Made from grains of recycled glass, glass filter media is used in media filters to keep debris and bacteria out of your pool. As water is pumped to the filter, it passes through the glass media, which captures particles using a static charge. The clean water is then syphoned back into the pool through the return jets.
Full Answer
Is glass or sand better for pool water filters?
Exploring Filter Media: Glass vs. Sand. All filters need some sort of media which filters particles from your pool water. There are many different options, one of which is glass. Glass is becoming a more popular filtration method because it is made from recycled particles and works really well to produce clear, sparkling water.
Can I use crushed glass in my pool filter?
Crushed glass, however, can also be used as a filter media by pool owners. Sand filter media is not your run of the mill, beach or river sand. You can not use play sand or sandbox sand in your pool filter. The particle size is too big for effective filtering of pool dirt & contaminants.
What is glass pool filter media made of?
Glass Media Initially, glass pool filter media was entirely made of recycled glass or unwanted bottles with more researched options evolving over time. Glass media is just that, a filter media made from silica or very fine particles of glass. So fine in fact, glass will filter as low as 10-15 microns with ease.
How do glass swimming pool filters work?
Glass swimming pool filters work in a very similar way to sand pool filters. It traps particles that flow in from the pool, allowing clean water to circulate back into the pool water.
How many microns does sand filter?
What media goes in a sand filter?
How much does sand cost in a pool?
Which is better for backwashing glass media or glass media?
Do pool filters change?
What is a glass filter pool?
Made from grains of recycled glass, glass filter media is used in media filters to keep debris and bacteria out of your pool. As water is pumped to the filter, it passes through the glass media, which captures particles using a static charge. The clean water is then syphoned back into the pool through the return jets.
Is glass good for pool filter?
Filtration glass retains 4 times smaller particles than some traditional sand filtration media. This allows, among other things, to obtain a much clearer and crystalline water. It is easily visible to the naked eye. Glass is also known for its ability to reduce bacterial growth in water and in the filter.
How long does glass pool filter media last?
Because glass is not as dense as sand, it allows for smaller microns to be filtered, even performing as efficiently as a Diatomaceous Earth filter. The media also lasts eight years or more!!
What is glass filter?
Activated Glass Filtration Media replaces traditional sand media in all filtration applications. It is manufactured from a specific glass type and processed to obtain the optimum particle size and shape, and then activated to increase the surface area by 300 times over crushed glass or sand.
How do you clean a glass pool filter?
Spring clean your pool filter mediaTurn on the pump and backwash for 2 minutes or until the water in the sight glass (located on the filter) is running clear.Switch off the pump again.Set the filter valve handle to the rinse position and ensure the handle locks in place.More items...•
What is the difference between sand and glass?
Technically, natural sand is made of quartz crystals of silicon dioxide, whereas glass is the non-crystalline, amorphous form of silicon dioxide. But when it is ground down enough, the difference isn't obvious.
Which is heavier sand or glass?
Glass has a slight negative charge on the surface to attract fine particles, which cling to the media like static-charged socks to a sweater. This weak charge releases the particles upon backwashing for a more efficient cleansing. This is because glass, which is less dense than sand, doesn't pack as tight.
Can you put glass into a sand filter?
Glass sand, while more expensive than your regular silica sand, works much better. It requires less media (by weight) to fill up your sand filter, uses less water than backwashing, relieves pressure on your pumps by providing superior water flow, and it lasts much longer than your traditional silica sand.
Are filter balls better than sand?
Are Filter Balls Better Than Sand? Pool filter balls are much more effective at clearing the water than sand because they can trap particles that are as small as 3 microns. That means you will have clearer, cleaner pool water in almost half the time with a lot less work needed from your pool pump and filter system.
How often should you backwash a glass filter?
between every 4 and 8 weeksMedia Filters that use sand or crushed glass for filtration, require regular backwashing, typically between every 4 and 8 weeks, depending on filter and pool size and environmental factors.
How do you backwash a glass pool filter?
0:151:45How to Backwash a Pool Filter (Sand, Zeolite, Glass) - Jim's Pool CareYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe filter is in filtration. Position we always make sure we turn off the pump depress the handleMoreThe filter is in filtration. Position we always make sure we turn off the pump depress the handle and spin it around to backwash. We then start the pump back up.
