Improving Pool Filtration

By Marcus Packer - Pool Magazine

Ask 100 Pool Professionals what their preferred method of filtration is and you may get 100 different answers.

Many pool owners are looking for cost effective ways to improve the filtration in their swimming pool. The topic of pool filtration is one that garners many different opinions. Depending on who you ask, you may get a completely different answer as to what the most effective filtration product on the market is for residential pools.

We asked service technicians from across the country which products and methods they recommend in order to improve filtration in the pool. Here’s what they said:

Pool Pros sound off about their favorite filtration methods

“Filtration is the key to clean, clear and safe swimming pool water. Homeowners need to be doing regularly scheduled filter cleans every 4-6 months,” said Jeffery Johnston of Quality Clear Pools.

“Some pools have smaller filters and require monthly and even weekly cleanings. Keeping accurate maintenance logs will help with keeping filtration optimal. Keeping the chemicals balanced and using enzymes along with the VSF pumps on the market today help with filtration.” said Johnston.

“In our experience in maintaining swimming pools there are three areas that we use to focus on keeping pools clean and safe for our clients,” said Paul Putscher of Pool Keepers in East Texas, “the three most important areas are chemistry, circulation, and filtration. Chemistry has gotten a lot of focus, circulation gets a fair share regarding pump and pipe sizing, yet filtration appears to be the least focused on.“

Of the three main types of filters we run across in residential pools, sand, DE, and cartridge filters all have their own subtle nuances and preference with pool professionals.

“Sand filters are the oldest type of water filtration, dating back to how the Romans filtered water and are the most common filters found," said Putscher, "Cartridge filters on the other hand start out cleaning at about 20 microns and as they get dirty, get down to about 10 microns when it's time to clean the cartridges. DE filters start at 1-3 microns and get no lower. When they get dirty a backwash and replenishment of DE is required."

“Sand filters need to run longer than the other two types to keep our pools clean and safe. The designed flow rates of filters should also be considered,” said Putscher.

“Sand should flow about 20 gallons per square foot of filter area. Cartridge is 1 gpm per square foot, and DE is designed to handle 2 gpm per square foot. Plumbing should also be taken into consideration. Knowing the design flow rates of all our filters is helpful in the proper operation and cleaning of our pools,” explained Putscher.

Cole Daasnes of Poseidon Pool Service tends to favor cartridge filters because they are prevalent in his particular market. "As a West Coast service company, we always recommend cartridge filters. My personal recommendation is to always slightly oversize the filter and whenever possible use a Jandy CV passthrough filter as it reduces overall dynamic head," said Daasnes.

“We prefer cartridges based on type of debris. Sand filters are better for suction side and areas of fine debris like sand and dust. A bonus is you can backwash the system and it keeps you from having to do manual maintenance of breaking down the filters and cleanings them manually. DE is the finest type of filter, Meaning it catches the smallest debris. I also like the idea of being able to replace cartridges easily. From a service/ maintenance stance it’s easier to sell replacement filters than to change out sand and less parts breaking than DE system (specifically the grids),” explained Daasnes.