Parts of Pool Filter

The filter is an essential component of your swimming pool equipment, and it's important that you choose the right one for you. It can help keep the water clean and clear by removing various particles and debris.

However, you can encounter problems with your filter during use. One of the ways you can practice prevention of these problems, or provide some solutions when you meet any is to know the parts of the filter. You may also need the replacement of pool filter parts if your basin starts to leak water or is unable to filter water correctly. 

In this post, we'll talk about the types of pool filters, how they work, some pool tips, and manufacturers. We'll also talk about the pool filter parts.

Types Of Swimming Pool Filter

There are three main types of pool filters:

1. Sand filters
2. Diatomaceous earth (also known as D.E)
3. Cartridge filters.

The type of filter that customers choose depends on the type of water that they want to keep clean and clear, as well as the maintenance requirements of the system. Each operation is unique except for the pressure gauge which is interchangeable. 

However, they all share some common factors. For instance, they are all pressure vessels, and their function remains to clean the water.

1. Sand Filters

Sand filters are helpful if you are on a budget and want to spend little time on maintenance. It is suitable for large-sized and ground pools because it doesn't clog easily like other filters. A sand filter is made up of a tank that has a specific amount of sand. This media is used to filter the water that flows through it. Only a certain type of sand is allowed to be used in this type of filter. The filter works by moving the water through the tank. There is a total of 75% to 25% free space inside the tank.

How does it work?

A sand filter is a type of water filter that uses sand as its primary component. The water that's filtered through the sand then slowly sinks through the sand, which leaves behind the dirt particles in its delicate pores. This type of filter is ideal for various water treatment processes, such as pre-filtration, ultra-filtration, and recirculation systems.

How long can you use it?

It depends on the season and the condition of the pool. Customers usually replace for around three to five years. The sand inside the tank will typically be replaced in around three to five years.

If you are interested in knowing

Parts of sand filter

• Enclosure Tank: The enclosure tank is an open rectangular tank. It is made of concrete, stone, masonry, or brick. The enclosure tank is open and has a depth of about 2.5cm to 3.5cm. The surface area of the tank can differ ranging from 10 m² to 50 m². Some units of small filters are arranged in series. These provide depth depending on the total surface area of the enclosure tank.
  
  To encourage flexible operations, the enclosure tank needs at least two filter units for small-sized pool water treatments. At least, four filter units are needed for the treatment of large-sized pools. The tank has a length-to-width ratio that falls between 1.25 to 1.35.
• Filter Media: This is made up of a sand bed with a thickness ranging from 60 to 75cm. The uniformity coefficient of sand often varies, from 1.3 to 1.5 with an average value of 1.5. For effective filtration, the size of the sand differs. Usually, this is about 0.45 to 0.70 mm.
• Base Material: The base material is made of a gravel bed with a thickness of about 45 cm to 60 cm. It is graded, laid in layers, and supports the sand layer. The upper layer and the lower layer of the sand should comprise small-sized gravel and big-sized gravel respectively.
• Under Drainage System: Collects filter water over the gravel bed area.

2. Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE)

Diatomaceous earth filters use diatoms for filtration. Diatoms are a type of algae that consists of microscopic water plants. They range in sizes of <5 to 100 micrometers and can extract silica from water. The soluble part of these diatoms is very low, less than one percent of the whole. They are odorless, chemically inert, and tasteless which makes the filter safe not just for pool water but also for drinking water.

How does it work?

The process of using a DE filter involves adding a layer of Diatomaceous Earth powder to the filter. This natural material acts as a sponge and absorbs the debris and dirt from the filter. It then uses the box to sift the remaining particles out. One of the most important steps that you should take when it comes to maintaining a DE system is to regularly check the tank's pressure.

When the pressure in the water increases, it means that there is a lot of dirt in the system. It's a general rule of thumb to backwash the filter after it reads around 8 to 10 pounds.

Parts of a diatomaceous filter

• Baffle Inlet
• Filter Leaves 
• Fully Automated Pressure Leaf Filter
• Semi-automatic pressure leaf filters
• Drain
• The Feed Pump

3. Cartridge Filter

It is a type of filter that uses a porous substance for filtration and additional filter parts. This substance or element is wrapped around a cylindrical core which represents the medium of filtration. The cylindrical core forms can be easily replaced or removed faster than a loose medium of filtration such as sand. This is a very popular choice for a customer as they are very convenient when it comes to replacement and maintenance.

How does it work?

It is usually enclosed within a casing or housing, and it's used to remove various types of contaminants from the water. It passes through the filter element and is exposed to water, solvent, or other liquids that need filtration. Keep in mind to open its lid during charging.

Parts of cartridge filter

These filters have two main types:

• Depth filters: These filters are thicker. As a result, you can find that they allow the filtration of water at larger volumes.
• Surface filters: Customers most commonly use the for spas or residential pools. The filter medium and the manifold have a single layer of synthetic fabric that is pleated to a central core. Water passes through the filter via a baffle system causing it to flow properly over the filter fabric. The fabric collects small dirt and particles. Also called a fabric filter might have single or multiple cartridges.

Final Thoughts

If you wish to find the perfect filter, then the right choice is the one that fits your needs and preferences best. Before you purchase a filter, it's important that you consider its capabilities, accessories, and the various factors that affect its operation, such as the model, its initial cost, maintenance routines, manufacturer, whether it is in stock, etc.

Some suggestions: Gecko Hayward Refine, Waterway Zodiac Refine, Unicel Waterway Refine, Jacuzzi Jandy Refine, Pentair Pleatco Refine, Raypak Sta Rite Refine, etc

Another important tip that, when you wish to find a new pool filter, you should consider navigating search results, whether there is a current store near you, about shipping business, or delivery area. You can also read customer reviews to get a deeper understanding of people's experiences and how much they are satisfied with their previous orders. Sometimes there are a few additional accessories, supplies, or filter parts needed for the filter to operate. Moreover, if you have any urgent questions, you can contact the manufacturer directly.

In the end, a filter is also essential to keeping the water clean. It can help refine various contaminants, such as algae and debris, which can make the water more healthy to swim in.