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Swimming pool filter systems

Pool filter systems are an integral part of pool care. They help keep your pool clean and healthy, and they can also reduce chemical use by up to 50%. You need to know about pool filter systems to make the best possible choice for you and your family. Find out the different types of filters available, how often you should be changing them, what size system is suitable for your pool, and some tips on keeping it running efficiently.

All about pool filter systems

Why do we need a pool filter system?

Pools need to be filtered because they can become dirty from various sources, including algae, dirt, and debris. These types of particles left unchecked could cause some severe problems for pool users, including skin irritation and eye infections.

Filters also help maintain chemical levels in the water, which is an important factor when considering health benefits and savings that come with reduced use of chemicals by up to 50%.

All pools should have filters that are sized correctly for their individual needs according to the size of your pool’s surface area as well as its depth at one point along its edge. What is the best type of filter system?

Types of pool filter systems

There are two types of pool filter systems: sand and cartridge. Almost all pools with a single pump use the sand filter, while those with separate booster pumps for sanitation tend to be equipped with cartridges.

Sand filters

Sand filters need to be emptied about once every six months to keep them running smoothly. The timing can vary depending on how often you go into your pool or if you live near the beach, but it’s important not to wait too long before emptying one as these types of filters will clog easily without regular maintenance.

Cartridge filters

Cartridge filters should also be checked regularly, although they don’t require an extra step like emptying the contents, so cleaning is more simple and straightforward – rinse off any dirt collected over time under the tap.

The cartridge filter can be cleaned and used again more often than the sand type. Cartridge filters need monthly maintenance but will still clog if not used for a long time or without regular cleaning cycles.

Pool Filter System tips

One thing that can help keep your pool as clean as possible is using ozone in addition to filtration; this process cleans water from all sides by destroying organic matter with an ionizing chemical reaction at the molecular level. This helps protect against algae growth because it eliminates natural food sources like nitrates and phosphates, which are needed for these organisms’ survival. Ozone also removes chlorine odor better than chlorine alone does.

How to change a pool filter

Once the filter has reached an end of service life, it will need to be replaced. The filters are usually changed out around every 12 months or after 25-30 cycles. When opening up a pool pump and replacing the old filter with a new one, do not forget about securing the gasket to ensure there are no leaks.

Regularly scheduled pool cleaning is essential because it removes dirt and debris that can affect water quality from soil particles like pollen which may find their way into your swimming area despite careful landscaping work. It also helps remove bacteria that leak through cracks on walls within pools and any chemical imbalance caused by improper balancing of chlorine levels.

Are pool filters expensive?

Pool filters are not too expensive. They can range from $20 to more than $100 for a pool pump filter cartridge or belt, the most common replacement parts on your pool equipment. The cost of installation varies depending on the type and size of the pool and whether you need to have a new system installed or need replacements parts fixed.

What should I know about my water?

The following list includes items that may come into contact with your water: chlorine bleach, copper sulfate, muriatic acid, and bromine tablets. These substances will either maintain pH levels in pools (chlorine), provide algae protection (copper sulfate) or prevent bacteria growth by killing them off (bromine).

What are the best pool filter brands?

Hayward Pool Products
Pentair Pool & Spa Systems
Sta-Rite Pool Filters
Zodiac Inground Pools and Spas Ltd.

What pool filter should I buy?

The answer is to talk with a local pool expert who can offer you personalized advice on the type of pool system that would be right for your region, budget and needs. When selecting a pool filter, the most important factor is your water hardness levels, as they will help determine the types of filters available to you (sand vs diatomaceous earth).

That said, if there’s no one around who wants to chat about pools, then here are some general guidelines:

Filter size

Choose based on the square footage of your pool. The most common are the 30-inch, 36-inch and 48-inch sizes.

Filter type

Choose based on water hardness levels: sand filters for hard water (above 150 parts per million), diatomaceous earth for moderately hard to soft water (<150 ppm). DE filters need a lot more maintenance than sand but have some advantages, such as being more accessible to service.

You may also want to consider cartridge or bagless filter systems that offer better filtration with less effort required from you in their ongoing care; these will typically be more expensive upfront though they do save money over time due to lower energy costs and replacement frequency.

