Filters clear out the tiny particles that threaten to make your pool water gross to swim in. Without a highly functioning one, destructive debris will build up over time. Every pool owner needs a high quality filter system.
Sand filters.
These are the most popular for above-ground pools. The filtration system works by moving water through—you guessed it—sand! The sand snags matter 20 microns in size and larger.
Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.
Outside of the air conditioner, the pool pump is the largest electricity consumer in the average pool-containing home. According to the study, at the national average of 11.8 cents per KWh, a pool pump alone can add as much as $300 a year to an electric bill.
It's best to run your pool pump during the day
Not only does sunlight give fuel for algae to grow, it also destroys your pool chlorine and this is why you should always run your pool during the day!
Above ground pools only have two openings – the skimmer to draw in unfiltered water and the return jet to send filtered water back. That's it.
All pool filters are labeled with an information tag on their tank. This tag includes the name of the manufacturer, model name, the various sizes of the filter in that line of models. The size of your specific unit should be marked or highlighted on this tag.
To ensure proper circulation, you need to switch on the pump for at least 8 hours a day. This ensures the pool circulation is effective. Make sure you size the pump, i.e: get a pump according to your pool volume. If your pool capacity is 10,000 gallons, then you need to divide 10,000 by 480 (8 hours x 60 minutes).
There are three main types for above ground pools: sand, cartridge and D.E. filter systems. Each has their own benefits and filter to different microns. DE removes particles down to three microns, all the time. A micron is very small – a millionth of a meter.
Filters and pumps are absolutely essential to proper in-ground swimming pool maintenance. Without such equipment, dirt, debris and other contaminants can accumulate in the water, creating an unpleasant and unhealthy swimming environment.
Intex pools -- the same as with all other swimming pools -- require a filter, pump and the appropriate chemicals, such as chlorine, to keep the pool water clean and sanitary for swimmers. Cleaning tools such as brushes, nets and skimmers should be used to keep the sides and surface of the pool free of algae and debris.
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filter
Diatomaceous Earth, or D.E., filters use fossilized remains of diatoms to filter the pool. They collect particles and debris as small as 2-5 microns. Of the three types, a D.E. filter provides the most thorough cleaning.
Sand filters are least effective but also the least expensive to buy and use. Cartridge filters are more effective but are more expensive to buy and use. DE filters are the most effective but are the most expensive to buy and use.
Add diatomaceous earth (DE) to your pool skimmer, stick to around a scoop or two – no more than the size of a 1lb coffee cup. The moment you do this, go to the pool jets to see if it is returning DE into the pool, or if the water suddenly looks cloudy. If it is, you likely have an issue with your filter.
Blocked Baskets. The most common reason for low or no flow is that the baskets are full of debris. By checking and emptying both the skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) will free up the water flow, allowing the system to fully 'prime' and function at full capacity.
The best way to position your pool jets is angled slightly downward and all pointing at the same direction or depending on the shape of your pool, that will create one “flow” or circular motion in your pool. The direction should be away from the skimmers.
While many professionals install two returns, some prefer more as a general rule. Builder Guy Wood, for instance, often will place four returns in pools that measure 250 to 600 square feet. A vessel of 600 to 800 square feet will generally have six returns to start.
Chemicals that you add to your pool while the water is circulating don't need to be recirculated; they will stay mixed even if you don't pump the water continually. Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time.
If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.
Baking soda is safe and straightforward to use, while also providing your pool with a clean, clear, sparkling water that is pleasant to swim in. Baking soda does not sting the eyes; neither can it cause drying of the skin.
It may be cheaper to run the pump at night, but honestly you should run it 1 hour a day per 10 degrees of temperature at least, and it should be during the day. Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up.