Common Maintenance Errors with your Pool Filter
One aspect of pool care that is often overlooked is
the pool filter. This is actually one of the most important factors in your
pool care and one of the main problems with water quality. If the filter is dirty
or running poorly water quality will suffer. You will be adding loads of
chemicals and running the pool long hours and still wonder why the water is
cloudy.
I think the pool filter also looks intimidating to the
new pool owner and many just don’t feel comfortable cleaning and maintaining it.
One of the first things I do when I get a new service account is to inspect and
clean the pool filter. I think about 80% off all problems you will encounter with
your pool care is filter related. So, if your pool has constant cloudy water,
algae or the chemicals are not holding week to week the filter may be the issue.
Interestingly I find that many pool builders skimp on
the filter size when they install a pool. Really it can’t cost them more than $200-$300
more in the pool price to install a full-size filter. What I mean by full size
is that if your pool is 15,000 gallons you should have a 300-400 sq. ft.
Cartridge filter of a 48 sq. ft. D.E. Filter installed. For a 20,000 to 25,000-gallon
pool a 500 sq ft cartridge filter or a 60-100 sq. ft. D.E. Filter would be
best. I would stay away from a Sand
Filter unless the pool is being used for Commercial purposes like an Apartment
Complex or Hotel. They just wouldn’t be my first choice for a residential pool.
I see many 15,000-gallon pools with a 100 sq. ft. Cartridge Filter which to me
is just too small for the best water quality.
Cleaning the filter is quite simple and I think I have
videos on cleaning the majority of pool filters on my YouTube Channel. Once you
do it you will find it to not be that difficult. Avoid these common mistakes
with a D.E. Filter:
Not adding D.E after cleaning or Backwashing the
filter
Not adding enough D.E. for the filter size.
Adding too much D.E.
Not cleaning the filter at least every 6 months.
Operating the filter with torn or broken grids.
For a Cartridge filters here are some common mistakes
to avoid:
Not cleaning the filter often enough.
Using old cartridges in the filter (usually when the
bands start to break it is time for a new cartridge – or if the pleats are
spread apart – the media should be tight).
Using an undersized Cartridge filter for your pool.
Adding D.E. to the filter (Cartridge filters to not require
D.E.).
Here are some common Sand Filter errors:
Having too large a pump for your filter size (a very
large HP pump like a 1.5 or 2 HP pump will cause the filter to run poorly –
Sand Filters run better with less water flow).
Backwashing too often (Sand filters run better when
they are a little dirty. Don’t backwash unless the filter PSI gets 9-10 lbs.
above the clean reading).
Not running your pool long enough (Since Sand Filters
are less efficient the pool may need a longer run time).
So, focusing on the filter is one way to ensure a
clean pool with crystal clear water each week. Along with having a clean filter
is having a clean pool. One thing that I suggest is to invest in professional
cleaning equipment. Like a good vacuum hose and vacuum head and a sturdy pool
pole. Using high quality equipment ensures the pool will be maintained properly
each week which also helps with the overall pool filtration and water quality.
To see more on filter cleaning and to find your
specific filter:
Filter Cleaning & Backwashing Videos: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD13B4EF8AB358B02
Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/
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