The right pool filter is an investment that can provide you with years of value.

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Hot Tub Chemicals

Hot tubs, just like pools, require a certain amount of regular maintenance. Similarly, hot tub chemicals must also be replaced regularly because they can be hazardous to your health. You’re going to need a lot of different chemicals to keep a spa clean, yet in a natural form.

What kind of hot tub chemicals are used?

You can find a variety of hot tub chemicals, such as sanitizers, oxidifiers, pH Lightning, and shocks, that will keep your spa clean, clear, and bacteria free, and that won’t harm your skin. At times, people choose not to use these chemicals because they believe that it diminishes the spa’s effectiveness.

There are a variety of different chemicals available. The instructions on all hot tub chemicals will tell you what you should use, and when to use them. The amount of chemicals you need will vary depending on your hot tub, and your water type. Bacteria grows rapidly during the first few hours after you consume the hot tub. A good way to keep the bacteria down is with a shock; the shock kills bacteria, making the water safer, and helping to keep your water clean.

What kinds of chemicals should you put in to your hot tub?

Here are the most common hot tub chemicals’ jobs:

Sanitizers

Sanitizing your hot tub is an essential step. Nowadays, chlorine can be used as a sanitizer. Bromine and Ozone are also used, and can be more effective. But the main problem with chlorine is the byproducts that it produces.

You will need to have a sufficient source of clean water. This usually means either a water purifier or a flush additive. Different shock oxidizers are available; choose a shock oxidizer that will neutralize your bromine, bromine, and ozone.

Enzymes

Enzymes are vital to the proper functioning of your hot tub. You will need enzymes to eliminate organic matter, or “chlorine smell.” This is created by the bacteria that lives so gladly in your warm, moist, small tub. Enzymes can also trim down the use of chlorine.

A good amount of enzymes will keep down chlorine waste. In fact, if you can manage to cut back even a little on the amount of chlorine you use, you can make it safe for your skin and your body.

Biguanide

Infections of the hot tub can flow through your water and lead to bloodstream infections and health problems. When you are first getting sick, a bacterial infection is weakened for a day or two. Then, when the illness from the warm, humid environment returns, the toxins are released and make you tired.

If you don’t shield against bacteria, this waste build-up will make you sick but not death. There are chemicals available that kill the bacteria without changing the water. If there is a biguanide lingering in the water (one that must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions), boil the water – but not by hot water heat or boiling hot water. This is far too risky a practice for a hot tub.

As of late, there are very safe sanitizers that appear to be a satisfactory system for relaxing in the tub.

Bromine

This must be used every four to six hours at most. The water temperature should be kept slightly above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This bromine does not mix readily with man-made disinfectants. However, bromine works for the bacteria that doesn’t present organic matter, so it’s a good choice to use bromine if the stains are covered with skin.

Ozone

Ozone has a respiratory effect similar to bromine, but not as strong. It is used every six to eight hours, once per day. Fan speed can be adjusted. Ozone can be synthesized by any bromine product. Just be sure to vent your hot tub during the curing time. They should be taken out several hours before you use the hot tub. Ozone can sometimes be taken out by using bleach and water, but then it will just be wasted.

Biguanide

Biguanide is very similar to ozone, but cheaper. The biguanide also has a respiratory effect just like bromine, but is very weak. Used in conjunction with chlorine from a colonial aquitzer, it is very effective. This bromine is effective when you add the right amount over time. This might be even stronger than ozone, so it can be a bit gentler.

How to get rid of pool algae

If you live in a house with one or more pools (or even if you don’t), be prepared to do some work. Vacuuming helps control algae growth but only about 50 percent of the time. Basically, it works by pummeling the water and preventing the algae from growing in the first place.

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Tools To Remove Algae

The other main tool that you’ll probably be using is a sponge or mop to remove water spots and other surface contamination. Most pools have a spongy, scrub surface at the bottom of the pool, inside the drop-off, and down in the water.

Don’t take the sponge or mop down by itself if you see water spots or other contaminants because this can impair air circulation.

Use a booster like Life Savers Chlorine Free Booster sprinkled on top of the pool, then follow with thick muriatic acid that will allow the chlorine to penetrate the water.

