Caring For Your Pool Filters When Out Of Use
Another thing to consider is what happens to your filters when the pool isnt in use. If you use your small swimming pool seasonally, ensure your cartridge filters are being stored correctly when out of season. Also, check them before the next season begins, as they can sometimes lose their quality over time even when not in use.
Pump filter systems should still run during the off-season every so often to keep the chemicals in the water ticking over. Therefore, you need to monitor your filters during the off-season. As with your pool as a whole, investing in a cover and properly closing your pool will also help keep your filters working efficiently.
Best For Easy Maintenance: Hayward W3c1200 Swimclear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter
A cartridge pool filter requires minimal maintenance to keep your pool clean and looking great all season long. While some other types of pool filters require backwashing or other regular maintenance procedures, a cartridge-style filter just needs a periodic rinse with a hose in between filter replacements. The Hayward StarClear Plus pool filter has a bolt-free lid that makes it easy to access and maintain the cartridge without a struggle.
This cartridge pool filter is often favorably compared to DE pool filters, but without the multi-step care and maintenance that DE systems require. The result is clear, sparkling water with less work. You can get the Hayward StarClear filter system in various capacities, depending on the needs of your pool or spa. This version with a single filter cartridge offers 120 square feet of filtration media and filtration rates up to 120 GPMmaking it ideal for in-ground pools with a capacity up to 30,000 gallons of water.
Criteria You Should Consider When Looking For Cartridge Filters
When choosing a cartridge filter, you should ensure that the cartridge size will be sufficient to clean your pools water. If the cartridges are undersized, they will require you to run the filter pump more to circulate the water through them and achieve adequate filtration.
That can lead to you running your pump more, which uses more electricity. That can hit your wallet when its time to pay the electric bill and wear down your pump more rapidly. And, if the cartridges are too small, they will also get dirty faster and require more cleaning. A single cartridge is sufficient for most smaller pools or spas and above ground pools.
If your pool is a bit larger, you may want a cartridge filter that has a two- or four-grid design. Some filters have large outer cartridges and taller, thinner inner cartridges. Other multi-cartridge systems have cartridges that are all the same size, arranged around the center of the filter tank.
Hayward, Blue Wave, and Intex are some of the most popular brands of cartridge filters, all of which have some good options. I get into more specifics in my research on the best pool filters, so be sure to check that out for the top cartridge options.
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Determine The Filter Flow Rate
Next, determine if the filter you want to use can handle the flow rate you require. The filter flow rate is defined as the amount of water filtered over a given period of time, expressed in gallons per minute.Filter flow rate formula: Filter area x filter rate = filter flow rate in gpm.
The filter area is the surface area of the filter medium. It is measured in square feet. The filter rate is the number of gallons of water that flows through one square foot of effective filter medium per minute during the operation of the circulation system.
Example: Say you have a filter area of 5 square feet and a filter rate of 12.5 gpm. To calculate the filter flow rate: 5 x 12.5 = 62.5 gpm. Thats awfully close to the desired flow rate of 62.3 in the example of Step 3.
Tip: If determining the filter flow rate seems a bit daunting, just get both figures the filter area and rate from the manufacturer. With their figures, youll be better able to select the correct filter to suit your needs.
Cartridge Filters Vs De Filters
Cartridge filters and DE filters are very similar in terms of their mechanics. But, a cartridge filter doesnt use DE.
DE filters use Diatomaceous Earth to coat the grids within the tank and filter the water. DE is a natural, fine powder made up of fossilized skeletons of tiny organisms called diatoms. DE particles are very porous because of the hollow nature of those structures. They are pretty well-suited for filtering water.
A DE filter has a set of grids inside the tank, held in place by a top and bottom manifold, pressure plates, and a gasket. The grids have fingers that need to be coated with DE for them to filter the water properly. Once coated, dirty water is forced through the DE-coated grids, trapping debris. When the DE has been filled with fine debris, its time to backwash, just like a sand filter.
But, before you can start filtering again, you have to add DE to the filter again by pouring some into the skimmers mouth. Doing so is a bit of a messy job, and it is inadvisable to inhale DE. You may even want to wear gloves to avoid irritating your hands.
Again, cartridge filters also get dirty and need to be cleaned. You need to wash them by opening the tank. But, you dont need to mess around with the chalky white mess that is DE.
If youre still not sure which type of filter to get, read my entire cartridge vs. DE vs. sand filter comparison.
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What The Heck Is A Micron
Pool filters measure the size of contaminants theyre capable of removing in microns. Its short for micrometer, which is one millionth of a meter.
