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| | Above Ground Pool Filtration
Filtering Your Above Ground Pool Water
The job of the filtration system is to remove any undissolved dirt and debris from the pool water. While
the skimmer basket, and the hair and lint basket in the pump are all factors in the filtering of pool
water, the primary element we'll address here is the filter iteself.
There are three types of filters that are used in swimming pools to remove dirt and debris from swimmers and the environment:
- Sand Filters
- Cartridge Filters
- Diatomaceous Earth (D.E)
Sand Filters
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Sand filters, although not as efficient as cartridge filters, are the least expensive out of all other
pool filters. Sand filters use a large mass of sand to collect and trap dirt as dirty water runs though
the sand. They are capable of filtering out dirt particles 20 to 25 microns in size. Dirt is removed from
a sand filter by "backwashing" or reversing the water flow. The filter should be backwashed when the
pressure gauge indicates a 7-10 lb increase over normal operating pressure (the pressure reading on the
pressure gauge when the filter is completely clean). Sand filters are more efficient when they are slightly
dirty so they should only be backwashed when required by increased pressure.
Pool Essentials offers a Sand Filter Pack with a 1.5 HP motor and 150 pounds of #20 Silica as the filter
element. This filter is for above ground pools up to 16,000 gallons or Koi ponds.
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Cartridge Filters
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Cartridge filters are tanks that use polyester cartridges to filter out small particles of dirt. These
filters can trap particles as small as 5 to 10 microns in size (dirt impossible to see with the naked eye).
Cartridge filters are easy to maintain. Dirt remains in the cartridge until you are ready to replace it
or wash it away. The cartridges can be soaked in cleaning solution or rinsed off to wash away some of the
larger particles of dirt. Replacement of the cartridge is recommended at least once every two swim seasons.
For a complete guide on how to clean a cartridge filter see our
cartridge filter maintanence
guide.
Pool Essentials has a variety of cartridge filters
and replacement filter elements at very low prices.
Whether you are looking to maintain an above ground pool or in ground pool we have the cartridge filter
you are looking for.
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DE Filters
D.E. filters are the most efficient of all pool filters. They are capable of filtering debris smaller than
any other filters, including cartridge filters.
Like sand, the D.E. Filter is cleaned by backwashing the filter when pressure increases 7-10 lbs. over normal
operation pressure. However, once the filter as been backwashed, new D.E. must be added to coat the grids in
the filter. Do this by pouring D.E. through the skimmer.
To remove oils and other natural build-up, D.E. filter grids should be cleaned at least every two months.
Also, at least once a year, disassemble and clean the entire D.E. filter thoroughly and inspect the grids
for tears or rips in the grids.
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