One of the most important things for your swimming pool is the pump, which is followed by the filter. The pump does a very important job. It circulates the water in your pool so the dirt and debris goes into your filter which then removes the dirt and debris from the water before sending the water back into your pool. This is an important process which keeps your pool water clean and healthy. Believe it or not, it is important that you look at the different types of filters before choosing which one is right for your pool. There are three different types of pool filters. They are the cartridge filters, sand filters and Diatomaceous Earth filters.

Cartridge Filters

An actual filter cleans particles from the pool water. Can be adjusted to clean different sizes of micron, usually 5 or 10 microns. It will become obvious when you need to clean or replace your filter. If the pressure in your pool system rises to 8-10psi (measured in pounds per square inch) then you should clean it and place it back in the system. If the pressure does not decrease, then now is the time to buy a replacement filter. Replacement filters are usually not very expensive and can be purchased at any local specialty store which provides pool supplies or online.

Sand Filters

Sand filters have layers of sand which are used to clean the water. The pump will push the water into the sand filter and cleans it then sends the clean water back out into the pool. Similar to the cartridge filter, if the pressure in the system gets up to 8-10psi then you have to run the pump backwards to create a backwash which removes the debris. To complete this process, you have to power the pump off and turn the diverter valve then run the water through for a couple of minutes until the water becomes clear. After you finish you turn the diverter valve back then leave the pump off for a couple of minutes so the sand can settle. You should replace the sand every two years but the filter may never need replaced unless it gets damaged.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

Diatomaceous Earth Filters work similar to sand filters however it uses white powder instead. The powder can remove even the smallest particles in the water. After you do the backwash for the DE filter, you need to put more powder into the skimmer. While you add the power, keep an eye on the pool water to make sure that it doesn't become cloudy. If the water becomes cloudy in the pool you should stop immediately and figure out what your mistake was. With the DE filter you just refill the skimmer with white powder every time you do a backwash, so when you run out of powder, go buy more, simple.

Filters are typically inexpensive to replace but it is essential that you do the backwashes, clean them, or replace them when necessary. Filters are needed so you can keep your pool water clean and healthy.