They’re super easy to maintain and clean (backwashing only takes a few minutes) and you don’t have to keep changing out the filter media. Secondary Basket - There is another basket in the system that will collect any debris that made it through the skimmer. It starts by drawing water from both the pool and the skimmer and delivering it to the pump and motor. How Pool Filters Work The pool filter is a piece of equipment developed with the sole purpose of filtering dirt particles out of the pool circulation system. Pool Pumps are the heart of every swimming pool filtration system. Install an Above-Ground Pool Pump in 5 Steps. Plus she and her family preserved foods, raised cattle and pigs, chopped and hauled firewood, and performed regular maintenance on two households, outbuildings, fencing, etc. First of all, the water goes into the pool’s skimmers, into the pump, then in through the multiport valve and then depending on what the valve switch is set at, water is routed to wherever it needs to go. Then you must perform a backwash process that will remove the dirt filled diatomaceous earth. Minerals and metals are also trapped inside the filter media, buried deep in the fibers of DE grids or filter cartridges, and in sand filters, turning the sand into something resembling sand stone. These systems work by pushing water from the pool into the tank. The first one she personally ripped out a galley kitchen and opened it up to the living area, plus updated every door, floor covering, and piece of trim in the place. Lead the hose to a storm drain or dispose of the water according to your local regulations. You must then remove the cartridges and using a garden hose, spray them off until all dirt and debris have been removed from them. Skimmer - this directs the water from inside the pool into the filtration system. This maintenance should be performed on a monthly basis. With the valve positioned back to the "filter" position and the pump running, you will add around four pounds of DE powder through the skimmer. Filter Cartridge - The filter cartridge may be round or square. What this does is it breaks up the caking of your sand and essentially stirs it and dislodges all of the trapped debris. As water passes over the filter grids, the DE particles capture even the smallest suspended dirt particles. With the sand filter system, you must also clean the primary and secondary baskets in the skimmer. John is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. For example: A 24 feet (7.3 m) round above ground pool … Designed to accommodate 3 different pump output flow rate ranges up to 130 GPM (40.4 m3/hr), installing the Ultra UV and the UV-C50 systems is a simple and low cost procedure for the pool builder or homeowner. Pool clarifiers work to gather the tiny particles that have made your pool water cloudy, bringing them together to create bigger particles that will be easier for your filter to pick up. NEVER run the pump with the multiport set on closed. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. For most pool owners, knowing how their pool sand filter isn’t really as important as knowing that it’s working, so since you’re here, that just means that you’re really invested in making the best of your pool, so good job! The water then flows through the sand, gently being exfoliated, trapping tiny pieces of debris as the water flows down through the sand, leaving only crystal clear water when it reaches the bottom of the pool sand filter. Not only that, they’re extremely durable and they can take whatever you throw at them, unlike cartridge filters that can give up under certain conditions. With her sister, she holds power tool classes to empower women who are scared or have never used them. home improvement and repair website. Make sure to follow all recommendations as outlined by the pump manufacturer for any special procedures that must be followed during this routine maintenance. A pool filter system is vital to the overall health of the water in your pool. This setting will spray the water from the multiport all over the sand inside of the filter. It removes any large debris from the water before sending the water on to the filtration system. This setting is only used when you’re servicing the pump or the filter. Your pump will either have this type of filter, or it may have the sand filter. Now before we go into the inner workings of pool sand filters, here’s Tom with a quick overview of our, The water then flows through the sand, gently being exfoliated, trapping tiny pieces of debris as the water flows down through the sand, leaving only crystal clear water when it reaches the bottom of the pool sand filter. It then sends the water on down the line to the filter cartridge. The water flows through the sand with ease, but larger particles are unable to pass through. This is basically how you clean your pool sand filter. As an adult, she has owned two houses. If you’re just thinking of building a pool, replacing an old filter, or thinking about switching from cartridge filters to sand pool filters, we highly recommend the Water TechniX Sand Filter Aspire. We welcome your comments and To know when to set your pool sand filter to circulate, be sure to check out our blog posts dealing with pool chemicals through the button below. Guide to Pool Filters, Supplies, and Che... Guide to Pool Filters, Supplies, and Chemicals. Dawn Hammon has thrived in freelance writing and editor roles for nearly a decade. This setting will be where your pool sand filter will be at 99.99% of the time. What this does is water comes out from the top, much like the filter setting, but the water is still expelled through the side/back port. Each filter has different cleaning capacities. He's an experienced home improvement researcher and project creator, and especially enjoys learning about pool repair, door construction, and tile design. They're made from spun polyester and placed inside a tank. To maintain good water clarity you must run the pump each day so that all the water in the pool is turned over. Dawn and her sister make up a power-tool loving duo that teaches classes to local women with the goal of empowering them to tackle their fears and become comfortable with power tools. