Is a sand filter right for your pool?
Sand filters are the oldest form of filtration for a swimming pool. They consist of a large globe that contains filter sand. As water flows into the filter it passes through the sand. Dirt and other particles become trapped in the sand and allow clean water to return back to the pool.
Filter sand can last 2-5 years between changes, which gives you a very economical filtration system!
Backwashing a sand filter system is part of the regular maintenance you'll need to complete. As particles become trapped in the sand it restricts water from flowing back into the pool. You'll see your pressure gauge start to increase as the sand clogs up with dirt and debris. This is your signal that it's time to backwash. Backwashing will send the dirty water out through another port usually labeled "waste".
At Apex Pool and Spa, we sell filter sand in our retail store, as well as new sand filter systems.
Let's look at a cartridge filter now...
Cartridge filters consisted of a simple 2-piece tank-lid and bottom, with a cartridge inside that tank. The cartridge is very similar to the air filter you can find inside your car.
Water is pulled from the pool into the tank, pushed through the filters. Particles and debris are trapped in the filter membrane/fabric and then clean water returns to the pool. Cartridge filters require very little maintenance, which is a huge plus for many pool owners. Just like with the sand filter system, the pressure gauge will indicate when it's time to clean the filter. Simply remove the filter from the tank, hose it down thoroughly with a garden hose, and return to the tank once clean. No backwashing required!
Most filter cartridges last 1-2 years before needing to be replaced.
At Apex Pool and Spa we sell a variety of pool filters. Our retail store is located at 2602 US-79 in Indian Mound, Tennessee.
When it comes time to close up your pool for the winter, all filtration systems should be drained, cleaned, and brought inside somewhere that they will not be exposed to the elements. They are mad of plastic so the freezing temperatures we see in Middle Tennessee a cause a filter tank to crack. Just a tip-moving a sand filter will probably require more than one adult to help. They can weight anywhere from 100-250 pounds, depending on how much sand they hold.
