A swimming pool filter is an important part of your pool's operation. The filter removes fine particles from the pool water, keeping water clear and healthy. The three basic types of swimming pool filters are sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth (DE).
There are several factors to consider when choosing a swimming pool filter. Filtration efficiency (measured in microns) is the minimum size of particles trapped by the filter. Surface area (in square feet) tells how much material is available to trap particles. Surface area effects the time between cleanings. As filters pull material out of the water, they become dirty. How often filters need to be cleaned and replaced are also factors to consider.
Sand Filters-Simple and Effective
Sand filters are the simplest in terms of construction and maintenance. A sand filter works by pushing pool water through a bed of sand. The gaps between sand particles trap debris. A sand filter will trap particles of 40 microns or larger.
Forcing water backwards through the filter, a process called backwashing, cleans a sand filter. Sand filters need to be cleaned at least once a week. Filter sand needs to be replaced every two to three years. Replacing filter sand can cost between $50 and $100, plus labor.
Cartridge Filters-Simple Maintenance
In a cartridge filter, water passes through a pleated paper filter held in a removable cartridge. Cartridges have a surface area of 100 to 500 square feet. A cartridge will trap particles of 10 microns or larger.
Cartridges must be removed from the filter and cleaned with a garden hose. Larger cartridges need only be cleaned once or twice a season. Smaller cartridges may need to be cleaned more frequently. Cartridge replacement costs and schedules vary widely by manufacturer.
DE Filters-The Little Shells That Could
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters use a material made up of the fossilized shells of microscopic plankton. Water passing through these tiny shells is filtered down to 5 microns. DE filters have a surface area of 50 to 70 square feet.
DE filters are cleaned by backwashing and then replacing the DE material. These filters need to be cleaned every 4 to 8 weeks. The filter material is replaced at each cleaning at a cost of around $5.
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