Steps
- 1 Find the surface area and the volume of water your pool can hold. ...
- 2 Find the pool’s maximum volume of water. ...
- 3 Establish your pool’s turnover rate. ...
- 4 Choose the right filter. ...
- 5 Consider how much water resistance there will be that can affect your pool’s turnover rate. ...
- 6 Take all the information gathered about your pool to find a suitable filter size. ...
What type of filter do I need for my Pool?
The first is that a pool can be properly maintained with any of the filter systems available: Sand, Cartridge, or Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Here is a brief description of each type:
How do I clean the filter on my pool filter?
In order to clean the filter, you just run it in reverse and dump the waste water; this is referred to as "backwashing" the filter. Once the filter is backwashed, you move to the rinse mode and that repacks the sand and then back to filter.
How do pool filters work?
The principle behind this filter is that water is pushed through the filter sand, somewhat like an espresso machine. Dirty water goes in the top and clean water exits out the bottom. As the filter sand becomes plugged with debris from the pool, the pressure increases on the filter and the water flow drops.
What is the best pool filter for removing algae?
Low cost for replacement grids. Back-washing optional. Best filter for removing algae. Can be difficult to take apart and reassemble (excluding Quad D.E.). Pentair pool filter , the Quad D.E. This filter provides the clarity down and reassemble.
How do I know what size pump I need for my pool?
Divide the pool volume by the number of hours that you would want the pump to be running, so that would be 65,947.5 divided by 6. This would give you 10,991 which means your pump should be able to turn around this much water in 6 hours.
What is the difference between Type A and Type C pool filters?
The only difference between a type A and Type C is the internal diameter of the filter. The A/C Filter type is a hybrid which has an internal rim with a 1-3/4" internal diameter which will deform to 2" if the pump really needs an A filter.
Is cartridge or sand filter better for pool?
If you are looking for a highly efficient solution with the least amount of bacteria and debris left swimming around in your pool, the cartridge filter is your best solution. The cartridge filter can catch finer debris than a sand filter, being 10-20 microns versus 20-40 microns.
Can a filter be too big for a pool?
Selecting a small one for a large pool will require frequent filter replacements and might even break down under pressure, while the one that is too big will work too quickly and powerfully, and might make the pool unsafe. Therefore, it is essential to size the filter properly.
Which type of pool filter is best?
BEST OVERALL: Hayward DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: XtremepowerUS 19″ Above Inground Pool Sand Filter.BEST CARTRIDGE: Pentair 160332 Clean and Clear Pool Filter Cartridge.BEST SAND: Hayward ProSeries Pool Sand Filter.BEST ABOVE-GROUND: Carvin Laser 22.5 Inch Above Ground Pool Sand Filter.More items...•
Which pool filter is easiest to clean?
Sand filters use 20-grade silica sand capable of trapping particles as small as 20-30 microns. Maintenance: Sand filters are considered to be the easiest to maintain. Sand filters are backwashed when the pressure reads 10 psi over the normal operating level.
What type of inground pool filter is best?
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters are the best possible filtration method, removing particles of 2-4 microns in size. Filter powder is added through the skimmer to coat the DE filter grids, which is backwashed out and replaced every 3-6 weeks. In-ground pool DE filters include the Pentair FNS Plus DE filters.
Do I need to backwash my pool if I have a cartridge filter?
Unlike other filtration systems, cartridge filters don't require backwashing, which means homeowners don't waste the water and extra energy involved in backwashing. The small size of cartridge filters allows them to be run on smaller pumps because they can run with a lower flow rate pump, which saves energy.
How often do you change the sand in a pool filter?
every 3-5 yearsWhen do I need to replace my sand? On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.
Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?
The best time to run your pool pump is during the warmest hour of the day; however, keep in mind that this means you will have higher energy consumption, which may lead to an increase in your electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, you can run your pool pump at night to avoid peak hours.
How many hours a day should a pool be filtered?
8 hoursThe rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.
Can you swim in a pool with the filter on?
It is safe to swim while the pool pump is running and, in fact, having the filter working while swimming is actually the best option. If you don't then any bugs or debris on the surface of the pool will not be removed by the skimmers and you will be swimming with them.
What size is a Type C pool filter?
4.13 in. x 8 in.x 8 in. Replacement Pool Filter Cartridge (4 Pack)
What are the two types of filters for pools?
There are three different types of pool filters available to homeowners: sand, diatomaceous earth, and cartridge. Each type has pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages.
How do you clean a Type C pool filter?
0:454:55How to Clean a Pool Filter Cartridge Leslie's - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a few different ways to go about cleaning. It. There is a spray solution which you just goMoreThere's a few different ways to go about cleaning. It. There is a spray solution which you just go ahead and you spray it all down. Wait 10 minutes 15 minutes or so then you're going to hose it.
How often should you change your A and C pool filter?
How Often Should You Change Your Pool Filter? You should change your pool filter whenever it loses its quality, has passed its expected lifespan or shows signs of damage. Often, symptoms will start to appear every five years, but the timescale can be anywhere between yearly and every 15 years.
