Common Swimming Pool Filter Mistakes

One aspect of pool care that is often overlooked is the pool filter. This is one of the most critical 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 chemicals, running the pool for long hours, and still wonder why the water is cloudy.

The pool filter also looks intimidating to the new owner, and many 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. About 80% of all problems you will encounter with your pool care are filter-related. So, the filter may be the issue if your pool has constant cloudy water and algae or the chemicals do not hold weekly.

Interestingly, many pool builders skimp on the filter size when they install a pool. 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 avoid a Sand Filter unless the pool is used for Commercial purposes, like an Apartment Complex or Hotel. They 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 is just too small for the best water quality.

Cleaning the filter is quite simple, and I have videos on cleaning most pool filters on my YouTube Channel. Once you do it, you will not find it that difficult. Avoid these common mistakes with a D.E. Filter:
I am not adding D.E. after cleaning or backwashing the filter. Add more D.E. for the filter size.
Adding too much D.E.
Do not clean the filter at least every six months.
Operating the filter with torn or broken grids.

For Cartridge filters, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
We need to clean the filter more often.
Using old cartridges in the filter (usually, when the bands break, it is time for a new cartridge – or if the wrinkles are spread apart – the media should be tight).
Use an undersized Cartridge filter for your pool.
Adding D.E. to the filter (Cartridge filters do not require D.E.).

Here are some common Sand Filter errors:
You have a pump that is too large for your filter size (a massive H.P. pump like a 1.5 or 2 H.P. pump will cause the filter to run poorly – Sand Filters run better with less water flow).
Backwashing too often (Sand filters run better when dirty. Don’t backwash unless the filter PSI gets 9-10 lbs. above the clean reading).

You are notRunning your pool short 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. I suggest investing in professional cleaning equipment, such as a suitable vacuum hose, vacuum head, and a sturdy pool pole. High-quality equipment ensures the pool will be adequately maintained each week, which also helps with the overall pool filtration and water quality.

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