Pools are a ton of fun, but they can also be a lot of work. When it is time to enjoy the sun and go for a swim, you want a clean pool that doesn’t need constant maintenance. That can be a hard balance to strike. Learn about each type of filter and when they work best before calling the Pittsburgh pool installers. You may be willing to skim the pool more if it saves you money. Or, maybe you would rather pay for the upkeep and have the cleanest pool on the block.

Cartridge Pool Filters

Cartridge pool filters are the most common sold with inflatable or collapsible frame pools. They work best with small pools and variable speed pumps. The cartridge will filter out particles larger than 5 microns, which is very effective. These filters are inexpensive and only need to be replaced once a year. The maintenance for cartridge filters is easy. Once a month, take out the filter and rinse it. Every three months, it is recommended that the filter be soaked in detergent for a deep clean. This type of filter is more environmentally friendly than others because you don’t need to backwash the system. Backwashing can waste almost 500 gallons of water each time.

Sand Pool Filters

Sand filters may not be the most effective, but they are the least expensive. Sand filters remove particles over 25 microns in size. They are great for use in saltwater pools. The sand in the filter lasts around five to seven years before it needs to be replaced. However, sand filters require regular maintenance. You must keep an eye on the pressure in the filter. If it gets too high, then sand is clogging up the filter and it requires backwashing. Before you backwash the filter, consider where to dump all the runoff water. If you start to see sand inside the pool, then it is time to backwash the filter. This will need to be done monthly at a minimum.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

Diatomaceous earth, or DE, filters will keep your pool the cleanest. It removes particles larger than 3 microns. Because of this, DE filters are required for most public pools. These filters are the most expensive option, which makes them less popular for residential pools. DE filters also require backwashing monthly in order to work properly. When the filter requires backwashing, you will notice the pressure in the filter increasing. After cleaning it, you may have to top off the level of diatomaceous earth inside the filter.