Swimming Pool Filters And Pumps – Quick Buyers Guide Article

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Swimming Pool Filters and Pumps – Quick Buyers Guide

Article describes a variety of pool filters and pumps. This guide helps homeowners make an informative decision and choose a suitable pool pumps and filters.

Author: Michael Peterson

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Swimming pool pumps and swimming pool filters are absolutely essential equipment for both above ground and in-ground swimming pools. Together these devices help to keep pool water clean and free of contaminants by removing debris particles as well as microorganisms such as bacteria. As such, filters and pumps for swimming pools are vital to keeping water safe for swimming. Yet, knowing which pool filters and pool pumps to purchase may not seem like an easy task when faced with the numerous different models available on today's market. However, purchasing pool filters and pumps can actually be quite straightforward as long as you have some basic information before you begin your search.

To begin with, it's a good idea to understand what pool pumps and pool filters actually do. Swimming pool pumps are electrically powered devices which serve to circulate pool water. While the circulating action of pool pumps can help to distribute chemicals throughout the pool, the most important function of these pumps is to propel water through the filtration unit. After the water has passed through the filter, the pump then drives the cleansed water back into the swimming pool.

Due to the importance of this function, it's extremely important to ensure that you purchase a pump with a capacity that matches the size and volume of your particular pool. It's also vital to make sure that you use above ground swimming pool pumps and in-ground pool pumps. If you use a pump that is not suitable for your pool, it will not work effectively and your water will not be properly cleaned or circulated. In addition to the capacity of swimming pool pumps, you may also which to pay close attention to features such as energy efficiency and quiet operation.

As for swimming pool filters, these pieces of equipment are responsible for actually removing debris particles and contaminants from the water as it is circulated through the filtration system. Once again, there are pool filters specifically designed for above ground pool and filters designed for in-ground pools. In both cases, filters for swimming pools are available in three basic types – sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth filters. All of these types of filters for pools provide excellent filtration but they differ in the type of filtration media used and in their maintenance requirements.

Sand filters for swimming pools contain sand beds located in a series of chambers. As water is propelled through the filtration unit, the water itself is able to pass through the sand while dirt, algae and other debris particles are trapped in the sand beds. Sand filters are capable of trapping particles as small as 20 to 40 microns and are widely used by pool owners around the world. Sand filters need to be cleaned periodically by flushing water back through the system in a process known as backwashing. Depending on how much your pool is used and the amount of debris that gets into the pool each year, the sand will need to be replaced completely every three to five years.

Cartridge filters for swimming pools use fibrous paper cartridges rather than sand to trap debris particles. These filters are less likely to become clogged than sand filters as they provide a greater surface area for filtration. Cartridge filters for pools are also able to trap a greater range of particles than sand filters and prevent particles as small as 10 to 15 microns from passing through the filtration unit. For pool owners who do not enjoy the process of backwashing, cartridge filters offer an additional benefit as they simply need to be cleaned periodically with a standard garden hose.

Diatomaceous earth or DE swimming pool filters should also be carefully considered by residential pool owners as they provide the best filtration available and are also inexpensive to operate. Diatomaceous earth is a porous powder derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms and is capable of trapping particles and bacteria as small as 2 to 5 microns. DE pool filters require occasional backwashing to keep them working effectively and it's also necessary to replace the diatomaceous earth from time to time. However, diatomaceous earth is widely available and inexpensive.

While you may have a preference as to which type of filter you would like to use for your pool, keep in mind that size is an important consideration for both filters and pumps for swimming pools. For example, although DE filters typically offer superior filtration, a DE filter that is too small for your pool will not work as well as a sand filter that is the right size for your pool. Also, as mentioned previously, pump size is also an important consideration. However, by keeping the size of your pool in mind as well as your specific needs and preferences, you will be able to find a pump and filter that will work effectively for your pool and provide you with the results you want.

About Author

Michael Peterson is an experienced specialist in pool supplies and products. He describes a variety of pool filters and pumps. This guide helps homeowners make an informative decision and choose a suitable pool pumps and filters. http://www.intheswim.com

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Swimming Pool Filters and Pumps – Quick Buyers Guide