Swimming pool filter system

Swimming pool filter system is used to removes dust, dirt, debris and other particulates from the water. These contaminants come into the pool water through the environment, chemicals or carried by the swimmers. The wind blows the dust, leaves, chemical wastes, pollen, spores, bacteria etc. into the water. On the other hand swimmers carry sweat, suntan oils, urine, bacteria, viruses, etc. to the water. Many chemicals are used to maintenance the pool water which is also a great source of particulates. Filtration is a mechanical process and every swimming pool has a filtration system. Generally, pump is run by the pool owner about 6-8 hours each day. After removing the contaminants the water becomes hygiene and safety to the swimmers.

Swimming pool water filter systems are three basic types: sand filter, cartridge filter and diatomaceous earth filter. Among them pool sand filter is most common and are much easier to maintain compare to other two types of filters. You can choose your filter by considering water condition, local weather and personal preferences. Although the filter can removes floating or suspended particles from the water, but cannot removes the settle particles to the bottom or fixed contaminants to the walls.

Pool Sand Filter

Sand filter is a tank which is filled with multi-layers of sand and gravel and placed in line just after the water pump. The diameter of the tank may be 2 or 4 feet and made out of metal, fiberglass or concrete. In this sand filter the water passes through this sand and finish up in the pool by remaining the contaminants like dust, dirt, debris on grains of sand. The sand can remove the particles as low as 20-25 microns thus clarifying your water. While the particles are block the filtration system and raising the pressure in the filter. Then it must needs to backwash the system by reversing the water throughout the filter. After five or seven years the sand are more tightly packed and does not able to works intend. Hence they should be removed. You can use 500 kg graded sand for 50000 liters water.

Pool Cartridge Filter

Cartridge Filters consist of a cylindrical cartridge which is a hard plastic core by wrapping with polyester fabric. It is sealed on both ends to hold the pleats in place. The fabrics are tight mesh and strain out impurities. It can remove the particles as low as 10-15 microns. It works fine under lower speeds. When the meshes of the fabrics are packed up with the debris then it needs to be clean. The cleaning process is very simple, just removes the cartridge and sprayed down with a hose. After that places the original position. It doesn’t require back-washing like a sand filter. At present Cartridge filter is one of most popular and common swimming pool water filtering system on the market. They work best in salt systems. It is energy efficient, cost effective, and readily available.

D.E. Filter

The Diatomaceous Earth that is fine, white powder is the filtering agent of this filter. It helps to filter out contaminant particles as small as 3-5 microns. The D.E. Filter is also a tank which is contains a several number of fabric covered grids where the fabric is coated with Diatomaceous Earth. This filter is more expensive compared to Sand or Cartridge Filters but giving the clearest water. It needs to backwash two or three times per year. This filter is not Eco-friendly. During backwash some of Diatomaceous Earth (about 60-70%) is washout and goes to environment and into the surrounding ground water. Therefore these filters are banned in some states. To make up the wash D.E powder is added to the system through the skimmer.

Diatomaceous Earth Filter is basically two type depends on construction of the inside girds; the vertical grid and the spin type filter. Between these two filters vertical grid is more effective.

comparison on swimming pool filter system

The following table provides comparison among the three types of swimming pool filter system.

Types of Filters	Pros	Cons
Sand Filter	Cheaper and easy to maintenance Sand last 5-7 years	Less energy efficient Needed frequent backwashing about every week.
Cartridge Filter	No backwash Requires less water to clean Environmentally friendly Filter runs at lower speeds Larger surface area Traps tiny particles as small as 5-10 microns Cartridges are available and reasonable price	More maintenance cost than sand filters Cartridges need to be clean once or twice per year and replaced after about every three years.
Diatomaceous Earth Filter	Most efficient Traps the smallest particles Provide the cleanest water	Expensive and higher maintenance costs. Not the environmental friendly The D.E. powder is carcinogenic

You can choose best filter for your pool by considering pool size, energy efficient, cost effective system. If your filtering capacity is too higher or lower according to your pool water volume, then it is not good choice for you. A good swimming pool filter system is environmental friendly, user friendly, easy to install, maintenance or cleaning. Considering overall fact the pool sand filter and cartridge filter is better for your pool.