The swimming pool contractors in Fort Worth, Texas from Seahorse Pools & Spas offer up this swimming pool filters 101 article because choosing a swimming pool filter is a matter of the benefits and challenges of each, your budget and their unique attributes.
There are so many moving parts in a swimming pool and many of them you never notice because they are working behind the scenes, but they all work together to keep the pool water clean and clear. A swimmable pool means it must be kept free of bacteria and a pool filter helps do just that.
Swimming Pool Filters 101
There are three types of filters from which to choose and we give information on the most common of those right here:
• Cartridge filters act like the one in your kitchen sink that filters water. The water comes through, is captured and the dirt and debris are filtered out and the water is pushed back into your cup — or the pool. Debris will remain in the filter until it is removed and cleaned. Cartridge filters are the most commonly used type, but that doesn’t mean you have to invest in that kind. With a cartridge filter you will need to remove and clean or replace the filter at least two times a swim season.
• Diatomaceous earth, or DE filters trap smaller debris particles than the other types of filters. When you use a DE filter, the earth will need to be changed out on occasion and you will also need to have the pool backwashed frequently. Backwashing is typically a task performed by a pool contractor and does require a lot of water. If you’re trying to be environmentally-friendly, this may not be the pool filter for you because of the amount of water needed to backwash it.
• Sand filters use sand to clean the debris from the water. As with the other filters, the water is pushed through the sand, debris is captured and the cleaned water is returned to the pool. This filter type also requires backwashing.
Before you make any decision on a pool filter or any other pool equipment for that matter, make sure you understand the costs, longevity and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Give us a call if you’re in the process of researching ool contractors and/or filters.