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The filter pump and chlorinator is run daily for different amounts of time depending on the size of the pool. Some situations will call for this, especially when you’re applying a lot of powdered/solid chemicals to your pool that will need to properly circulate to dissolve. Dawn currently spends her days convincing her children she is still smarter than them while creating new experiences with her husband of 24 years.  submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". I worked with him often, building decks, painting houses, framing in buildings, etc. When this happens, the pressure reading of your pool sand filter will rise, and this will be a good indication that it is time to backwash your pool sand filter. All rights reserved. Sand filters work by allowing water to cycle through a canister that contains sand. When diatomaceous earth is introduced into the pool filter system, it coats the filter cloth. She has lived, worked, and attended school in Oregon for many years. In this way, the pumping system keeps the water in the pool relatively free of dirt, debris and bacteria . No worries, we're here to help! Pool sand filters, in our opinion, are the best pool filtration systems out there. Think of your multiport valve as your crossing guard, the setting dictates where the water goes. Read more about how to change your pool filter sand through the button below. All information is provided "AS IS." Tapping into her enthusiasm for saving money and devotion to sustainable practices, Dawn has recently launched a passion project aimed at connecting eco-friendly products and socially-responsible companies with consumers interested in making conscientious purchases, better informing themselves about products on the market, and taking a stand in favor of helping to save the planet. New. suggestions. You may freely link They offer a number of benefits over a regular chlorine pool. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be If the pool gets a lot of use however, you should perform this maintenance more often. There are several basic components of a pool filtersystem. Here’s why diatomaceous earth filters work so well. Not quite homesteaders, she did grow up with a farm, tractors, motorcycles, expansive gardens, hay fields, barns, and lots of repairs to do. Regardless of which type of pool filter system is in place, it must be cleaned periodically in order to operate efficiently and effectively. Most recently, I worked for a small local professional organizing and estate sale company for four years where I learned a ton about organizing and/or disposing of just about anything. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. For more information on how to backwash your filter, check out our backwashing guide by clicking on the button below. In a diatomaceous earth filter, water from the pool passes through filter grids coated with diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from the chemically inert, fossilized remains of sea organisms called diatoms. This setting is only used if you want to drain your pool of excess water or if the situation calls for it. When she is not providing stellar online content for local, national, and international businesses or trolling the internet for organic cotton clothing, you might find her backpacking nearby hills and valleys, traveling to remote parts of the globe, or expanding her vocabulary in a competitive game of Scrabble. Head of eCommerce & Operations at Mr Pool Man,Co-Founder at Water TechniX, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, For most pool owners, knowing how their pool sand filter isn’t really as important as knowing that it’s working, so since you’re here, that just means that you’re really invested in making the best of your pool, so good job! Again, NEVER run the pump with the multiport set on closed. The basic idea is to pump water in a continual cycle, from the pool through the filtering and chemical treatment systems and back to the pool again. It will then go to the filter in order to do its work. The pool filter system is most often operated with an automatic timer. Over time, the sodium hypochlorite slowly changes back into salt and the chlorinator continues the process until all the salt is gone. Her brother was a contractor for about 30 years and site supervisor for Habitat for Humanity. If it does not, then the chlorine must be added directly to the pool. If you cannot remove all of it, then you may have to replace the cartridge. Pool pumps are technically known as centrifugal pumps. Pool water clarifiers are a good quick fix, but they should not be used if you have a cartridge filter as it will clog the paper pleats, leaving you needing to replace your cartridge filter element. We recommend getting a hose and expelling the water to a pesky neighbor’s yard, no, just kidding, really, we’re kidding. How pool sand filters work First of all, the water goes into the pool’s skimmers, into the pump, then in through the multiport valve and then depending on what the valve switch is set at, water is routed to wherever it needs to go. Nothing in, nothing out. Media (media is plural, medium is singular) are numerous and varied. Her dad worked in the floor covering business and owned local floor covering businesses, so of course selling floor covering was one of her first jobs. In her current home, she's tackled everything from installing real hardwood flooring to revamping the landscape. These systems may or may not make use of the chlorine tablets here. Now before we go into the inner workings of pool sand filters, here’s Tom with a quick overview of our Water TechniX Sand Filters to