| Swimming pools have traditionally had either a sand, | | | | tank. The cartridge will last for many years if it is |
| cartridge or DE filter to clean the water. Let's look at | | | | cleaned on a regular basis and not allowed to become |
| the differences of each type of filter. | | | | over filled. Cartridge filters when cleaned do not require |
| SAND FILTERS, the first type of filter operates using | | | | backwashing; the pool water level is unaffected during |
| fine filter sand inside the tank or vessel to gather the | | | | cleaning. Cartridge filters are a perfect choice for spas |
| dirt and debris from the pool. The pool water is sent to | | | | due to this fact and the fact of easy of cleaning. |
| the filter from the pool pump to the top of the tank and | | | | The DE FILTER is the third type of filter we will |
| a fitting inside the vessel called the distributor "rains" the | | | | discuss. This type of filter has grids which are inside |
| water down and through the sand. As the water | | | | the tank and which hold a thin layer of DE. As the pool |
| migrates down through the bed of sand the pool | | | | water is sent to the tank from the pool pump it passes |
| water is collected by the laterals inside the bottom of | | | | through these grids, covered with DE and the DE |
| tank and returned to the pool filtered and clean. The | | | | captures the dirt and debris for removal. The |
| sand inside the filter can last for many years if the filter | | | | diatomaceous earth filter can be "backwashed" |
| is "backwashed". What is backwashing? Backwashing | | | | periodically to remove dirt and debris from inside the |
| is when the water flow inside the filter is reversed | | | | filter. Just like the sand filter each time the filter is |
| (using the selector valve outside the filter) and the dirty | | | | backwashed, the pool level is lowered and some DE is |
| water and debris are flushed out through the waste | | | | lost. Eventually the filter will need to be disassembled, |
| line of the pool system. During backwashing, some | | | | the old DE removed and fresh diatomaceous earth |
| sand will be lost each time and the water level of the | | | | replaced inside the filter. Fresh DE can be added |
| pool will be lowered. When it is time to replace the | | | | directly to the filter tank while the tank is open for |
| sand, the old sand will need to be removed, either by | | | | servicing. |
| hand or tool and the filter will need to be replenished | | | | After looking at all three types, which type is the best? |
| with new fresh filter media. | | | | All three types offer excellent filtering capabilities and if |
| The second type of filter is a CARTRIDGE FILTER, it | | | | maintained in top working order, all three can and will |
| uses a replaceable cartridge element to capture dirt | | | | keep your swimming pool and or spa clear and crystal |
| and debris from a pool and or spa. The cartridge is | | | | blue. The filter is a key part of your pool system, if it |
| housed in a tank, the upper dome or lid is held on by a | | | | does not function correctly expect to spend extra time |
| knob or clamp and is manufactured with remove ability | | | | and effort maintaining your backyard investment, |
| in mind. When the cartridge has collected enough dirt | | | | maintain it on a regular basis and enjoy your backyard |
| and debris the cartridge is removed, hosed off, dirt | | | | paradise each and every day. |
| removed and the element is replaced back into the | | | | |