The Three Basic Types of Filters

• Sand Filter - Water passes through sand to filter out the debris.

• Diatomacous Earth (D.E.) Filter - This system uses a filter cloth covered framework, with a D.E. filter powder (a white siliceous earth composed of the shells of single celled creatures). This powder coating provides the most efficient filtration, catching even the most minute particles.

• Cartridge Filter - Water passes through a replaceable fiber cartridge (usually reinforced polyester) to filter out the debris.

Cleaning requirements

Your pressure gauge is a good indicator of when you need to clean your filter. If it reaches 5-8 PSI above the initial systems starting pressure, it’s time to clean! Before cleaning, always turn the pump off and follow your manufactures cleaning instructions.

• Sand Filters - Backwash first. If this does not bring the pressure down, then perform a manual cleaning. Sand filters are the most difficult filters to manually clean, the good news is, most require a complete clean out only once every 5-6 years.

• D.E. Filter - Backwash first. If this does not bring the pressure down, then a manual cleaning is in order. D.E. filters are the second most difficult filters to clean (usually, once a year is adequate depending on swimming load and debris in pool area).
• Cartridge Filter - No backwash option on this filter. Cartridge filters are the easiest to do a complete clean out on, however require more frequently cleanings (cleaning requirements depend on the swim load and also the debris around the pool).

The bigger the filter or cartridge, the longer you can usually go between cleanings. We carry Nature 2 Pool Purifiers that insert into your filter cartridge to help reduce chemical usage.

Backwashing, what’s that?
Reversing of the water flow to clean the filter. This type of cleaning can be done with the valve on the filters exterior. It flushes out a lot of dirty water out so stand back!

This is our method for backwashing Sand and D.E. filters:

1. Always follow your manufactures instructions for your model.
2. Turn off pump.
3. Set the filter control valve to backwash.
4. Start the pump and backwash for approximately two minutes; or until the water coming out appears clean.
5. Turn off the pump and set the filter control valve to "Rinse" (note: for slide or push-pull valves, skip to item 7).
6. Turn the pump on and operate for 20 seconds.
7. Turn the pump off and set the filter control valve to "Filter".
   Important: For D.E. filters, proceed as directed by the manufacturer to start, precoat, and add fresh D.E. for the filter.

We do not recommend the use of Diatomaceous earth with cartridge filters. D.E. particles get trapped in the body of the media and shorten the life of the cartridge. If desired, a cellulose fiber (synthetic D.E.) can be used in moderation to improve filtration.

What is the procedure for cleaning my cartridges?

• Remove the cartridge following the manufacturer's instructions.
• We like to do a quick hose off for the big stuff.
• Then we like to soak them overnight. You can soak them in one of the following three solutions:

  • One cup liquid dishwashing detergent or simple green works great (1 part cleaner, 5 parts water)
  • A commercial filter cleaner (follow instructions)
  • One cup Trisodium phosphate to five gallons water

    Important Note: Do not use Trisodium phosphate if using Bacuacil products or products with polyhexamenthylene biqunaide (PHMB) - It will ruin your filter cartridges.

• Use a garden hose with a straight flow nozzle.
• Wash from the top down, holding the nozzle at a 45 degree angle (wash all the pleats with emphasis between pleats).
• Rinse clean and reassemble.

How do I clean my filter if I use Baquacil products?

Baquacil is a mild coagulant product which combines bacterial cells and other small particles in the environment into particles large enough to be trapped by the filter. This makes a sticky film which can only be removed with Baqua Clean. If TSP or any other trisodium phosphate cleaner is used prior to stripping this sticky stuff off, it creates a gum-like substance which cannot be removed. Oh yuck! If this occurs, the filter cartridge must be replaced.

Tips to maximize the life of a cartridge:

• Clean the elements per the manufacturer's cleaning instructions
• Never use a stiff brush to scrub the media
• Maintain a balance of pool and/or spa chemistry
• Do not allow pressure to rise above 8 PSI between cleanings
• Alternate two sets of cartridges when cleaning

Just a reminder
This is the time of the year when the pools really benifit from the addition of a stabilizer/conditioner. It will Reduce chlorine loss caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. Adding the stabilizer in the spring greatly increases chlorine effectiveness and can actually cut chlorine consumption by 25%. a year.

We hope this crash course in filtration has cleared up some of your questions if not, let us know.

We carry a full line of products, including filters, replacement cartridges, Nature 2 Pool Purifiers, and much, much, more all at a great price.