A filters job is to trap all of the fine dust, dirt, sand, particulates and organics that are in your pool water, creating inviting crystal clear water. Your filter won’t purify your water—that’s the job of chlorine. Filter efficiency is measured by its ability to filter out these small particles, measured in microns (1/1000 of a millimeter). For reference, a grain of salt is about 100 microns, and the human eye can see as small as 35 microns without magnification. A sand filter is the least efficient at removing smaller particles, followed by the cartridge filter and the most efficient, a D.E. filter. Sand filters can remove particles as small as 20-50 microns, Cartridge filters 10-20 microns, and D.E. 1-3 microns. Variable speed pumps help to maximize the effectiveness of a filter, as low velocity gives optimum filtration.
Category: Maintenance
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Salt Chlorinators
The majority of home owners today install a salt chlorinator on their new pool. Even still, people have questions and concerns about the cost, maintenance, and durability of their salt system. The greatest advantage of having a salt chlorinator is automating the process of adding chlorine, thus avoiding the potential of forgetting to add chlorine, causing a drop in sanitization levels and algae blooms.
Be consistent with your water chemistry so you don’t get calcium build up inside your filter.
Consistently clean/backwash your filter when the filter gauge reaches 8-10 psi over startup.
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Is D.E. Safe?
Diatomaceous earth is generally regarded as safe . It is used as a pest control as its course can destroy exoskeletons of many bugs and insects. While no link has been found between human exposure and cancer, it is generally advised to limit your exposure. At the pool, this can happen by creating a slurry instead of dumping the powder directly into the skimmer.
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Preventing algae in your pool
Balanced water chemistry is the key to prevent algae growth. Balanced water doesn’t kill algae, but it prevents it! As Ben Franklin penned, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is never more true than with algae in pools. So keep adequate chlorine levels and pH at all times. Even in the winter time, when it’s cold and algae growth isn’t visible, it is critical to maintain adequate chlorine levels to prevent an algae bloom.
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Mayday! I have algae!
While algae creates problems in swimming pools, they are one of the most important organisms on earth, capturing more of the sun’s energy through photosynthesis than all other plants combined.
Algae problems come because of extreme weather conditions and/or chemical imbalances in your pool. Excessive heat, wind and dust promote algae growth. If your water chemistry is off, then you are destined for an algae bloom. Algae grows best in indirect sunlight and in “dead zone” areas where circulation is poor. Rough or etched surfaces are ideal for algae growth, so it can “dig in” and firmly attach itself to the surface.
A homeowner once called a leak detection service and said, “I’ve got a leak in my pool.” He calmly responds, “Go ahead!”
Does your automatic water leveler always seem to be running? Is there air in your pump basket? Do you have excessive settling in one area by the pool? These are some common signs that you may have a leak.