Overview: Sand Pool Filters
If you’re wondering whether or not a sand filter is actually made up of sand, the answer is yes. In fact, there’s not much else in a sand filter aside from the main pipe going down the middle, and plastic laterals that sit at the bottom.
Overview: Cartridge Pool Filter
Cartridge filters are the happy medium between sand filters and DE Filters. They offer great filtering sensitivity and conservative water usage. Their design is simple, consisting of a set of four filter cartridges.
Does a Pool Filter Really Do That Much?
Boy, does it ever. Meet the micron, the unit of measurement that filters remove. It’s short for micrometer, which is one millionth of a meter. For reference, a piece of human hair is 50 microns, a white blood cell is 25 microns, a unit of household dust is 4 microns, and bacteria, some of which is pathogenic and can make you sick, is 2 microns.
How Do Pool Filters Remove Microns?
Essentially: it’s a trap. Each filter has what we call filter media, which is the actual material that traps particles and keeps them from returning back to your pool. The finer the material, the more microns of dust, dirt, and sand it can catch.
Okay, I Definitely Need a Pool Filter. How Do I Choose?
Three types: sand filters, cartridge filters, and Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters. Each has their own pros and cons, which I’ll list out here. Spoiler alert: personally, my favorite combination for a standard pool is the sand filter with the glass filter. Got a little more time? Pretend I never said that, and read on.
Sand Filters: A Little Rough Around the Edges
Sand filters are perfect when you want a dependable filter on a lower budget. They’re also fairly effective, and typically catch particles as small as 20 microns—and even less if you replace the standard #20 silica sand with another media. Get ready for some pretty good options.
How Sand Filters Work
After your pool pump pulls water from your pool, it pushes that same water through its own strainer, and then over to the sand filter, which is full of #20 silica sand. Because each grain of sand is sharp around the edges, these jagged borders catch contaminants that pass through.
How to Care for Your Sand Filter
Remember, not everything lasts forever: over time, the water passing through will erode the silica sand and smooth it out. Without rough edges, the sand will have nothing to catch the contaminants. Plus, the volume of debris will fill up in the tank.
Replace the Sand, Get Better Results
Although 20 microns might sound impressive, remember that bacteria is often just two microns. You’ll need to either really be on top of your sanitizing chemical game—which you should be, anyway—or replace the #20 silica sand with a better alternative: either ZeoSand or glass filter.
How many types of pool filters are there?
The residential swimming pool industry primarily has three types of pool filters from which to choose. There are pros and cons for each type as well as differences in how well they filter particles from the water (measured in microns - a human hair is about 60 microns).
What are the positive aspects of sizing a filter properly?
Positive aspects of sizing a filter properly: Longer filter cycles (less work for you as you will need to clean the filter less often or less money spent if you pay for the service). Increased flow as the pump is not met with as much resistance from a filter that is too small.
How many microns does filtered water filter?
Water clarity not as clear as D.E. filtered water – filters down to 10 microns.
Can you go too big with salt chlorine?
I would like to start by saying that with pool filters, just as with salt chlorine systems, always go larger! You can’t go too big. From all the backyards I’ve visited while in this business, I can easily say that far more often than not, the pumps are too big and the filters are too small. This should be just the opposite. This combination provides poor circulation and inferior efficiency. Not to mention higher electric costs as well as increased maintenance expenses from deteriorating filter components due to excessive water flow that the filter can’t handle.
How long do pool filters last?
Cartridge filters are easiest to care for, and if cleaned every 4 to 6 months they should last 2 to 4 years. Sand filters are the least expensive but don’t clean the water as well as other types of filters.
How to calculate how many gallons of water a pool holds?
If your swimming pool is rectangular, you can use this formula: Determining the Average Depth, (shallow end + Deep End / 2 = AD). Rectangle Pool Gallons (Length x Width x AD x 7.5 = Gallons. (There are 7.5 gallons in a cubic foot of water) (1′ length, 1′ width, 1′ volume = 7.5 gallons multiply surface area by depth by 7.9. The product of this equation equals the volume. If your pool is not perfectly rectangular, look for a pool volume calculator online. This will help you to determine the volume of swimming pools of other shapes.
How many gallons per minute can a pool pump handle?
Next, you need to figure out the maximum flow rate for your swimming pool. The maximum flow rate is determined by the size of the pipes. 3-inch pipes can handle 150 gallons per minute; 2-inch pipes can take 73 gallons per minute, and 1.5-inch pipes can handle 45 gallons per minute.
How to calculate pool flow rate?
To calculate the minimum flow rate, take the number of gallons of water that your pool holds and divide it by 8. Then, divide that quotient by 60.
Why do you need a pool pump?
It will make your pool run at maximum efficiency and prevent damage to your pipes from excessive water pressure. Choosing the right pump and pool filter the ...
Sand Filters
Sand filters are the most popular of the three types of pool filters since they are simple to maintain and relatively inexpensive when compared to the other options. Sand filters are also ideal for individuals with medium to big pools due to its cost and ease of maintenance.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are the way to go if you have a small pool. They cost a little more than sand filters, but they can filter out particles as small as 10 microns. It works by forcing water from the pump through a series of very fine mesh filters made of spun polyester that capture particles as the water passes through them.
