A Beginner’s Guide to Swimming Pool Filters

Pool filters are necessary if you want to keep your pool water clean and safe to swim in. They filter out dust, algae and debris from the pool, keeping it clear. When you get your pool built or renovated, you should talk to your pool contractor about what kind of filters to install.

There are three kinds of pool filters that are widely used. If you’re unsure which filter to pick for your swimming pool, here is a beginner’s guide to swimming pool filters.

1. Cartridge filters

A cartridge filter holds three or more filter cartridges responsible for cleaning the water. These are usually made out of pleated polyester and have a porous membrane that can filter out contaminants as small as 5 microns. A cartridge filter has a fairly simple mechanism which consists of a tank with a lid and a bottom.

Cartridge filters are also environmentally-friendly and easy to replace as they are very lightweight. They will need to be manually cleaned as they cannot be backwashed. You can clean cartridge filters by simply hosing them down with water.

2. Sand filters

Sand pool filters are the original swimming pool filters. They’re also the cheapest kind of filter you can get for your pool. Sand filters can filter out particles as small as 25 microns. However, their popularity has declined in recent years owing to other types of filters being readily available in the market.

Sand filters also need to be replaced every 5-7 years, making them longer lasting than other filters. The way a sand filter works is that the pool water is passed through a tank filled with a sand bed. The sand bed filters out particles in the water, allowing clean water to flow out.

3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters

DE filters are known to filter out the smallest particles, even those as tiny as 3 microns. So if you have DE filters, you can rest assured that your pool will have the cleanest water for miles. However, DE filters also require the most maintenance and cost the most to install.

DE filters consist of grids coated with diatomaceous earth, a white-colored powder. This powder, when packed together, allows water to pass through but retains other contaminating particles.

DE filters are usually used by commercial swimming pools. Talk to your pool contractor to know which filter is suitable for your home pool.

How do you know if you need new filters?

If your pump is making a grinding or whining noise, looks corroded, or if your filter is not keeping your pool clear anymore, then it’s time to get new filters.

If you want to build a pool for your home or remodel an existing one, get in touch with us at Perfect Pools. For over 20 years, we’ve built and serviced beautiful pools for homeowners across Northern Virginia. Our landscape architect in Aldie, VA, also landscapes backyards and outdoor living spaces. You can contact our swimming pool designer in Aldie, VA, on our website.