartridge has collected enough dirt and debris the cartridge is removed, hosed off, dirt removed and the element is replaced back into the tank. The cartridge will last for many years if it is cleaned on a regular basis and not allowed to become over filled. Cartridge filters when cleaned do not require backwashing; the pool water level is unaffected during cleaning. Cartridge filters are a perfect choice for spas due to this fact and the fact of easy of cleaning.

The DE FILTER is the third type of filter we will discuss. Inside this type of filter are grids which hold a thin layer of DE. As the pool water is sent to the tank from the pool pump it passes through these grids, covered with DE and the DE captures the dirt and debris for removal. The diatomaceous earth filter can be "backwashed" periodically to remove dirt and debris from inside the filter. A DE filter just like a sand filter when it is backwashed some DE power will be lost and the level of the pool will be lowered. Over a period of time the DE filter will need to be disassembled, cleaned out and fresh diatomaceous earth added back to the filter. While the DE filter tank is open for service, fresh DE can be added directly to the tank.

After looking at all three types, which type is the best? All three types offer excellent filtering capabilities and if maintained in top working order, all three can and will keep your swimming pool and or spa clear and crystal blue. The filter is a key part of your pool system, if it does not function correctly expect to spend extra time and effort maintaining your backyard investment, maintain it on a regular basis and enjoy your backyard paradise each and every day.

Article Source : Pg. 4

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Both Shamoil Karachiwala & Ron Burr are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Shamoil Karachiwala has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Spa and Swimming Pool. . Shamoil Karachiwala's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.

Ron Burr has sinced written about articles on various topics from Swimming Pool, Health and Swimming Pool. Ron Burr graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1978 and has been actively involved in the pool and spa industry for over 30 years. Ron is the owner of One Stop Pool Supplies. Ron Burr's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.