Understanding and Choosing Swimming Pool Filters

Author: Alejandra Gibson

Choosing from the wide variety of types and styles of swimming pool filters is not as easy as it may seem. What may work best for one swimming pool in one environment may not be the best choice for the same pool in another environment. So understanding how they work is imperative for making a correct decision.

Heavy Debris

For instance, so much is often made about the fineness of the particles that one or more types of swimming pool filters are capable of removing. However; one has to bear in mind that in general, the finer the particles that swimming pool filter will remove the easier and faster it will be come clogged with heavy debris.

Check Your Landscaping

What this means is that you have to take a look around at your landscaping before you buy your swimming pool filter. If you have heavy leafy shrubs that will be shedding into your pool on a regular basis then you would be well advised to avoid a cartridge filter and go with a sand filter system

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Don’t worry that you are going to be left without crystal clear pool water though. This is because you can purchase an automatic pool cleaner to deal with the task of removing the very fine particles that will have to be removed.

You Can’t Fight Mother Nature

Working with what you have in this way is so important. Trying to fight mother nature can result in either you having to spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning cartridges or with a clogged system that will inevitably lead to breakdowns and repairs.

Talk to an Expert

This is why if you have any level of shrubbery in your backyard you would be well advised to talk to an expert and allow him or her to weigh in on the decision making process. There is no need to take a drive though to find an expert on swimming pool filters because there are plenty of them available online.

About the Author:

Written by Alejandra Gibson. Come visit my website where you can find the latest details regarding Swimming Pool Filters as well as Pool Filters

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Understanding and Choosing Swimming Pool Filters

Sand, Cartridge or De - How These Swimming Pool Filters Differ

Author: Ron Burr

Swimming pools have traditionally had either a sand, cartridge or DE filter to clean the water. Let’s look at the differences of each type of filter.

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 is housed in a tank, the upper dome or lid is held on by a knob or clamp and is 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. This type of filter has grids which are inside the tank and 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. Just like the sand filter each time the filter is backwashed, the pool level is lowered and some DE is lost. Eventually the filter will need to be disassembled, the old DE removed and fresh diatomaceous earth replaced inside the filter. Fresh DE can be added directly to the filter tank while the tank is open for servicing.

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.

About the Author:

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 http://www.onestoppoolsupplies.com a great place to shop for all your pool and spa requirements.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Sand, Cartridge or De - How These Swimming Pool Filters Differ

Cartridge Style Hayward Pool Filters – Understand the Science

Author: Jakob Albertstein

Hayward pool filters come in three basic styles, with those being diatomatious earth, sand and of course cartridge. Cartridge pool filters have been around for decades but in recent years they have been surging in popularity for a number of reasons that may surprise you.

A Basic Concept

The concept of a cartridge filter is quite simple. The swimming pool water enters the system, is directed to the actual filter chamber where it subsequently passes through a plastic filter unit.

The Function of the Filter Unit

First, the larger particles in the water are trapped in the filter unit, which then begins to clog the passageways. As these passageways become tighter by being clogged by these larger particles, they then function to trap the smaller particles that are suspended in the water.

New Advancements in Cartridge Style Hayward Pool Filters

Hayward pool filters are some of the most advanced cartridge type pool filters that are currently available on the market. The development of newer plastics and the refinement of the manufacturing process has led to the emergence of a new family of more durable and effective filters.

Removing Suspended Particles as Small as 10 -15 Microns

Cartridge style Hayward pool filters are have set the new standard for the entire pool industry. They not only are capable of removing suspended particulate matter as small as ranging between 10 – 15 microns in diameter but they also offer a number of newly developed convenience features that make maintaining your pools filter system a breeze.

Your Pools Unique Water Maintenance Particulars

However; it is imperative to bear in mind that each pool will have its own maintenance particulars that will enter into the final decision making process of determining just what type of pool filter will suit it best. So learn about all three type of Hayward pool filters before rendering your final decision.

About the Author:

Written by Jakob Albertstein. Let’s talk more about Hayward Pool Filters and Pool Filters at my website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cartridge Style Hayward Pool Filters – Understand the Science

Pleatco PA120 Replacement Filter Hayward CX1200-RE Unicel C-8412

Pleatco PA120 Replacement Filter Hayward CX1200-RE Unicel C-8412

Leading cartridge filter manufacturer Pleatco Pure’s PA120 replaces Hayward CX1200-RE (Unicel C-8412).

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The Most Exacting of All Swimming Pool Filters

Author: Alejandra Gibson

By now you may already know that swimming pool filters come in three basic types. Those types are sand, DE or “diatomatious earth” and cartridge filters. So which one of the three does the most exacting job of removing the very finest of particles from your pools water?

5 Microns in Diameter

That would definitely be the DE pool filters. This is because DE swimming pool filters are able to trap particles as small as 5 microns in diameter. The next up would be the cartridge filter, that screens out particles of between 10 -15 microns in diameter.

Is it Backwash Time Yet?

Because the DE filter is operated at high pressure, it is imperative that the proper pump be connected to the system. So how do you know when it is time to backwash a DE pool filter to remove the debris that it has accumulated?

Yes! It’s Backwash Time

That determination is done by examining the pressure guage that is connected to the filter. When it is registering 6 pounds over normal then that means that the accumulated particles in the filter are begin to clog the system.

Tiny Ancient Microscopic Sea Shells

Each microscopic particle of diatomatious earth is actually the tiny shell of an ancient one celled sea creature called a diatom. They are actually quite porous, which makes them each their own little water filter as the water pases through these incredibly small pores.

More DE Please!

After back flushing a DE filter, the grids inside of the filter itself have to be re coated with diatomatious earth. This is accomplished through a simple process that involves feeding fresh DE, which is essentially a type of very fine powdered chalk back into the filter through the skimmer.

About the Author:

Written by Alejandra Gibson. Let’s talk more about Swimming Pool Filters and Swimming Pool Liners at my website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Most Exacting of All Swimming Pool Filters

The Most Exacting of All Swimming Pool Filters

Author: Alejandra Gibson

By now you may already know that swimming pool filters come in three basic types. Those types are sand, DE or “diatomatious earth” and cartridge filters. So which one of the three does the most exacting job of removing the very finest of particles from your pools water?

5 Microns in Diameter

That would definitely be the DE pool filters. This is because DE swimming pool filters are able to trap particles as small as 5 microns in diameter. The next up would be the cartridge filter, that screens out particles of between 10 -15 microns in diameter.

Is it Backwash Time Yet?

Because the DE filter is operated at high pressure, it is imperative that the proper pump be connected to the system. So how do you know when it is time to backwash a DE pool filter to remove the debris that it has accumulated?

Yes! It’s Backwash Time

That determination is done by examining the pressure guage that is connected to the filter. When it is registering 6 pounds over normal then that means that the accumulated particles in the filter are begin to clog the system.

Tiny Ancient Microscopic Sea Shells

Each microscopic particle of diatomatious earth is actually the tiny shell of an ancient one celled sea creature called a diatom. They are actually quite porous, which makes them each their own little water filter as the water pases through these incredibly small pores.

More DE Please!

After back flushing a DE filter, the grids inside of the filter itself have to be re coated with diatomatious earth. This is accomplished through a simple process that involves feeding fresh DE, which is essentially a type of very fine powdered chalk back into the filter through the skimmer.

About the Author:

Written by Alejandra Gibson. Let’s talk more about Swimming Pool Filters and Swimming Pool Liners at my website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Most Exacting of All Swimming Pool Filters