swim pool society

Filtration and Circulation

Proper Cleaning and Filtration:

Keeping the pool and surrounding area clean from organic debris is fundamental to maintaining a healthy pool environment. Proper filtration requires that the pool pump and filter are in good operating condition; the pump and filter are running long enough daily; and water is circulating effectively. A clean pool will minimize water chemistry problems.

1.) Wash the pools waterline as necessary to remove built up oils and mineral deposits. There are many brands of over the counter tile and vinyl cleaners for this.

2.) Remove debris from skimmer basket(s), and pump trap basket as necessary, (never operate your pool pump without these in place; they are your only defense against plugged lines and or pump impeller). Use hand held skimmer net and pole to quickly remove floating debris from the pool.

3.) Vacuum Pool as necessary:

When vacuuming, your pool filters multi-port valve, (mpv.), should be set to the filter/vacuum to pool position for ordinary cleaning. If the pool has a large amount of fine debris, such as when vacuuming a freshly opened pool that had a mesh safety winter cover, set the mpv. to the drain/vacuum to waste position. This allows you to quickly remove fine debris without having to constantly backwash the filter; you must realize that when the mpv. is set in the drain/vacuum to waste position you have a finite amount of time to vacuum before the water level falls too low to continue vacuuming, at which point you need to add more water to the pool before continuing.

a.) close all suction lines, (main drain, second skimmer, deep water outlet, etc.), except for the skimmer you will use to vacuum.

b.) attach vacuum head to vacuum pole, attach swiveling end of vacuum hose to vacuum head, connect other end of vacuum hose to vacuum plate.

c.) Place the vacuum head into the pool and fill the vacuum hose with water by either holding the hose end with vacuum plate over a return inlet or by feeding the vacuum hose down into the pool starting with the vacuum head until you get to the vacuum plate, (you should see water come up through the hose if done properly).

d.) In a swift motion take the end of the hose with the vacuum plate on and place it down into the skimmer through the lid opening; be sure to position the vacuum plate so that it is centered over the skimmer basket. Never vacuum the pool without the skimmer basket in place; it is necessary to catch leaves and other large debris to avoid a potential plugged circulation line.

e.) Begin vacuuming the pool in a smooth steady motion. Begin in the shallowest portion of the pool and work methodically towards the deepest area. If during the vacuuming process the vacuum rate begins to slow, (i.e. you are having trouble picking up debris), this is a sign that the filter may be getting plugged. Check the filter pressure and if necessary clean the filter; otherwise look for an obstruction in the vacuum head, hose, skimmer basket, or pump trap basket and remove it. Do not lift the vacuum head out of the water while vacuuming as this will allow air to be drawn into the pool pump causing it to lose its prime.

f.) When finished, turn off the pool pump, remove vacuum hose and plate from the skimmer, empty skimmer basket and pump trap basket if necessary, backwash or clean filter if necessary, otherwise turn pump back on leaving the mpv. set in the filter/vacuum to pool position.

4.) Clean pool filter when necessary:

It is necessary to clean your filter when the filter pressure rises to a value that is 5-10 psi. greater than the filter pressure when it is clean, (just after cleaning). For instance lets say you just cleaned your filter, you turn the pump back on and the clean filter pressure is 12 psi., and the manufacturer suggests cleaning the filter when the pressure rises 10 psi.. You do not need to clean your filter until the filter pressure has risen to a value of 22 psi. It is important to clean the filter promptly when the pressure has risen to this point; allowing the pressure to build higher will result in poor circulation that may cause water chemistry problems, unsanitary water or your pool heater may not turn on. Equally important is that you not clean the filter before it has reached the 10 psi. threshold. As the filter pressure rises,your filter is slowly becoming a finer filter, allowing it to remove smaller and smaller debris particles. Using our previous example the filter will be a finer filter at 20psi. than at 15 psi. thereby removing more debris at a filter pressure of 20 psi.. If you constantly clean your filter before it has risen to the 10 psi. threshold, you may never experience the crystal clear pool water your filter is capable of producing. You will also have a harder time clearing cloudy pool water when necessary.you may never experience the crystal clear pool water your filter is capable of producing. You will also have a harder time clearing cloudy pool water when necessary.you may never experience the crystal clear pool water your filter is capable of producing. You will also have a harder time clearing cloudy pool water when necessary.