What is the best pool media?
Glass Pearls are one of the most effective pool filter medias available today. Furthermore, glass extends the operation times and reduces the frequency of backwashing, saving you time and water (up to 20 per cent less water is used in the backwashing process).
Can I use glass in a sand filter?
A growing trend in swimming pool filtration uses recycled glass in lieu of quartz silica sand in conventional pool sand filters.
How much glass do I need for my pool filter?
Requires 20% less than sand. Filters particles as small as 5 microns....$37.99.Sand RequiredBrightLine Glass Media Required150 lbs120 lbs200 lbs160 lbs250 lbs200 lbs300 lbs240 lbs1 more row
How often should you backwash a glass filter?
between every 4 and 8 weeksMedia Filters that use sand or crushed glass for filtration, require regular backwashing, typically between every 4 and 8 weeks, depending on filter and pool size and environmental factors.
Can I use glass media in Intex sand filter?
Intex offers glass media as well, which is a better cleaning solution than sand. The particle size is 0.4 to 0.8mm.
Why do you need a pool filter?
Swimming pool filters are necessary to ensure that dirt, debris and contaminants are filtered effectively out of the pool water. The most popular filter media amongst our customers is still sand.
How small can a glass filter be?
Standard glass filter media can filter tiny particles as small as 5 micron ( compared to the 20-40 micron trapped by sand).
What is the advantage of AFM filter media?
AFM filter media uses less water. One of the main advantages of AFM filter media in swimming pool filters is its potential to save water. As the glass media more efficient it needs less backwashing. The average duration of backwashing can be reduced, resulting in up to 50% less water usage.
How long does AFM filter media last?
AFM filter media lasts for the lifetime of the filter. Swimming pool filters using sand, require media replacement approx. every 3-5 years. Glass filter media last on average 5 – 10 years. However some glass advocates claim glass can be used for a lot longer. With some people claiming AFM lasts the lifetime of the filter.
How long does it take to pay back glass bead filter media?
Length of time, and water savings may produce payback for glass bead filter media within a year and outweigh the initial cost.
How deep does filtration take place?
Filtration takes place through the entire filtration depth, unlike sand which usually takes place across the top 6 inches. This allows for a larger contaminant load. This is due to the density of glass, which doesn’t pack as tightly as sand.
Does glass filter outperform sand?
Generally speaking, glass will outperform sand. But AFM outperforms both sand and other types of glass filter media. AFM will: 1. More than double the performance of an existing filter. 2. Lowers backwash water demand by average 50%. 3. Lasts for the lifetime of the filtration system.
What are the properties of glass in pool water?
More porous, less dense, and electrically charged glass particles result in exceptional filtration and ease in backwash. These properties result not only in thorough cleaning of pool water but also significant conservation of water through a major reduction in back wash water use.
What is ECOsmarte filter media?
ECOsmarte Glass Filter Media is finely crushed glass for pool filtration that provides outstanding water clarity and quality- a direct replacement for sand or Zeolite in both freshwater and saltwater pools. ECOsmarte is the product developer (2006).
How Long Does Glass Media Last in a Pool Filter?
Constant flow of water causes the sand particles to grind against each other. In time they lose their jagged edges and become rounded. Their ability to trap dirt diminishes with age.
How Do You Backwash a Glass Media Filter?
The process of backwashing a glass media filter is the same as backwashing a sand media filter. However, the results are not the same.
Is Glass Media More Expensive?
Good quality, natural silica sand media for pool filters costs less than $25 for a 50 pound bag. Zeolite sand is about 20% more expensive.
Can You Use Glass in a Sand Filter?
Clean water is returned to the pool. The principle of keeping your pool clear of debris is quite simple really. Sand & Diatomaceous Earth (DE) are typically used as filter media. But how about Replacing Sand With Glass In Pool Filter?
Filtration: Benefits of Glass Media vs. Sand
What if we told you there is a way to never change the media in your sand filter again? Well, we know a way! Dive in with us as we take a closer look at regular sand filter media versus glass and the pros and cons for each.
