Sand filters use 20-grade silica sand capable of trapping particles as small as 20-30 microns. Maintenance: Sand filters are considered to be the easiest to maintain. Sand filters are backwashed when the pressure reads 10 psi over the normal operating level.
If you're on a budget, and you want to spend minimal time on maintenance, a sand filter is the best choice for you. It's also optimal for large pools because it won't clog as easily as other filters. Your pool pump sucks water in from the skimmers, then pushes it through a large filtration tank full of sand.
Pros: Oldest and most common type of pool filter and certainly the easiest filter to operate. Out of all three filter types, a sand filter is the least expensive pool filter to purchase for your swimming pool. The cleaning of a sand filter is done by backwashing the filter, which is an easy process.
Cartridge filters can screen out twice as much dirt and debris as a sand filter. Its larger filtration area allows the water to progress through the cartridge removing smaller particles. Maintenance is much easier in that there is no need for a back-washing step.
The size of your pool, the efficiency of your pump and filter, and how dirty your pool is are just some of the factors you need to consider. Nevertheless, most pool cleaning professionals would advise against running a pool pump for more than 8 hours a day.
Our Verdict. The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump simply does the best job on most above-ground pools. Its flow rate is appropriate for smaller pools, but it can still safely handle larger-size framed pools and keep the water sparkling.
Generally most people replace their filter cartridges about every 3-5 years, but don't use the amount of time that has passed as the only determining factor, monitor the performance of your filter. Your time frame may be longer or shorter depending on the demand placed on the cartridge.
Pros of Saltwater Pools
There's less chlorine and less of the heavy chemical scent and content. They're gentler on the skin, with less irritation to the eyes, hair and swimsuits. The water has a softer, silkier feel to it compared to chlorine water. They have lower maintenance costs than chlorine pools.
Unlike other filtration systems, cartridge filters don't require backwashing, which means homeowners don't waste the water and extra energy involved in backwashing. The small size of cartridge filters allows them to be run on smaller pumps because they can run with a lower flow rate pump, which saves energy.
The high amount of pressure pushes debris back in your pool and can crack or damage your pool filter. A good rule to remember is bigger, in this case, is better. Although larger filters come with a bigger price tag, they provide better filtering and easier maintenance for pool owners.
A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount. This means that a cartridge filter system will be able to rid your pool of more particles (dirt and debris) leaving it cleaner and more sparkling.
DE Filters remove the smallest particles of any filter, from 3-5 microns. Maintenance: Must be backwashed as with a sand filter when the pressure is 10 psi over the normal level. New DE powder must be added to the filter as well.
Of the three main types of pool filters, a cartridge filter uses the least amount of water.
The only difference between a type A and Type C is the internal diameter of the filter. The A/C Filter type is a hybrid which has an internal rim with a 1-3/4" internal diameter which will deform to 2" if the pump really needs an A filter.
No — you can't get pregnant from sperm in a swimming pool. Sperm can live outside the body for a short time under the right conditions, but those conditions aren't found in water.
A short video produced recently by the American Chemical Society answers the question, “Is it OK to Pee in the Ocean?” with a resounding “yes!” Ocean swimmers, relax, and know that your, eh, “contribution” is processed by the marine environment. Pool swimmers, you are not off the hook.
If the pool is affected by algae, the pool filters can get clogged very quickly. Algae are tiny aquatic plants (or organisms) that grow in pools and in large groups. These plants can clog up the filter easily during pool water circulation.
Pool filter sand should not be reused because the roughness of the particles that is used to catch unwanted bacteria, contaminates, and debris will be too worn down to be effective.
A new sand filter can cost anywhere from about $300 to more than $1,000 on average. Inground pool sand filter prices range between about $450 to over $1,200, depending on the size. Above ground pool sand filters are often cheaper at starting costs in the $300 to $500 range.
I currently have the Intex Krystal Clear Pool Filter Cartridge Pump paired up with a Bestway Swimming Pool and it works perfectly. The filter that came with the Bestway pool (800+ gallons) was underwhelming and the water would not turn over enough to keep the pool clean.
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.
On average, Intex filters should be cleaned about once per month for optimal performance. You can run the pump every day, but if it's too dirty, the circulation, pressure and efficiency will suffer.