Swimming Pool Filters are an essential part of your swimming pool’s operation. The pool filter is what removes the fine particulates from the water and enables you to swim in a clean clear pool. A quality pool filter provides durability and enhanced performance for a clearer swimming pool. Choosing a new pool filter can be a very confusing task. After all, there are so many different types and sizes and brands of pool filters.
The basic purpose of a swimming pool filter is to remove dirt, debris, and fine particles from the pool water, so that it remains clean and clear during the swim season. Swimming pool filters work in combination with a swimming pool pump. Pool filters are typically available as a stand-alone piece of pool equipment or combined with the pool pump a.k.a. a pool filtration system. The pool pump forces pool water through the pool filter, which in turn cleans and filters the water. Then the pump returns clean, filtered water back into the swimming pool. Besides cleaning and enhancing the clarity of your swimming pool water, quality pool filters also provide durability, long life, ease of use, and low running costs. Pool filters can also help reduce the amount of time you need to spend on pool maintenance.
Pool filters come in several brands, types and sizes. There is really no single pool filter that is the “best”. The choice of filter really depends on the individual pool, its size, usage and location. There are basically 3 types of pool filters: Sand Filters, Cartridge Filters, and DE Filters (Diatomaceous Earth). Any of these types of pool filters will effectively maintain your pool water, and are suitable for in ground and above ground swimming pools. Choosing the right pool filter depends on your particular set up.
Sand Pool Filters
Sand pool filters are the most common type of swimming pool filter and are suitable for both in ground and above ground swimming pools. The sand pool filter works by filtering water through a bed of sand within the pool filter. Lateral tubes at the bottom of the sand then separate the clean water from the dirty water. Water is pushed through the filter sand, and as the filter separates the water, the dirty water is sent to the top while the clean water exits through the bottom. Debris can plug up and block sand filters, causing the pressure to increase in the filter, dropping the flow of water. This can be fixed by running the system in reverse to backwash the filter, leaving it cleaned. The filter is then placed on its rinse mode where it repacks the sand back into the pool filter. Advantages of sand filter systems include ease of operation and relative low cost. Additionally, the medium sand can last between 1-5 years (1-2 years for above ground sand filters; 3-5 years for in ground sand filters).
Cartridge Pool Filters
It is very easy to understand how cartridge pool filters work. Cartridge pool filters are easy to use, economical, and suitable for both in ground and above ground swimming pool. How it works is, the water simply passes though a pool filter material and the filter captures the debris. Cartridges have much more available area to filter than sand pool keeping them from clogging up as quickly. Cartridge pool filters are designed to run at lower pressure than sand pool filters. This puts less back-pressure on the pool pump and hence you get more flow and turnover for an equivalent pump size. Generally cartridge pool filters are replaced every 1-2 years, depending on type of swimming pool, pool usage, and swim load. Advantages of a cartridge filter system include lower initial cost and ease of maintenance.
D.E. Pool Filters
D.E. pool filters are very effective at removing very small particles from swimming pool water, making it perfect for those who want extremely clean swimming pool. D.E. pool filters are available for both in ground and above ground swimming pools. D.E. pool filters use Diatomaceous Earth, which is a naturally occurring, chalk-like sedimentary rock that has an abrasive pumice-like feel, and is very light and porous. D.E. a.k.a. Diatomaceous Earth is crushed into a fine powder for use in pool filters, and is typically composed of silica, sodium, magnesium and iron. Synthetic D.E. substitutes are also commonly available. D.E. filters are cleaned in the same general way as sand filters, except new D.E. powder is added after each cleaning. Advantages of a D.E. swimming pool filter is extra-sparkling pool water, extra quickly. Disadvantages include higher front-end cost and the need to add new D.E. powder after cleaning a.k.a. backwashing.
Oceans Remodeling Group offers the following pool filters:
Hayward Pool Filters
Hayward offers the very latest in pool filter technology ensuring your swimming pool water is clear and clean. Hayward pool filters are made for simplistic operation and low maintenance. Molded of tough, durable, colorfast reinforced thermo-plastic Hayward pool filters deliver reliable, all-weather performance with minimal care.
Hayward Star-Clear Cartridge Pool Filter
The Hayward Star-Clear Cartridge Pool Filters provides crystal clear water and have extra cleaning capacity to accommodate swimming pools and spas of all types and sizes. The Star-Clear pool filter sets the standard of excellence and value for replacement or new pool installations.
Hayward Star-Clear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter
The Hayward Star-Clear Plus Pool Filter delivers quality value and convenience in cartridge pool filtration. From precision engineering to its reinforced thermoplastic body, the Star-Clear Plus pool filter works hard, achieving maximum water flow and superior filtration with minimal maintenance necessary. Star-Clear Plus pool filters perform in the most demanding application and environmental conditions. With a large filtration element, the Star-Clear Pul pool filter offers more effective filtration than other cartridge pool filters of similar size and price range.
Hayward SwimClear Pool Filter
The Hayward SwimClear Pool Filter is made with a large-capacity cartridge filter that cleans your pool’s filtration system without pouring gallons of water into the environment. There is no need for backwashing; instead, you just rinse the filter elements, saving you approx. to 2,500 gallons of water every season. Choose from 225, 325, 425 or 525 square feet of heavy-duty, dirt-holding capacity for extra-long cleaning cycles. Another energy-efficient benefit is that the SwimClear pool filter doesn’t require a multi-port valve, thus using less electricity.
Hayward Pro Series Top Mount Sand Pool Filter
The Hayward Pro Series Top Mount Sand Pool Filter is a sand pool filter that incorporates the latest pool filter technology to ensure your swimming pool is in optimal condition. The Pro Series pool filter is molded of durable, corrosion-proof reinforced thermoplastic offering years of trouble-free operation with only minimal care. The Pro Series sets a new standard for performance, value and dependability.
Hayward Pro-Grid Vertical Grid D.E. Pool Filter
The Hayward Pro-Grid Vertical Grid D.E. Filter provides superior water clarity, efficient flow and large cleaning capacity for swimming pools and spas of all types and sizes. Constructed with high-strength reinforced thermoplastic, the Pro-Grid pool filter combines high-technology features and an easy-to-use design for both new pool and aftermarket installations. In addition, the Pro-Grid pool filter delivers low maintenance and dependable operation.
Contact us and find out how our experienced pool technicians can help you choose the best pool filter available for your swimming pool.