Filter Types:

Filtration is the mechanical cleaning of the pool water. It is the number 1 important element in keeping your pool clean and clear. A proper filter and pump must be able remove particles of dirt and debris caused by the environment and by bathers. A filter will clear cloudy water caused by chemical imbalance and suspended matter in the water. Three common types are:

Cartridge filtersconsist of pleated fabric, typically polyester, arranged in a cylinder form around a rigid core. The fibers of the polyester trap dirt and oils as the water passes through from around the outside of the cylinder and is returned back through to the pool from the center core. They are common in above ground and smaller residential pool applications because they are easy to operate and easily replaced if damaged or worn out. Cartridge filters will give longer service if they kept clean. Regular rinsing of the cartridge will help in removing large debris and there are spray-on cleaners specially formulated to help remove oily buildup not otherwise removed by simple rinsing with water alone. Periodic deep cleaning is important and will not only assure better looking water but longer life from your cartridge as well.A good pool filter cleaner will contain a combination of surfactants for oil and grease removal, as well as agents which will readily dissolve away built up minerals. It is recommended to have aspare backup cartridge because it will help extend cartridge life. This allows you to quickly exchange the cartridges when needed and to clean the dirty ones at a convenient time. Once cleaned, allow the cartridges to dry before reinstalling them. This allows the fibers to expand and fluff up thus providing more effective filter area. You will also find your cartridges will last longer before requiring replacement.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filterscome in a variety of forms and are not as common as sand or cartridge filters. Typically they consist of a fine mesh fabric configured in a variety of shapes or forms including bags, grids or screens and “fingers”. DE is a fine white powder composed of the skeletal remains of microscopic organisms that lived millions of years ago. These skeletons are mined from the earth and cleaned. The powder is applied to the surface of the fabric and acts to trap dirt as the pool water passes through it. As the DE becomes clogged with dirt, it is washed off of the fabric and replaced with new DE to begin the process all over. DE provides excellent dirt trapping ability. The removal and recoating can be a chore and also leaves a disposal problem with the dirty material. As with other filters, the fabric on DE filters must be kept clean.If oils accumulate on the fabric the DE will not adhere properly and the resulting “holes”, areas with little or no DE in place, will allow water to pass through without good dirt removal. As with cartridge filters, regular cleaning with a quality pool filter cleaner, either the spray-on or the deep soak type, is needed in addition to the replacement of the DE when it becomes clogged.
Sand filtersutilize sharp edged sand as the filtering medium. Sand grains are placed within a filter tank. Water flows down through the sand either under pressure or by vacuum. The dirt and debris becomes trapped within the grains of sand. The more dirt, the finer the filtration as this improves its ability to remove very small particles. Sand is regarded as a good filtering media because it does not react to most chemicals. In addition, the particles are irregular in shape so they tend to interlock which creates a fine filtering material. As sand filters become clogged with dirt, the filter begins to lose its ability to clean the water. This is most often indicated by a change in pressure on the pressure gauge or reductions in flow rate through the filter.When the flow rate through the filter becomes restricted due to the buildup of dirt and other matter in the sand, a process known as “backwashing” is used. Backwashing involves reversing the flow of water through the filter, which in turn causes the sand and dirt to “loosen”. As this process takes place, the loose-trapped dirt will be washed out from between the sand grains and flushed from the filter. Avoid unnecessary backwashing. Backwashing should only be performed when the pressure gauges indicate high pressure. This is typically no more often than once every week or two.the loose-trapped dirt will be washed out from between the sand grains and flushed from the filter. Avoid unnecessary backwashing. Backwashing should only be performed when the pressure gauges indicate high pressure. This is typically no more often than once every week or two.the loose-trapped dirt will be washed out from between the sand grains and flushed from the filter. Avoid unnecessary backwashing. Backwashing should only be performed when the pressure gauges indicate high pressure. This is typically no more often than once every week or two.

Backwashing:

To backwash a sand filter and in some cases a diatomaceous earth filter:

1.) Turn off pool circulation pump.

2.) Push handle on mpv. down and move to backwash position.

3.) Turn on pool circulation pump.

4.) Let pump run for about 1 minute or until waste water is clear.

5.) Turn pump off and turn to the filter to waste or rinse setting.

6.) Turn pump on and let it run approximately 15 seconds or until the waste water is clear.

7.) Turn off pump and turn mpv. handle back to the filter/vacuum to pool position.

8.) Turn pump back on.

The irregular shape of sand grains allows the grains to fit together tightly and thus help to trap fine particles of dirt. In time, the grains will lose their irregular shape and begin to form smooth surfaces, which do not filter as well. Often sand in this condition is considered old and in need of replacement. However, a good filter cleaner will actually remove the buildup of oils and grease and return the sand to a like-new condition. Sand filters should be cleaned once or twice per year in residential pools, and as often as every 3 months in commercial pools. Replace the sand every 5 years.