Summer has arrived and you’re anxious to take a deep dive into your swimming pool, but it’s cluttered and you’re not sure where to start. The process of keeping your pool clean can be a tough cookie to crumble. There are several aspects of it that most people overlook. Let’s talk about pool filtration!
We’ll start with what you can do within fifteen to twenty minutes
First, start with clearing the debris and leaves around your pool with the rake. Doing so will avert the manifestation of bacteria and help you save on pricey repairs.
Next, take a minute to scrub the tiles and walls of the swimming pool with a cleaning solution. To avoid having to put a lot of effort into this in the future, perform this action after every swim. This will help preserve your pool and save time.
After you’ve cleaned the surrounding area, it’s time to take care of the pool water. Start by testing your pool’s water and track its chemistry. We recommend doing this regularly, so you’ll inhibit algae and bacteria from developing.
The last thing that is simple to do, but just as easy to forget. Protect your pool from the elements by using a pool cover. Severe weather will cause erosion and damage over time.
These basics can help enhance your pool filtration overtime, and make the next step a bit easier!
Now that we’ve covered things that you can do in a short amount of time, let’s talk about the things that you should take care of on a consistent basis for optimum pool filtration.
For your pool to operate at maximum capacity for an extended period, you’ll need to maintain your pool’s filtration system. Here are the 3 main types of pool filters and how to take care of them:
Sand Pool Filter
Sand filters are one of the most common types of filters due to their economic pricing and ease of use. Extended use of the sand filter system increases its efficiency and as pollutants are caught within the sand, they prevent any following contaminants from being able to pass through.
How to Clean Sand Filters:
Upkeep for sand filters mainly consists of performing backwashing. Backwashing is reversing the flow of water to eliminate dirt, algae, and noticeable debris from your sand filter. When cleaning your sand filter, you should turn off the pool pump to avoid damage Following the backwashing process, you should rinse the tank for around thirty seconds to one minute.
It is recommended that sand filters are backwashed once per week. If your sand needs replacing, it should be changed out every six to seven years based on how often you use your pool.
3M Aqua-Pure QFS-50P Filter Sand Media
Cartridge Filter
Cartridge filters have a minimal effect on water chemistry and can block more debris than a sand filter. They’re great for lowering energy costs because they use less pressure.
Backwashing is not necessary for cartridge filters since they aren’t built for reverse water flow, they must be cleaned by hand.
How to Clean Cartridge Filters:
The first step to optimizing your cartridge filters is to make sure your pool pump is turned off. Allow the air to be released by turning the air relief valve and removing any clamps. Remove the top of the filter and extract the cartridges.
Use a filter cleaner to take care of dirt and grime from the filters and spray them with a water hose. If you’re looking for a great option for pool cartridge filter cleaners, the FiltersFast.com Brand Multipurpose Filter Cleaner is exactly what you need.
Filters Fast® Multipurpose Filter Cleaner – FFFCLEAN
Ensure the filter O-ring is in decent condition and use lubricant if necessary. If you see any kind of deformity, replace it immediately. Wash the cartridges again, reassemble them, and put the top back in place. Verify that the air relief valve is open to emit excess air.
Cut the system back on and keep it open until a continuous stream of water emerges and then shut down the valve.
It’s advised that you wash cartridge filters once every 3 to 6 months.
Diatomaceous Earth Filter
Also known as D.E. filters, they have the greatest filtration capacity compared to others and are capable of blocking contaminants as small as 3 – 5 microns.
Diatomaceous filters push water through a filter container stuffed with sedimentary rock comprised of fossils of tiny algae-like creatures, known as diatoms. Even though the name suggests different, the rock is finer than sand, which is why D.E. filters are more efficient than sand filters.
Similar to sand filters, D.E. filters need backwashing for preservation. Due to the nature of the D.E. powder, you’ll have to put more effort into cleaning and the powder must be replaced every single time the filter is cleaned for maximum optimization.
How to Clean D.E. Filters:
Make sure the filter valve is in the backwash setting and start the pool pump. Allow the backwash phase to run and upon completion, you’ll need to confirm the pump is turned off and open the relief valve to detach the drain plug. This will flush the filter’s tank and allow you to remove the manifold and the grids.
Flush the diatomaceous earth out of the grids and rinse the tank. Remove the strainer basket lid and fill the basket, allowing the water to flow past the inbound line. Lubricate the O-ring, change the lid, and squeeze the clamps on the pump to make sure they’re secure. Turn the air relief valve to release the air, then activate the pump!
Now that your pump is operating, you can now add fresh D.E. powder to the filter. You must ensure that the correct amount of D.E. is added. Overdosing will slow the filter, and underdosing will allow dirt to build up. D.E. filters should undergo maintenance every 4 – 8 weeks.
Swimming to the Finish
Although we’ve gone over several fantastic options for you to optimize your pool, none of them can catch contaminants smaller than 3 microns. This means you’ll still have to worry about bacteria and viruses present in the water. You must ensure your swimming pool is chlorinated to eradicate these micro-level contaminants.
Now we’ve explored and demystified pool filtration, with maintenance and optimization! In a small amount of time you can quickly beautify the surrounding pool area by cleaning debris, raking leaves, and making sure the pool is covered. You can enhance your pool’s cleanliness by optimizing your pool filter, no matter if it’s a sand filter, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth filter.
If you use a combination of these techniques, the result this summer will not just be a fun one, but also safe for all your family and friends. Take a dive and enjoy!
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