Pool filtration system makes your pool water clear by removing suspended particles. The process involves passing water through a porous material. Pool filtration also prevents the growth of algae. Filtration does about 80% of the water maintenance while chemical and mechanical treatments do the rest. Ultimately, you will have clean and chemical free pool. Choice of pool filtration system is very important as it determines the maintenance budget and ease of use of your pool.
Types of Pool Filtration
A filter is the main element of a filtration system. There are several types of filters which are:
Cartridge Filtration
Cartridge filtration boasts of easy connection. It provides quality filtration (about 20 microns) using little water. Cleaning involves using a hose to rinse the cartridge. While the system is simple and requires no connection, it is more time consuming compared to sand filtration. Cartridge filters are becoming more popular due to low maintainance.
Sand Filtration
The sand filtration system provides easy cleaning and quality filtration of around 50 microns. However, the installation is quite complicated since it requires sewer drainage. In addition, backwashing process requires a lot of water.
Glass Filtration
This pool filtration system is almost similar to sand filtration. It provides fine filtration and requires low maintenance. However, the system is relatively expensive compared to sand filtration.
Diatomaceous earth Filtration
This pool filtration system provides excellent filtration fineness. However, it is not very common for family pools because it’s technically complex and very
costly.
Pocket Filtration
Pocket pool filtration systems are washable or disposable. They are almost similar to the cartridge system. However, pocket filtration system require more frequent maintenance.
Choosing a Pool Filtration System
When choosing suitable pool filtration systems, you should consider the following features.
Types of Filter
A suitable filter should adapt to the power pump.
Filtration Flow
The flow of filtration is defined according to the volume of the pool. The flow of filtration is the volume of water over hours.
Electrical consumption
Different pool filtration systems have varying power consumption. It’s always good to choose the most economical pumps.
Different elements of a Filtration System
Filters
Filters help to separate impurities, including organic and minerals from water. They make water clear and improve its quality by removing turbidity. Sand filters trap fine particles, dust and dirt. With time they become clogged. As a result, they become less efficient since water cannot pass as easily as it should. It is, therefore, important to ensure you backwash filters at least once a week. Backwashing involves pushing water in opposite direction through the filters. This cleans out the accumulated particles and channels them through the waste pipe.
Pump
The pump helps to circulate water for purification. It consists of a motor, a pre-filter that eliminates coarse impurities and body that consists of a turbine for water circulation. A pool pump sucks water using a skimmer and channels it to the filter before pumping it back to the pool through the refilling nozzles. You can also use a pump to power suction or side cleaner. Typically, a pump should run for 8 to 12 hours a day.
Electrical cabinet
Electrical cabinet connects the pump with the electrical installation of the house. It consists of circuit breaker as safety element and clock that programs filtration time.
The hydraulic system consists of:
Piping
Piping connects the pool with the technical facility. Suitable piping must be resistant to high pressure.
Refilling Nozzle
A refilling nozzle is a fixed component that projects water into the pool using pressure. It directs the flow and allows the best water circulation or hydraulic flow. Refilling nozzle returns filtered water to the pool. The size of the pump depends on the pool size, piping, length, and several elbows. There are numerous pool pumps with varying features. Small pumps tend to be more energy-saving and operate for longer period. Therefore, they provide you with a cleaner pool while consuming little electricity and water.
Skimmer
Skimmer sucks up the floating debris, insects and leaves from the water surface. It consists of a weir and suction cone.
Choosing a pool filtration system is not a light task and should be given the weight it deserves. The choice of pool filtration systems will determine water quality, maintenance budget, and time spent on pool maintenance. Moreover, the system will determine chemical free pools which are vital for the swimmers’ health.
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