Having trouble picturing just how small that is? A single strand of human hair is about 50 microns, or about .05 millimeters in diameter. Some bacteria measures about 2 microns, or about .002 millimeters in diameter.
Whether theyve been killed by chlorine or not, bacteria and other contaminants can only be filtered out if the filter mediathe material that actually does the filteringis fine enough to collect those teeny, tiny particles.
Hayward C4001575xes Easyclear Filter
From a trusted name in the pool industry comes the Micro StarClear. This little Hayward filter is just right for above ground pools under 24,000 gallons. It offers easy access to the cartridge for changes, and you can rotate the head so the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve are right where you need them.
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The Ultimate Guide To Different Types Of Pool Filters
Summer is just around the corner, and your kids are counting down the days until schools out. Their plans for the next two blissfully carefree months?
Theyve told you in no uncertain terms that they plan to spend the summer eating popsicles and jumping in the pool. That is when theyre not busy eating pizza and playing video games!
Of course, when your kids are planning to invite the whole neighborhood over for a backyard pool party and BBQ, you need to make sure that everyone is going to have a safe and awesome time. This starts with a clean and bacteria-free swimming pool.
Read on to find out about the different types of pool filters, how to clean your pool filter and signs its time to get a new one.
What Size Sand Filter Do I Need For Inground Pool
Another rule of thumb is to buy 1.5 sq ft of filter area per 10,000 gallons of pool water. The 3.1 sq ft sand filter is the standard size for most inground pools. Larger pools, , should use a 4.9 sq ft. sand filter .
Regarding this, how do I know what size pool filter I need?
The equation used in calculating filter sizes is:
Similarly, what is the best filter for inground swimming pool? The Best Pool Filter
- Best overall: Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump.
- Best cartridge pool filter: Intex 28635EG Krystal.
- Best pool sand filter: SUNCOO Pro 2450GPH Sand Filter Pump.
- Best D.E pool filter: Hayward Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Filter.
- Best inground pool filter system: Hayward S270T Pro Series 27
Thereof, what size pool pump do I need for my pool?
Step 1: Determine the MINIMUM FLOW RATE.
| Pool Size |
|---|
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Pentair 160301 Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter
Designed with the maximum filter surface area to clean your water more quickly and efficiently than other filters, the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus has an effective filter area of 420 square feet. Internal and manual air relief make maintaining good water pressure easy. It filters 150 GPM inside a sturdy, injection-molded tank.
Cartridge Filters Vs Sand Filters
The biggest difference between cartridge filters and sand filters, aside from their choice of filter media, is that sand filters need routine backwashing. When the debris that is filtered by the grains of sand gets too thick, and the pressure rises in the tank, you have to act.
First, you shut down the pump. Then you reverse the slide valve or rotate the multiport to its backwash setting. When you re-energize the pump, the dirty water in the tank is forced back through the sand to rinse it.
That wastewater flows wherever the plumbing carries it. Every backwash removes water from your pool, and if you have treated it with chemicals or warmed it with a heater, you are literally flushing your money down the drain. And, if you arent backwashing into a drain, that wastewater is flowing out of the valve and into your yard, where the chlorine in it can damage plants and your lawn.
Backwashing a sand filter is a routine activity that should be performed any time the gauge rises by more than about eight pounds PSI. That means every time you vacuum, or there is a big storm or activity that dirties the water, youre backwashing.
Cartridge filters tend to take much longer to need cleaning. And there is no backwashing. Open the tank, rinse the cartridge, close the tank, and youre good to go. Occasionally, youll need to replace your pool cartridge filter as well. More on that below.
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Filter Material In The Pool
Its not uncommon to see some filter material in the pool after backwashing, regardless of what kind of filter you have. But if you start noticing it when you havent just backwashed, you may have a problem.
The first thing to check is the bolts holding the filter in place. If theyre loose, it could allow particles to escape into the pool. If theyre not, look for other causes.
If you have a sand filter, the filter lateral or standpipe may be broken. If it is, youll need to replace it.
If you have a D.E. filter, there could be tear in the fabric of the grid, or even a crack in the grid manifold. Again, if this is the problem, youll need to replace the manifold.
When To Clean Your Pool Filters
If your pool filters quality has decreased, it may not necessarily need replacing. All filters need regular cleaning to ensure they can work to their full capacity.
If youre using a cartridge filter, remove it and rinse it off thoroughly with a stiff brush and hose, and use a specialist cleaner if available. Aim to do this once a week for the optimal longevity for your filter.
