Filtration and Circulation

The filtration process varies a bit depending on the type of system, but the concept is the same. Your pool pump sucks water out of your pool through the skimmer and a pool drain. The water passes through a pressurized filter then back into your pool. For proper filtration, you should run your pool pump every day for at least 8 hours. This allows all the water to pass through the filter at least once and helps distribute chemicals.

Pool Pump

There are many sizes of pumps on the market today. Size of your pool, the type of filtration system you have, and other factors like distance the water travels outside the pool through pipes or accessories all dictate the pump you need. You need a pump with the correct horsepower and GPM flow rate.

Types of Filters

1.) Sand Filters: Silica sand is used to filter debris as small as 20 microns. To clean these types of filters, you need to backwash (run the water the opposite way) every few weeks.

2.) Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters are considered a step up from sand filters because they are easier to maintain and can trap debris down to about 10 microns. The filter puts less backpressure on your pump, so your pump can run more efficiently. These filters should be hosed off once or twice a year and replaced according to manufacturer specifications.

3.) D.E. Filters: Diatomaceous earth coats grids in the filter housing and can trap debris smaller than 5 microns. These filters are maintained by backwashing and adding more DE powder.

Return to Pool

After the water passes through the filter, optional equipment like a heater or a chlorinator can be placed in the return line.