Swimming pool filters are an essential component of any pool in Canada, as they help to keep the water clean and safe for swimming. In this article, we will discuss the different types of swimming pool filters available in Canada, how they work, and the pros and cons of each type.
Types of Swimming Pool Filters
There are three main types of swimming pool filters available in Canada:
- Sand Filters – Sand filters are the most common type of pool filter and work by trapping dirt and debris in the sand bed. As water passes through the sand bed, the particles are trapped, and the clean water returns to the pool. Sand filters are low maintenance and can last for several years with proper care.
- Cartridge Filters – Cartridge filters work by trapping dirt and debris on a pleated fabric cartridge. As water passes through the cartridge, the particles are trapped, and the clean water returns to the pool. Cartridge filters are low maintenance and can last for several years with proper care.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters – DE filters work by trapping dirt and debris on a grid coated with diatomaceous earth. As water passes through the grid, the particles are trapped, and the clean water returns to the pool. DE filters require more maintenance than sand or cartridge filters, as the grid needs to be cleaned and re-coated with diatomaceous earth regularly.
How Swimming Pool Filters Work
Swimming pool filters work by removing dirt and debris from the pool water, keeping it clean and safe for swimming. As water is circulated through the filter system, it passes through a filtering media (sand, cartridge, or DE), which traps the particles and allows the clean water to return to the pool.
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Swimming Pool Filters
Here are the pros and cons of each type of swimming pool filter:
- Sand Filters Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Can last for several years with proper care
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Not as effective as cartridge or DE filters at removing fine particles
- Require backwashing to clean the sand bed, which wastes water
- Cartridge Filters Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Can last for several years with proper care
- More effective than sand filters at removing fine particles
Cons:
- More expensive than sand filters
- Cartridges need to be replaced periodically
- DE Filters Pros:
- More effective than sand or cartridge filters at removing fine particles
- Can filter smaller particles than sand or cartridge filters
Cons:
- Requires more maintenance than sand or cartridge filters
- Grids need to be cleaned and re-coated with diatomaceous earth regularly
- More expensive than sand or cartridge filters
Tips for Maintaining Swimming Pool Filters
Here are some tips for maintaining swimming pool filters:
- Clean or replace the filter media regularly – The frequency of cleaning or replacing the filter media will depend on the type of filter and the amount of use. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and replacing the filter media.
- Backwash sand filters regularly – Sand filters need to be backwashed periodically to remove the trapped dirt and debris from the sand bed. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for backwashing.
- Clean cartridge filters regularly – Cartridge filters need to be cleaned periodically to remove the trapped dirt and debris from the pleated fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning.
- Clean DE filters regularly – DE filters need to be cleaned periodically to remove the trapped dirt and debris from the grids. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and re-coating with diatomaceous earth.
- Monitor the pressure gauge – The pressure gauge on the filter system will indicate when it is time to clean or replace the filter media. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines