Learn more about your pool’s filter.

Your pool is constantly exposed to foreign matter and contamination.  However, your filter works hard to keep your pool water clean and pristine.  Your pool’s filter is an integral part of your pool system, so take the time to learn a little bit more about it.  Here is some more information about the three basic types of pool filters.

DE Filters

These filters use a series of fabric-covered grids coated in a filtration substance known as DE.  DE is a fine white powder that allows water to pass through while it traps impurities.  The two types of DE filters are vertical grid and spin filters.  Spin filters are essentially obsolete, so we’ll focus on vertical grid filters.  In a vertical grid filter, water enters the bottom of the tank and flows up around the outside of the grids.  Then it flows through the grids, where the DE filters out any impurities.  The clean water is then pumped out of the filter.

Sand Filters

Sand filters look like large balls and they use sand as their purification medium.  The sand strains out impurities as water filters through.  The water enters through the top of the filter, filters through the sand, and exits through the bottom of the filter.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters operate in a similar fashion to DE filters, just without the DE. Water flows into the tank which houses cylindrical cartridges made of fine, pleated mesh material. The tight mesh fabric filters out impurities. Unlike DE and sand filters that require backwashing, when it’s time to clean the cartridges, all you need to do is remove and wash them.

These are the basics about the three major types of pool filters.  For more information about your pools’ parts or for assistance with maintaining your pool, contact the professionals at Clean & Clear Pools.  Located in Danville, California, we serve the Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Alamo, and Danville communities.

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