A filter system keeps your pool clean by trapping dirt, debris, and other unwanted particles or substances. There are three general classifications of pool filters and all three types can clean your pool. The choice between the three filter systems depends on certain considerations such as cost, ease of maintenance, location, and other personal preferences. The average homeowner would generally opt for a pool filter cartridge. Compared to the more expensive sand filter and diatomaceous earth (DE) filter, a pool filter cartridge is inexpensive and considered low maintenance.
As the water passes through a pool filter cartridge, the particles are trapped by a fine sieving surface. This filter traps unwanted particles and substances in your pool. These remain in the filter system accumulating until you need maintenance cleaning or cartridge replacement.
A cartridge filter can cover more area than a sand filter. This means that clogging takes longer and maintenance is much less frequent. Unlike the sand filter that requires high pressure to allow water through, a filter cartridge can do the job with lower water pressure. The result is a longer life cycle of your pool pump and there is better water flow throughout the pool system. In terms of particle size that can be filtered, a pool filter cartridge can trap particles between 5 and 10 microns. This is about half the size that a sand filter can catch and hold. A diatomaceous earth filter can capture the finest particle size, but this can be done with a pool filter cartridge by adding flocculants or flocculating agents. They are substances that can join small particles to form a larger particle.
Being inexpensive and low-maintenance, a pool filter cartridge has become the popular choice for homeowners. Cleaning or maintenance work is carried out at least twice a season or at most three times. For sand filters, you should backwash every few weeks when the water flow drops significantly. Backwashing can be a laborious task that pool owners find quite inconvenient.
A pool filter cartridge can be cleaned in three easy steps. The first step is to rinse the cartridge to remove dirt and debris with a normal garden hose. After rinsing, the cartridge is soaked in a filter cleaning solution. Lastly, rinse the cartridge to remove any cleaning solution and other residue left on the filter. It is important not to apply too much water pressure to the cartridge as it will only push dirt and debris deeper into the filter material.
A pool filter cartridge needs to be changed when the pool water takes longer to clean. The water is barely seeping at this point and it could mean that the filter housing is already clogged. Using a water pressure gauge will also help you determine if it is time to replace your pool’s disposable filter cartridge components. The significant pressure loss at the outlet of the pool pump means that water can barely flow through the filter housing.
For an inexpensive, low-maintenance filter system, a cartridge is probably your logical choice.