Let’s cut to the chase: without proper filtration swimming pools the world over would quickly devolve into fetid, algae-riddled, mosquito incubators. Pool filtration systems have evolved over the years but the principle has remained the same; to remove dirt, debris and fine contaminants from the pool water so that your swimming experience is enjoyable and healthy.
A Quick Primer on Pool Filters From Our Pool Builders
We polled our Toronto pool builders on some questions related to the function and importance of the pool’s filtration system. Here’s what they had to say.
- Why is the pool filter so important? – Because without it you wouldn’t have a pool. Some will point out that the Romans had public baths 2000 years ago and they didn’t have fancy water filters. That’s true but the public baths weren’t pools of standing water. They were constantly replenished with fresh water from the local aqueduct. You can use the Roman model if you like. Good luck with that water bill.
- How does the filter keep the water clean? – The pool filter works alongside the pool pump to form the pool filtration system. The pump pushes water through the filter which removes the aforementioned dirt, debris and particulates. The clean water is then returned to the pool by the pump. It can take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to ‘turn over’ all the water in your pool and up to 4 ‘turnovers’ for the filter to thoroughly clean the pool after a pool party.
- What size filter is right for my pool? – Filter size is typically determined by things like flow requirements. However, because the filter will become progressively dirtier and more clogged it’s wise to get a filter that’s larger than flow requirements indicate. This is to make sure the filter is still able to do its job even if you forget to clean it at the scheduled time.
- What are my filter options? – Today’s pool owner has 3 basic filter options: sand, cartridge and DE or Diatomaceous Earth filters. Here are some details on the three types of filters.
- Sand filters: Pool builders install more of these than any other type of filter. This filter uses a special type of sand whose rough edges snag particles and prevent them re-entering the pool. It may seem odd but the more clogged the filter gets the more effective it is; to a point. Because it isn’t too long before the law of diminishing returns takes over and the clogged sand begins putting a strain on the pump.
- Cartridge filters: Cartridge filters work on the same principle as the oil filter in your car. Water is forced through a filter made of synthetic materials that snag the particles and prevent them returning to the pool. Cartridge filters are known for being easy to use and maintain. Just rinse it off regularly and every so often, replace it outright.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters: The DE filter is composed of the fossilized skeletons of diatoms; which is more than a little ironic as diatoms are a form of algae. Millions of these tiny fossils are used to sift the water of unwanted contaminants. As the filter gets dirtier you’ll get a pressure backup as you will with a sand filter. Pool builders consider the DE filter to be the most effective type by far.
The pool filtration system is the thing that makes your swimming pool possible. It’s a simple idea that works along with the pool chemicals to create the sparkling water we all take for granted. Call the pool builders at Seabreeze with all your pool filtration questions or to discuss installing a beautiful inground swimming pool in your Toronto backyard.