There are 3 main types of above ground pool filter systems that one should be aware of when shopping for swimming pool equipment: (1) Cartridge, (2) Sand, and (3) Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.). You should know that an above ground pool could be properly maintained with any one of these systems.
When choosing a pool filter for your above ground pool, there's a helpful rule of thumb to keep in mind: Sand filters: at least 1 square foot of filter area per 10,000 gallons of pool water. Cartridge filters: at least 100 square feet of filtration area per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
Both systems will give you clear water. But for the absolute best water clarity, cartridge filters win. Cartridge filters typically screen out twice as much dirt and debris as sand filters do. A cartridge filter takes out so fine a particle that your water actually glistens.
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.
FilterBalls will increase the flow compared to sand. Using a flow meter is the best way to measure. Lower flow rates are always better for media performance.
When do I need to replace my sand? On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.
They are reusable, eco-friendly and made from 100% polyethylene. These tiny balls will last for years while filtering particles down to 3 microns.
So yes, while it's perfectly fine to run your pool pump without a filter cartridge installed, it's better to have a backup filter cartridge to ensure that you don't have to run it without one.
Pool sand filters are considered the easiest to use and are a popular choice amongst the other varieties. Pool water is pumped through the system and the sand in the filter catches any dirt and debris, purifying and cleaning the water before returning it to the pool.
Taking the time to clean your filter and finding the best filter schedule can make a big difference. You don't need to run your filter all the time, but running it for at least a few hours a day will keep it clean and ensure your pool lasts a long time.
Sand Filters
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.
A disadvantage of sand filtration is the rinse water that is created when the sand filter is cleaned. This heavily polluted water must be treated and disposed of. To limit the load on the filter, a preliminary sedimentation step is implemented for heavily loaded wastewaters (a lot of suspended and sinkable matter).
Every pool should cycle through all of its water at least once a day, so most pool owners will want to run their pumps for at least 4-8 hours daily. But you don't have to run those 4-8 hours all at once so you can split the pump time up at different parts of the day to ease your energy budget.
What is the lifespan of a sand filter? The filter media (material) should be replaced every 7 to 10 years. Common filter media for sand filters includes silica sand, glass balls or our Zeo-Clor filter media. The tanks typically last between 7 and 20 years.
Selecting a small one for a large pool will require frequent filter replacements and might even break down under pressure, while the one that is too big will work too quickly and powerfully, and might make the pool unsafe. Therefore, it is essential to size the filter properly.
All media with median sand sizes at or below 0.200 mm gave consistently high algae removal rates. The average removal was 97.27% (based on fluorescence) with a low average initial head loss across the filter media of 7.3 cm (median grain size diameter of 0.200 mm with the bed depth of 3.175 mm).
As water from the pool passes through the sand filter, algae particles and other debris become trapped in the sand while the filtered pool water escapes.
Diatomaceous earth
DE pool filters are the most expensive type of pool filter, but they are also the most effective. These filters use a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of algae to trap contaminants as water flows through the filter.
The pump keeps the water moving and prevents stagnation while the filter removes debris and contaminants. In other words, the pump is like the heart of the pool's circulation system, and the filter is the kidney that removes impurities from the water.
Keeping your Pool its Cleanest Requires the Pool Pump to be Running. Not running the pump 24/7 is also a sanitary issue, and is the primary cause of a murky pool. The moment you turn off your water pump, debris, algae and bacteria start to build up, which can eventually lead to cloudy or green water.
For energy efficiency best time to run the pool's filtration system is during off-peak hours when the electricity demand is lower. This time is typically between 8 p.m. - 10 a.m.
Keeping your pump and filter system running for at least 8 to 12 hours is the best way to keep your pool safe and clean. Also, keep track of your water level and make sure it is halfway up the opening of your water skimmer.