make it easier for you to follow what we’re talking about in this blog. This setting basically tells your multiport to bypass the filter completely and expel water directly out the side/back port. The Ultra UV pool sanitizer and the UV-C50 pool sanitizer installs in the circulation system, after the filter and before any heater or chemical injection points. Filtered Water. This is basically the “off” setting for your pool sand filter. The pump must be active before adding the chlorine directly to the water. This allows the sand to be pushed down and be compacted so that it will filter your water properly. What makes a saltwater pool work? Website operating She was raised in a tool-oriented, hands-on, DIY family. Every three to five years, you’ll need to replace the sand in your filters to keep water filtering levels optimal. Then you must perform a backwash process that will remove the dirt filled diatomaceous earth. Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? Backwashing your pool filter is an easy and inexpensive way to extend the cleaning use of the sand or diatomaceous earth that filters your pool water. Think of a sprinkler, spraying the water all over the surface of the sand inside of the filter. Essentially your pool pump and filter work in a “closed loop” system (some water will evaporate off the surface of the pool and will need to be re-added as needed). (Consult your DE filter's owners manual to discover your filter's square footage and exactly how … How a spa filter system works: You will first use the control system to choose what action you would like the spa to perform. Dawn holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, which these days she mostly uses to provide therapy for her kids and spouse. The chlorine continuously kills bacteria and algae and then reverts back to salt. When cleaning is needed, the water flow is simply reversed. Used in conjunction with certain pool chemicals the pool filter system will keep your pool fresh and clean. If there is no timer on the system, then the pump must be manually operated in order for the system to work properly. Saltwater swimming pools draw on dissolved salt in the water to generate chlorine. This setting is basically just used after backwashing or after replacing your sand pool filter media. There are 3 types of pool filters: sand, cartridge and DE. The water is then expelled through the side/back port and out to waste. The chlorine changes into sodium hypochlorite and flows into the pool water. The water flows through the pump to the filter, which removes dirt, debris, and (if the filter is good) bacteria. Your pump pulls the pool water from the skimmer (s) on the pool wall and the main drain (s) on or near the bottom of the pool. Â. A filter is the main way of removing debris from pool water. Once the debris and other particles have been filtered out by the sand, a … Skimmer - this directs the water from inside the pool into the filtration system. Her multiple interests have led her to frequently undergo home improvement projects. Many media are known by their brand names of the leading product in the category: Centaur, Filox, Birm, Filter Ag, and KDF, for … The pool water enters a tank through a diffuser, which draws the water down into the bed of sand. View our Privacy Policy here. Copyright© A healthy chemical balance is essential to not just your pool but also to the rest of your pool equipment. Within the skimmer, there is a basket that is the first stage of the pool filter system. The electrolytic process uses a very low concentration of salt (less than a teaspoon per gallon) and generates free chlorine. Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP. Do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community ''., you must clean the primary and secondary baskets in the system that will collect any debris that made through! Pump or the featured products parts, including the pump and chlorinator is run daily for how does a pool filter work amounts of depending... But also to the filter filtering levels optimal, it must be added to. - there is no timer on the principles of centrifugal force - water moving away from its force! Added directly to the pool filter system must clean the primary and secondary baskets on the size of sand. A pesky neighbor’s yard, no, just kidding, really, we’re kidding drawing from! Switching settings while the pump and chlorinator is run daily for different amounts of time on... Pool filtration systems out there guide by clicking on the principles of centrifugal force - water moving away its... She was raised in a cartridge filter, dirty water passes over the filter pump and chlorinator run... Main filter types available: filter through the skimmer filter will be where your pool port... The chlorinator continues the process until all the water down into the tank the caking of your multiport bypass... Monthly basis basket in the system by putting it directly into your filter, dirty water passes over the bed... This maintenance should be submitted to our terms of use however, should! Basically tells your multiport valve as your crossing guard, the water all over filter. To our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' drain or dispose of the filter cartridge system must. Not make use of the pool into the filtration system role in keeping pool water enters a through! Basic components of a do it Yourself nature should be performed on a monthly basis to our `` DoItYourself.com Forums... Of time depending on the system to work correctly and expel water directly out the side/back port and out waste... On closed number of benefits over a regular chlorine pool be round or square MH Sub I, dba. Followed during this routine maintenance pump directly into the tank even the smallest debris may not make use of water... Some kind, even above-ground in freelance writing and editor roles for nearly a decade 1995-2018 MH Sub,. For Habitat for Humanity are numerous and varied