Pool filters come in many shapes, sizes and types, but they all serve the same purpose: To keep your swimming pool clean and ready for some fun in the sun. However, from time to time filters will get clogged and work far less efficiently at removing all the junk that you don’t want floating around with you next time you take a swim. When this happens, it is time to either fix or replace the filter.
If you need to fix or replace a filter for your swimming pool, there are some essential pieces of information that you should be aware of, just the same as if your water cooler or shower head had filtration problems. The following is a condensed breakdown of these issues:
First, you should have a basic knowledge of how these filters work and more broadly how all of the pool filter parts work in tandem. Next, you should know the dimensions of your pool so that you can determine what size filter is appropriate for your unique setup. Additionally, be sure you become intimately familiar with any instructional materials included with either your filter or your pool. 9 times out of 10, this information is vital to helping you keep your pool cleaner for longer, without having to resort to expensive maintenance.
Beyond these basics, you should also have a grasp on the three basic types of pool filter: Sand filters, DE (“diatomaceous earth filters”) and cartridge filters. Each kind of filter uses slightly different parts (similarly to some pool products such as Fluval filters), works a little differently and requires different maintenance. Therefore, a working knowledge of these differences can save you time and money. Let’s take a closer look!
Thanks to Youtube user hughesjasonc for this video on basic pool filter operation:
Sand Filters
Sand filters are one of the most basic filtration options since they have fewer pieces than most. Inside the sand filter housing, there are 2 pieces of tubing or piping, one near the top and one near the bottom. The dirty water comes in through the top pipe, pours on top of the sand, filters down through the sand where particles of dirt and debris are trapped, and ultimately heads wotward to the bottom of the filter where it flows into the bottom pipe to be sent back to the pool as clean water.
Most sand filters consist of a housing that contains #20 silica sand, and the housing itself generally ranges from 45-55 mm in diameter. Sand filters will trap any particles larger than 20 microns, and as the sand collects particles from the pool water, the filter will become more efficient and trap more dirt. This means that the filter gets better at its job over time.
On the top of the filter is a gauge. This gauge shows how much sand and debris is inside the filter. A normal reading is up to 10 pounds so when the gauge reads above that number, it is time to clean (or “backwash”) the sand in the filter to keep the entire unit working at its most efficient. The sand, itself, should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, but should only need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
As far as price goes, most sand filters run in the $200-$400 range, depending on size.
A typical sand pool filter
DE Filters
Diatomaceous earth filters are generally considered to be the best type of pool filter, at least if you can afford them. Because of the size of diatomaceous earth particles, these filters can remove any particle larger that 5-8 microns from your pool water. This means that your pool will stay cleaner longer and algae growth will be delayed for the longest amount of time.
DE swimming pool filter parts are more complex than sand filters, yet another factor that accounts for the increased price. DE filters have all of the parts that sand filters have, but they also contain a “filter grid.” This grid is covered by nylon fabric that catches and holds the diatomaceous earth particles to filter the water.
So how do DE filters work? Diatomaceous earth is placed into the filter at the skimmer. As the water flows through the filter, the diatomaceous earth becomes trapped in the nylon fabric and begin to trap particles of dirt and waste in the water. The cleaned water will then flow to the bottom of the housing and flow into the lower pipe to be returned to its final destination: Your pool.
Like sand filters, DE filters contain a pressure gauge. Also like sand filters, when the pressure rises above 10 pounds of pressure, the filter will need to be backwashed to remove the dirt particles from the DE and nylon screen. After this is done, a new coating of DE powder will need to be applied to the screens. These filters will also require a complete breakdown once a year to completely clean the filter grids and screens.
DE filters run in the $400-$600 price range, again depending on the size of filter required.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters, the last type on our list, are some of the least expensive swimming pool filters, and are the most commonly used for smaller, above ground pools. Cartridge filters are pleated paper filters and, catching only particles larger than 25 microns, are the least efficient type of pool filter. However, they are also the least expensive so there’s a price/performance balance to be considered here.
Cartridge filters contain swimming pool filter parts similar to DE filters. The biggest difference is that DE filters use a grid while cartridge filters use, unsurprisingly, a cartridge. Other than that, these units functional in a nearly identical fashion.
Cartridge filters are also the easiest to clean. Simply remove the cartridge, spray the pleats with a hose from top to bottom to remove the dirt and place the cartridge back into the filter. On average and assuming adherence to a regular cleaning schedule, the cartridges usually need to be replaced every 2-5 years.
As I said before, a replacement cartridge is probably the least expensive swimming pool filter part to replace, ranging from $40-$100. The whole filter may range from $100-$500, quite inexpensive compared to many competing filter types.
Where to Find Filters and Parts
You can find pool filters and replacement parts from almost any pool supplier. There are numerous specialty pool stores, as well as many suppliers online. A simple search online for exactly what you are looking for will bring up a list of suppliers, either online or local. Whether you are looking for a complete filter system or a replacement pool filter part, a little shopping around may help you find the best price.
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