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Preguntas frecuentes sobre Pool filters

What are the most common types of pool filters and which one offers the best water quality?

When we talk about pool filters, there are mainly three types that dominate the market, each with its own advantages in terms of filtration quality, cost and maintenance. At Pools and Products, we offer you robust and efficient options to guarantee impeccable water:

Sand filters: They are the most traditional and economical option. They use silica sand or zeolite as a filter medium. They offer good water quality, filtering particles between 20 and 40 microns. They are easy to maintain by simply backwashing.

Cartridge filters: They offer finer filtration than sand filters, capturing particles of 10 to 15 microns. They are ideal for smaller pools and do not require countercurrent, which saves water. However, they require the cartridges to be manually removed and cleaned regularly.

Diatom filters: They are considered the highest performance. Its filtration fineness is exceptional (between 2 and 5 microns), which guarantees crystal-clear water free of impurities. They require more specific maintenance, including backwashing and periodic replenishment of diatomaceous earth.

If you're looking for maximum purity, the diatomaceous filter is superior, although the zeolite pool sand filter also offers excellent filtration (3 to 5 microns) with easier maintenance.

How do I know what size pool filter I need for my installation?

Choosing the correct size of your pool filters is crucial to ensure proper water circulation and avoid overworking the pump. The calculation is based on the total volume of your pool and the recommended water renewal time, which is generally 6 to 8 hours for residential pools. At Pools and Products, we recommend following these steps:

Calculate the volume of your pool in liters.

Determine the filtration flow rate you need (Volume / Filtration Hours).

Select a filter whose flow capacity is equal to or slightly greater than the calculated one.

It is vital that the filter and pump are balanced. A filter that is too small will force the pump to work harder than necessary, while an oversized one may not be efficient. Consult with our experts to choose the model that best suits your water volume and the power of your pump.

What advantages does a pool sand filter offer in terms of maintenance and durability?

The pool sand filter is one of the most popular options in Pools and Products thanks to its excellent balance between initial cost, ease of maintenance and durability. The main advantages are:

Simple maintenance: The cleaning process is easily carried out using the "backwash" function, which reverses the flow of water to expel accumulated impurities. This is done by turning the selector valve.

Long filter media life: The silica or zeolite sand inside the filter can last between 3 and 7 years (depending on material) before needing to be replaced.

Low cost: The filter material (sand) is very economical compared to cartridges or diatomaceous earth.

Although its filtration level is good, if you want to improve it without changing the system, you can opt for finer filter media such as glass or zeolite within your pool sand filter.

How often should I backwash my pool filter?

Backwashing is essential for the cleanliness and proper functioning of pool filters. The frequency is not fixed and should be guided primarily by your system's pressure gauge.

Pressure Indicator: You must carry out backwashing when the filter pressure exceeds the initial pressure value of the clean filter by 0.8 - 1 bar (or about 10-15 psi).

Scheduled cleaning: In high season, if you use your pool intensively, it may be necessary to carry out this process every week or every 15 days, even if the pressure has not increased drastically.

Process: To clean, set the selector valve to the "backwash" position, turn on the pump and let the water run until it runs clear through the sight glass or drain hose (usually 1-2 minutes). Then turn to "rinse" for 30-60 seconds before returning to the "filter" position.

Is it better to use sand, glass or zeolite as a filter media in a pool filter?

The choice of filter media directly influences the quality of the water. At Pools and Products, we offer options for your pool sand filter:

Silica sand: It is the standard and economical option, with a filtration of 20-40 microns. Its main disadvantage is that it can accumulate more biofilm.

Filter glass: It is an ecological and more efficient alternative. It filters out smaller particles and, being less porous, reduces bacteria buildup, which can mean less use of disinfectant chemicals.

Zeolite: Provides superior filtration quality, capturing particles of 3 to 5 microns, similar to a diatom filter. It is more efficient than sand and glass, and helps reduce the amount of chlorine needed.

While sand is the cheapest in the short term, glass or zeolite offer better performance and chemical savings in the long term.

What do I do if my pool water is still cloudy after a full filtration cycle?

If after an 8-10 hour cycle the water is still cloudy, this indicates a problem with the effectiveness of your pool filters. There are several checks you can perform:

Check pH and Chlorine: Incorrect levels prevent chlorine from working effectively. Make sure the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6.

Filter Cleaning: If you have a pool sand filter, check the pressure and backwash if necessary. If using cartridges or diatoms, check to see if they are dirty or saturated.

Use a flocculant: If the problem is very fine particles that the filter cannot retain, a flocculant will clump them together, making them large enough for the filter to capture.

Filter Media Condition: If the filter media is more than 5 years old, it may be "channeled" or saturated, and it may be time to replace the sand or glass.

Do removable pool filters require the same maintenance as construction filters?

Although the principle of operation is the same (filter the water), removable pool filters, especially if they have a cartridge or smaller capacity, usually require more frequent but simpler maintenance.

Cartridge systems: Common in removable pools, they require the user to remove the cartridge to clean it with a hose or specific cleaner. This should be done more often than backwashing.

Removable pool sand filter: The larger models work exactly the same as the built-in ones, requiring backwashing when the pressure rises.

At Pools and Products, we ensure that regardless of the size of your pool, the filtration system you choose will be easy to manage and maintain.

How can I extend the life of the material inside my pool sand filter?

To maximize the durability of your sand or filter media, we recommend following a rigorous care routine:

Regular and Proper Backwash: Backwash only when pressure indicates and follow the “rinse” process to properly settle the media.

Use of flocculants: Use flocculants sparingly. Excessive use can saturate and harden the surface layer of the filter media, reducing its effectiveness.

Chemical Control: Maintain stable pH and alkalinity levels. An unbalanced pH can calcify sand.

Periodic disinfection: Consider doing a “chlorine shock” inside the filter to disinfect the filter media from bacteria or biofilm buildup that can form clumps and channels.

What role does the selector valve play in the operation of my pool filters?

The selector valve is the "brain" of a pool sand filter and other filtration systems as it directs the flow of water through the system. Their key positions are essential for maintenance:

Filter: This is the normal operating position, where the water passes through the filter media and returns clean to the pool.

Backwash: Reverses the water flow to clean the filter media and send dirty water to the drain.

Rinse: Used after backwashing to settle sand and remove any residue before returning to filtration mode.

Waste/Drain: Used to drain water directly into the drain without passing through the filter (for example, when running the pool cleaner or lowering the water level).

It is crucial that when changing the position of the selector valve, the pool pump is always turned off to avoid internal damage.

What is the difference in initial investment between a sand filter and a diatom filter?

Choosing pool filters often comes down to the initial investment. The pool sand filter is generally the most economical option initially:

Sand filter: The initial investment is low, both for the equipment and the filter medium (silica sand). Its maintenance is the simplest and most economical.

Diatomaceous filter: Requires a higher initial investment, since the equipment is more complex and the diatomaceous earth must be replaced periodically. However, its cost may be offset in the long term by superior water quality and potential savings on other chemicals.

At Pools and Products, we help you balance the initial cost with your long-term goals, ensuring you get the best performance for your budget.

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