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Your filter is your last line of
defense in trapping the debris on a constant basis. That's why
it's so important to use the right type and keep it operating
as cleanly as possible.
Basic Filter
Types:
Sand Filters
This is basically a big
canister of sand that helps trap dirt and debris as water is
forced through it.
Cartridge Filters
Pleated filament cartridges
inside have a large surface volume to catch whatever water
pushes through them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth, which is
composed of the skeletons of microscopic sea creatures, is the
most effective, but also the most complex. DE Powder is used
to coat the surface of a grid inside the filter. As water
passes through the holes inside the DE powder, dirt gets
trapped allowing clean water to pass through the grid and back
into the pool.
Keeping
Filters Clean
First, you have to know when
your filter needs cleaning. Take note of the pressure gauge on
the filter. When it goes up to 10 pounds per square inch above
its normal operating level, it's usually a good time to clean
your filter.
Here's How You Clean Specific
Filter Types:
Sand Filters
Reverse the flow of water by
turning your regulator valve at the top of the tank to
backwash. The backwash cycle should last until water passing
through the site glass looks clean. Then turn the valve to the
rinse position, and run this cycle for at least 30 seconds.
When the filter is very dirty, it is good to repeat the
process two or three times. Never turn the valve while the
pump is running.
Cartridge Filters
Simply remove the cartridge and
clean it under pressure with a garden hose. Then soak the
cartridge in a Filter Clean solution to help remove oils and
dirt the garden hose didn't get. We recommend keeping two
cartridges so that you always have a clean one on hand while
the other is soaking.
DE Filters
Clean your DE filter as you
would a sand filter. But be sure to add new Diatomaceous Earth
powder after each backwashing. To do this, mix DE in a bucket
of water until it has a milky consistency, then slowly pour it
through the skimmer while the pump is running. At the
beginning of each season, disassemble the filter completely
and clean the grids with DE Filter Clean solution. |