To care for a glass or sand-based pump filter system, you perform a procedure known as backwashing. Most pump systems will come with a backwash option, allowing water to run through the opposite way to before, lifting clogged dirt from the filter.
You should look to backwash your pool filters whenever the pressure has risen from its normal levels by around eight-to-ten psi. During heavy use, this will happen every week, and sometimes more frequently than that.
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Find The Right Size Filter
Now that you have found the appropriate pump size for your pool, you will need to find the correct pool filter size to match. See below:
500 W goes with 20 filter
750 W can go with 24 filter
750 and 1100 W can go with 25 and 28 filter
1100 and 1500 W can go with 28 filter
1500 and 2000 W can go with 33 filter
Source: Fiberglass Media Filter Resources> Manual
Find out more about the detailed calculations here or get in contact with one of our specialists if you need further assistance in your search for the right pool pump for your swimming pool.
Types Of Filter Valves
There are two types of filter valves used in sand and D.E filters and they are:
1) Multiport Valve: This is the most common valve, which is very versatile and has 7 valve settings. Hayward Variflo Top Mount Valve comes with additional features like Waste that you can use to drain and reduce pool water levels when necessary and Winter to winterize your pool.
Here are among the functions you will find in Hayward Variflo top mount valve or any multiport valve.
Filter: normal cleaning cycle of your pool
Backwash: When you need to backwash your filter by reversing the flow of water
Rinse: To further clean the filter after backwash
Recirculate: Circulate the water withing the pool without passing it through filter
Close:To stop water flow from getting past the filter
2) Slide Valve: Slide valve is designed for side mount filters. This can be best option if you have limited space or need a simple setup. Slide valve comes with only two setting and that is Filter and Backwash settings.
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How Often Should You Replace Your Swimming Pool Filter
BackHow Often Should You Replace Your Swimming Pool Filter?
- How Often Should You Replace Your Swimming Pool Filter?
How Often Should You Replace Your Swimming Pool Filter?
Your swimming pool filter is like the kidney of your pool: it filters out the debris and unwanted nasties, leaving you with fresh, clean water.
Making sure your filter is working effectively is hugely important, regardless of whether you have an indoor swimming pool or a small, above-ground pool for summer. In this guide, we look at when you should be replacing your filter system and how you can keep your water cleaner for longer.
Which Is Better Sand Filter Or Cartridge Filter For Pools
Although they both have some advantages, a cartridge filter would be your best choice for your pools filtration system. A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount. The maintenance of a cartridge filter is much easier than a sand filter.
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Considerations When Buying A Pool Filter
Before deciding what type of filter you are going to get, you need to determine the size of your pool so that you choose the correctly sized pool filter.
If you get a filter that is too small, it wont be able to do an effective job of cleaning the pool. The result is that youll have to clean and replace a filter thats too small more frequently. Theres also a chance that the smaller filter will get fried, leaving you at the risk of a damaged pump and filter.
On the other hand, you dont want a filter thats too large either! These can make the pool dangerous for swimmers from draining the water too quickly.
To determine the size of filter that youll need, you need to calculate the area and volume of your pool. Yep, turns out that grade school geometry class is actually coming in handy!
Additionally, youll need to determine the turnover rate of your pool. The turnover rate refers to the amount of time it takes all of the water in your pool to cycle through the filter. While some states have a mandatory 12-hour cycle law, its better for the health of your family to operate on an 8-hour turnover cycle.
Sizes Of Residential Pool Filters
Filters are commonly sized by the square footage of surface area. It makes sense: The more square feet of filter media you have, the better the filter performance will be. But it gets tricky when you try to compare the three different types of pool filters to each other.
Thats because they all trap dirt and debris in different ways theyre like apples and oranges!
Dont let this confuse you, though. Within each filter type, there are typically four or five sizes.
Of these sizes, the smallest are suitable for aboveground pools, the mid-range ones can be used for small pools around 15,000 gallons, and the big filters work best for pools above 25,000 gallons.
To add to the confusion are the manufacturers listed turnover rates for their pool filters. These are usually listed on product information pages, and they show the maximum flow rates for the filters.
This snippet below, from our Hayward Star-Clear filter page, seems to suggest that a 25-square-foot filter can take care of a 12,000-gallon pool, and I can tell you that is not the case. Not even close.
Sand Filters
For sand filters on in-ground pools, I like to use a 30-inch tank diameter, which has a 4.9 sq. ft. filter surface area and holds 600 pounds of sand. For small pools , I might advise the next size down if the budget is tight. But never go smaller than this for an in-ground pool.
Cartridge Filters
DE Filters
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