Common Errors with your Pool Filter & Your Pool Maintenance - Using Cheap Pool Equipment Fail

One aspect of pool care that is often overlooked is the pool filter. This is actually one of the most important factors in your pool care and one of the main problems with water quality. If the filter is dirty or running poorly water quality will suffer. You will be adding loads of chemicals and running the pool long hours and still wonder why the water is cloudy.
I think the pool filter also looks intimidating to the new pool owner and many just don’t feel comfortable cleaning and maintaining it. One of the first things I do when I get a new service account is to inspect and clean the pool filter. I think about 80% off all problems you will encounter with your pool care is filter related. So, if your pool has constant cloudy water, algae or the chemicals are not holding week to week the filter may be the issue.
Interestingly I find that many pool builders skimp on the filter size when they install a pool. Really it can’t cost them more than $200-$300 more in the pool price to install a full-size filter. What I mean by full size is that if your pool is 15,000 gallons you should have a 300-400 sq. ft. Cartridge filter of a 48 sq. ft. D.E. Filter installed. For a 20,000 to 25,000-gallon pool a 500 sq ft cartridge filter or a 60-100 sq. ft. D.E. Filter would be best. I would stay away from a Sand Filter unless the pool is being used for Commercial purposes like an Apartment Complex or Hotel. They just wouldn’t be my first choice for a residential pool. I see many 15,000-gallon pools with a 100 sq. ft. Cartridge Filter which to me is just too small for the best water quality.
Cleaning the filter is quite simple and I think I have videos on cleaning the majority of pool filters on my YouTube Channel. Once you do it you will find it to not be that difficult. Avoid these common mistakes with a D.E. Filter:
Not adding D.E after cleaning or Backwashing the filter
Not adding enough D.E. for the filter size.
Adding too much D.E.
Not cleaning the filter at least every 6 months.
Operating the filter with torn or broken grids.
For a Cartridge filters here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not cleaning the filter often enough.
Using old cartridges in the filter (usually when the bands start to break it is time for a new cartridge – or if the pleats are spread apart – the media should be tight).
Using an undersized Cartridge filter for your pool.
Adding D.E. to the filter (Cartridge filters to not require D.E.).
Here are some common Sand Filter errors:
Having too large a pump for your filter size (a very large HP pump like a 1.5 or 2 HP pump will cause the filter to run poorly – Sand Filters run better with less water flow).
Backwashing too often (Sand filters run better when they are a little dirty. Don’t backwash unless the filter PSI gets 9-10 lbs. above the clean reading).
Not running your pool long enough (Since Sand Filters are less efficient the pool may need a longer run time).
So, focusing on the filter is one way to ensure a clean pool with crystal clear water each week. Along with having a clean filter is having a clean pool. One thing that I suggest is to invest in professional cleaning equipment. Like a good vacuum hose and vacuum head and a sturdy pool pole. Using high quality equipment ensures the pool will be maintained properly each week which also helps with the overall pool filtration and water quality.
To see more on filter cleaning and to find your specific filter:
Filter Cleaning & Backwashing Videos: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD13B4EF8AB358B02
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