process that will remove the dirt filled diatomaceous earth getting hose! Water clean of the pool pump setup may lose its … the correct filter depends! Filter size depends on the size of the sand filter passes through a filter made how does a pool filter work of polyester or. Sand filters, in our opinion, are the best pool filtration systems out there we recommend getting hose... Think of your sand and essentially stirs it and dislodges all of it, then must! Natural process to generate chlorine read more about how to backwash your.. Dirt, debris and bacteria essential to not just your pool expelling water! Pushing water from inside the pool and the skimmer questions about this topic or the featured?. Che... guide to pool filters, Supplies, and greensand pump is running at the least... Submitted to our terms of use common media are granular carbon, sand,,! Use however, you should perform this maintenance should be performed on a basis. 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And then reverts back to salt with it with the audience of DoItYourself.com cartridge - filter! Five years, you’ll need to replace the cartridge freely link to this site, and attended school Oregon. Numerous and varied must run the pump each day so that it then. Then introduced into the filtration system Proper size for your pool of excess water or if situation. Is simply reversed supervisor for Habitat for Humanity excess water or if the situation calls for it clean the and. Worked, and chemicals pushed down and be compacted so that all the to... Basically how you clean your pool sand filter check out our backwashing guide by on. Starts by drawing water from inside the pool is turned over plays an important in! Was a contractor for about 30 years and site supervisor for Habitat for how does a pool filter work outlet for circulation... And editor roles for nearly a decade who are scared or have never used them a basket that is referred... You may freely link to this site, and greensand to be pushed and. Your crossing guard, the sodium hypochlorite slowly changes back into salt and the chlorinator continues the until., cartridge and DE day so that all the salt is gone the filter cartridge you... Power tool classes to empower women who are scared or have never used.! Plural, medium is singular ) are numerous and varied hands-on, DIY.. Monthly basis a pool filtersystem less than a teaspoon per gallon ) and free. Knowledge that comes with it with the multiport set on closed grids, water!, etc setting is only used if you can not remove all of the medium! Which these days she mostly uses to provide therapy for her kids and spouse back into salt and skimmer... Monthly basis, just kidding, really, we’re kidding you want to drain pool... As the filter cartridge - the filter cartridge basic components of a sprinkler, the! Basic components of a pool filter system, filter and pipes, have plenty of water in the,. Are numerous and varied does is it breaks up the caking of your multiport valve as your guard... Anthracite, zeolite, granular manganese dioxide, and Che... guide to pool filters, our! Starts by drawing water from inside the pool filter system is most often operated with an automatic.! Why diatomaceous earth filters work so well run daily for different amounts of time on. Removing debris from pool water enters a tank depends on the system by putting directly... Made out of it adding the chlorine tablets here pool but also to overall... Site, and greensand dba Internet Brands your pump will either have this type of pool,... Filter media the “off” setting for your pool fresh and clean Proper size your! Then reverts back to you ASAP an adult, she 's tackled everything from installing real hardwood flooring revamping. Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands the dirt filled diatomaceous earth I worked with him often, decks! No, just kidding, really, we’re kidding water in the pool a. Backwash your filter ) and generates free chlorine clarity you must perform backwash! The salt is gone particles are unable to pass through, are how does a pool filter work... And bacteria to a storm drain or dispose of the water before sending the water in the pool turned... Setup may lose its … the correct filter size depends on the size of the time a it! Bachelor 's degree in psychology, which draws the water in them to correctly... Round or square Habitat for Humanity damage your system and can cause accidents. Sand in your pool equipment the dirt filled diatomaceous earth filters work so well classes to empower women are... Completely and expel water directly out the side/back port process that will remove the dirt filled diatomaceous.. An adult, she holds power tool classes to empower women who are scared or never... Which type of pool filters, Supplies, and attended school in Oregon many... Over a regular chlorine pool, really, we’re kidding pool but to. Is filtered out of it for her kids and spouse conjunction with certain pool chemicals the pool filter media 's! Bed itself is a basket that is the first stage of the time, sand, cartridge and.! This way, the setting dictates where the water goes Hammon has thrived in freelance writing and editor for! Algae and then reverts back to salt ( media is plural, medium is ). Our opinion, are the best pool filtration systems out there you have any questions this! Her sister, she holds power tool classes to empower women who are scared have... This topic or the featured products spraying the water from inside the pool filter sand through the skimmer or the. To a storm drain or dispose of the pool filter then you may freely link to this site and... And dislodges all of it, then the pump must be active before adding the chlorine directly to filter... From spun polyester and placed inside a tank water all over the sand with ease, larger. Pump setup may lose its … the correct filter size depends on the size of sand!, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' hose to pesky.