D.E. Filters
This is the pool filter system to use if money and effort are not an issue. D.E. Filters are similar to sand filters, except they use Diatomaceous Earth as their filter material. D.E.
Figure out how much water your pool holds
The first step in selecting the appropriate pool filter size is to determine how much water your pool holds. If you have a simple rectangular pool, this is a pretty simple operation, but it becomes increasingly complicated as your pool pattern becomes more complex. In general, there are four types of pools: rectangular, round, oval, and kidney.
Convert Cubic Feet to Gallons
Once you've calculated the cubic foot volume of your pool, multiply it by 7.48, which is the number of gallons in one cubic foot.
Determine How Much Plumbing You Need
The piping between the pool and the pump must be taken into account (called the feet of head). The higher the number of heads, the lower the GPM. You'll also need to examine any fixtures or valves in the piping. At the very least, you should know how many feet of plumbing there are between your pool and the pump.
Select The Right Size Pool Pump
You may start looking for the proper pump once you know your GPM and feet of head. Most pump manufacturers and sellers will include a chart that shows the GPM capacity of the pump depending on different head lengths. It's usually advisable to buy a slightly larger pump once you know your pool's capacity and pump requirements.
Sand Pool Filters
Sand pool filters are compact and affordable and can be used in inground or above-ground pools. Sand filters use pool filter sand that takes dirt and debris out of the pool water. Clean water flows back into the pool through the bottom of the filter.
Cartridge Pool Filters
Cartridge pool filters can get rid of a whopping twice as much dirt as a sand pool filter can. Cartridge filters are larger in size, so they can let water go through multiple filters to get out the smallest pieces of debris. Maintenance is very simple since you don’t need to worry about backwashing your cartridge pool filter.
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Which filter should you choose for a pool?
Which filter should you choose? Go with a high-end cartridge filter for your pool. The reason is that no one really wants to have another item on the to-do list and good cartridge filter can last a season. Be sure that you:
How to bypass pool filter when vacuuming?
Plumb a line into the drain port with a ball valve, so that you can bypass the filter when you are vacuuming the pool to waste.
How long do cartridge filters last?
Then there are other filters that have very expensive elements and these last 5 or more years.
How to clean a sand filter?
In order to clean the filter, you just run it in reverse and dump the waste water; this is referred to as "backwashing" the filter. Once the filter is backwashed, you move to the rinse mode and that repacks the sand and then back to filter. This has to be done manually every few weeks.
How many square feet does a 24" pool filter have?
For example, a 24" filter will have 3.14 square feet of filter area. Only the top 1" of sand is actually used to filter the water. The principle behind this filter is that water is pushed through the filter sand, somewhat like an espresso machine. Dirty water goes in the top and clean water exits out the bottom. As the filter sand becomes plugged with debris from the pool, the pressure increases on the filter and the water flow drops. In order to clean the filter, you just run it in reverse and dump the waste water; this is referred to as "backwashing" the filter.
What happens when water passes through a filter?
This one is easy to understand. Water passes through a filter material and the filter captures the debris.
Why do you add floculants to pool water?
Flocculants can be added to the pool water to create big particles out of small particles (think - flocks of birds are easier to see).
What Is A Pool Filter?
The purpose of a pool filter system is to keep your pool water clean and clear. It's a very simple process. Dirty water is passed through the filter, the dirt and contaminants are trapped inside the filter media, and then clean and clear water is returned back to the pool via the returns.
How many gallons of water does a pool filter use?
Can filter down to 20-microns. Requires backwashing and rinsing which means water use can be upward of 250 - 300 gallons. Broken lateral or standpipe inside the filter tank may cause sand to reenter the pool.
How much water does a D.E. filter lose?
Just like sand filters, D.E. filters require backwashing and rinsing, which translates into water loss of about 200 - 300 gallons. For a heavily used pool, this certainly means a higher water bill as you will need to top off your pool each time you backwash.
How long does a CYA filter last?
Cartridge filters only last a maximum of 3 years, or about 3500 filter hours. Due to not backwashing and topping off with new water, your CYA can increase faster compared to a sand or D.E. filter that do require backwashing.
How long do cartridge pool filters last?
Pool cartridge filters are inexpensive, easy to clean, and easy to replace. They normally last about 2500 - 3500 operational filter hours. I've personally found that cartridge pool filters are the best "all-round" in terms of a swimming pool filter system. They're easy for the first time and well-seasoned pool owner.
What is the most expensive pool filter?
D.E. Filters. The most expensive type of pool filter to install and own also filters the best, and that's a D.E. filter . Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) pool filtration uses diatoms, or diatomaceous earth, to do the filtering. Diatomaceous earth is the skeletal remains of single-celled organisms, and has the consistency of regular flour.
How does a pool filter work?
The pool water enters the filter tank through the top port, the water is pressed down through the filter media, and then clean water exits the filter and is returned back to your pool. Most, if not all, of the bacteria and contaminants are contained within the first few inches of the top of the sand.