Sand
We will get into the way glass media works further into our discussion, for now we’ll begin with sand. For starters, sand will filter particles down to approximately 30 microns. Another nice aspect of sand is the physical size and make up; filters require less sand than glass-based media because glass media is a more condensed, finer material.
Glass Media
Initially, glass media was entirely made of recycled glass or unwanted bottles with more researched options evolving over time. Glass media is just that, a filter media made from silica or very fine particles of glass. So fine in fact, glass will filter as low as 10-15 microns with ease.
What is the best filter for pool water?
All filters need some sort of media which filters particles from your pool water. There are many different options, one of which is glass. Glass is becoming a more popular filtration method because it is made from recycled particles and works really well to produce clear, sparkling water. Glass filtration first made its appearance in ...
When did glass filtration start?
Glass filtration first made its appearance in the 1990’s as an alternative to sand filtration. It primarily comes from recycled glass material that manufacturers do not want to reuse- scrap glass. Ever since it’s introduction it has grown in popularity for a number of reasons:
Why is glass media better than sand?
Glass media saves water because it requires less backwashing, that saves you money. It can last 10 years or longer, much longer than sand media. Sand is the traditional filter media. It is dependable and delivers predictable results. The more it is run, the sand can catch finer and finer particles.
How does glass media save water?
Filtration takes place in the entire bed depth of the filter, not just the first six inches like sand. Glass can filter down to 9 microns. Glass media saves water because it requires less backwashing, that saves you money.
Can you use sand and glass in a pool filtration system?
Overall, either filtration media would do the job. You have to weigh the pros and cons. Ask the Pool Guy professionals recommend a combination of both sand and glass media. We have found this provides the best of both worlds. For more information on filtration systems, give us a call!
What is a pool filter?
Filters are universal in pool systems, linked to the circulation system along with the motors and pumps. As water pumps through the circulation system of a pool or spa, impurities are strained by a filter. The filter itself has no moving parts and is made of simple components.
How to size a pool filter?
To properly size and select the filter for a pool or spa, you must first calculate the pool’s volume and capacity. Next, compute the pool/spa flow rate and the filter flow rate. Once you’ve done all that, and have taken some other factors into account, you’ll be ready to select the right filter for the system in question.
What is a backwash filter?
A component, usually made of zinc or magnesium, that pre-vents electrolysis or galvanic action in steel filters . Backwash. The process of cleaning the filter medium and elements by reversing the flow of water through the filter – and thereby flushing accumulated debris out of the filter. Bridging.
Why is it important to backwash a sand filter?
As dirt accumulates on the filter media, water flow is restricted – and pressure within the tank rises. When the pressure rises to a level specified by the manufacturer , it’s usually time for routine backwashing of a sand or DE filter, or simple cleaning of cartridge filter elements.
How many square feet are in a pool filter?
A typical filter has eight girds that total 24 to 72 square feet. The girds are placed into tanks that are 2 to 5 feet high and about 2 feet in diameter. Without the filter girds, DE would turn into caked mass, when wet, making it impossible for water to flow through.
What pressure should be used for a pool filter?
The health department inspector checks the cleanliness of the filter system by comparing the two pressure readings. Normally the differential should be 2 to 4 psi.
How to calculate volume of a pool?
Here are some simple formulas and techniques to use when calculating the volume of a swimming pool: For a rectangular pool, multiply the length by the width by the average depth. For a circular pool, multiply the radius by the radius by 3.14 (pi) by the average depth.
How many microns does sand filter?
Sand will filter to roughly 30 microns. Some glass media manufacturers state that the glass will filter down to 5 – 10 microns which is less than a cartridge filter.
What media goes in a sand filter?
. . you guessed it SAND. Over the years there have been changes, fads, improvements; however the one that seems to have stuck is recycled glass media .
How much does sand cost in a pool?
A swimming pool services company will sell sand for roughly $10 and glass media for $25 – $40; both per 50lb bags.#N#Glass media since it is finer will only require roughly 50% of the filter capacity to be filled.
Which is better for backwashing glass media or glass media?
Glass Media is the better option for ease of backwashing.
Do pool filters change?
The common sand filter for pool filtration has been used for years and is a staple in the pool industry. The filters themselves don’t change much, expect for things like ClearPro Technology, but the media inside does.
