Author: Dave LeBeau
The three primary types of swimming pool filters used in residential pools are Cartridge Filters, Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE filters), and Sand Filters.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge Pool Filters use pleated paper filter elements to filter out dirt and debris from the swimming pool water. Cartridge filters are the easiest of all of the filter types to maintain and are cleaned by simply removing the elements from the filter and spraying them off with high-pressure water. If maintained properly, newer filter cartridge elements should last from three to five years. Replacement filter cartridge prices can range from moderate to expensive, but are probably the most practical choice for residential swimming pools.
Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE Filters)
Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filters, also known as DE Filters, use diatomaceous earth powder to filter out dirt and debris from the swimming pool water. The diatomaceous earth powder is pre-mixed with water and slowly added through the skimmer while the filter is on and sticks to the filter grids inside the filter to form the filter medium. DE filters are a little messier to maintain then cartridge filters. Similar to cartridge filters, high pressure water is used to remove the used DE powder from the filter grids and the dirty diatomaceous earth can get quite messy. DE filters are the most efficient at cleaning the water.
Sand Filters
Sand Pool Filters use silica sand to filter out dirt and debris from the swimming pool water. Sand pool filters are the least efficient at cleaning the water and require more maintenance than the cartridge filters. Although the sand only needs to be replaced every three to six years, sand pool filters need to be backwashed frequently in order to function efficiently.
In summary, all three of the filter types described above can be a good choice depending on the swimming pool and individual circumstances. Cartridge filters are probably the most practical choice when buying a new swimming pool filter because of their ease of maintenance. The newer cartridge swimming pool filters can be purchased in large enough sizes that minimize cleaning to once or twice a year depending on the size of the swimming pool.
About the Author:
Dave LeBeau is a professional swimming pool technician sharing his experience and knowledge on the topic of swimming pool maintenance.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Basics of Swimming Pool Filter Types
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
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