11 Dec How To Select A Size and Type of Pool Filter For Your Swimming Pool
The type of pool filter that you need to install depends on the size of your pool. All of the water in your pool must flow through the filter at least once each day to ensure that contaminants or harmful chemicals don’t build up in the liquid. Additionally, the pool filter must be able to process at least 30 gallons of water every minute.
- Pool Volume
If the pool has a rectangular shape, you should multiply the length, the width and the average depth to determine the pool’s volume. When calculating the volume of a circular pool, you must multiply the diameter, 3.14 and its average depth. - Pool Capacity
Once you’ve calculated the pool volume, then determine the pool capacity. In order to measure your pool’s capacity, multiply the volume by 7.48, and the product of this calculation will give you the pool capacity in gallons. - The Size And The Turnover Rate
Unlike air filters that are not interchangeable, a pool filter system that is substantially larger than the size of the standard filter for your pool will actually keep your water much cleaner than a device with a volume that only meets the minimum requirements.The turnover rate can be defined as the amount of time that a filter takes to process all of the water in a pool, and you should install a filter that has a turnover rate of at least 12 hours.
Sand Filters
This type of pool filter pumps water through a screen that is covered by a layer of sand. The water is then pumped back into the pool by at least two vertical tubes underneath the device.
To clean the pool filter system, you should simply operate the filter while allowing it to pump liquid in the opposite direction for at least 20 minutes. This technique is known as backwashing the filter.
Over time, the sand will become very dirty, but a Pentair pool filter will come with step-by-step instructions for replacing the machine’s sand and its other key components.
Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filters
This type of rock primarily consists of silica, and it contains the exoskeletons of fossilized algae with hard shells, which are called diatoms.
When crushed into a powdery form, the material is finer than sand. Most pool filters that use this type of rock have a diameter of 60 square feet to 70 square feet, and due to their exceptionally small size, diatoms can catch particles that have a length of five microns. Types of particles caught be a D.E. are: body oils, suntan lotions, pollens, dust and even some bacteria.
Cartridge Filters
The most popular type of pool filter is a cartridge filter. They use exceptionally dense materials that catch even the smallest debris. We prefer using a Pentair Cartridge Filter which will only need maintenance once per year because the device has an exceptionally large screen. The large screen is the key. As a result, the contaminants that are caught by the device will spread out evenly on the broad screen and take a long time to accumulate and to damage the filter media.
Maintenance involves openings the top, removing the filter, hose it off and put back in. Because a Pentair Cartridge Filter is so easy to maintain and doesn’t require a backwash process to clean the filter, it also reduces water use.
Make sure to discuss these options your pool builder when designing your backyard haven. Feel free to consult with American Pools & Spas at 407-847-9322 if you need additional help.