If you see spots on the pool surface, swab the water spots along with the pool material in a small bowl or spray bottle. Continue this process for about 30 to 60 seconds until the spots have disappeared.

Using A Pool Vacuum

Use a pool vacuum cleaner to capture any floating debris that is small enough that you would like to toss in the trash. Vacuum cleaners are more beneficial than scrubbers because you shoot down the pool quite a bit to capture anything in the bottom.

These tools have stemmed swimmers, which allows you to collect chlorine in the bottom of the pool instead of letting the contaminants linger. The downside is that these tools are more expensive and may not come with the range of cleaners and cloths needed to take care of a scrubbing, polishing, and cleaning your pool.

A second scrubber option that is sometimes considered is an Envirotex 81 Wellness Water Softener. Of course, there are other options including Rodimatic and Imperial and other chemical swabs, but never skimp on this. Use one of these tools with a booster (or a breathing mask if by any chance you have SO2 allergies)

Add an Envirotex 81 Wellness Water Softener

Envirotex 81 cleans water and photographs stains like coffee stains, champagne stains, beer stains, lipstick, and stripes. You’ll skip any or all of these hard-to-remove stains because of the advanced cleaning features. Williams International initially developed this water-softening system to treat the water in white or gray water space heaters and water environment-control systems.

There have been over 30 years of testing using an Envirotex 81 Wellness Water Softener in primary and major hospital swimming pools, medical and surgical test pools, high schools, fraternity and sorority, and university pools.

Forward Thinking! Never Sweat the Small Stuff

When you start to think about how long an average swimmer is in a pool (or bathroom!), the answer to many of the comments on these articles usually is “Just a minute or two.” You know how sometimes you come into a swimming pool or spa and the line at the inflexible wooden turnstile might be too long? Trust me, most of us are there for just a little bit, too! Just think about taking a dip in a cayenne pepper-infused (or slightly hot) pool.

You’ll get in no time for that, right? I often recommend a pilot light or a battery, or just a flashlight, to hand out with people doing laps. The point is if there’s mud on you, you know you can get out. Much like a fire and a ladder is more efficient than a lit fireplace, a fire extinguisher is a wonderful tool too! You also won’t have to dive in repeatedly to see where the bad guys are lurking, when in the end of the day one is better than two!

Now go! You’ve learned the tools to keep a pool clean so you can enjoy it more and at minimal cost to you and your family in the long run! That’s a win-win!

What do you do if you live in a house with pools or bathrooms?

How to Clean Your Pool

Within this article, you will read about important basic maintenance topics and answer questions about how to clean your pool. This article is divided into four main topics.

How to clean your swimming pool

Part I: Pool Maintenance Basics

One of the ultimate pool maintenance items is to maintain your pool’s water chemistry so that it is in close-to-neutral pH ranges, and the water stays so for as long as possible’ every day either through use or through proper washings.

Any pool cleaner/sanitizer will do the trick, even if it’s just Step-Up or chlorine and baking soda. Make sure your pool’s water looks good, smells good, is odor-free, and looks and performs like new. Your pool’s water chemistry is your pool’s Olympic Games.

Part 2: Pool Chemicals

Pools need to be provided with an adequate, consistent water environment so they work properly and equalize the water chemistry throughout the pool itself. This in turn keeps most of the chlorine and other footprint-inducing chemicals out of the water.

Chlorine is the most common chemical found in swimming pools, giving it the nickname “the cleaner.” Even though it is famous for killing mosquito larvae, its thirst-quenching properties make it a purposeful competitive swimmer as well.

Sunlight, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide all convey to the water chemistry enough information (via light/temperature/something in that specific garden) to compensate for the various chemical changes as the day changes from summer into winter, from spring to autumn, or from fall to winter.

The same is true of the water in swimming pool water chemistry just as the same is true for all other body parts’ your lungs, your teeth, and your skin. This swimming chemistry is everything.

Another fun way to test the information reflected in the water chemistry of a swimming pool would be to imitate sunlight or the sun. If your pool sits directly under heavy cloud cover, supplemental, filtered, or ultraviolet sunshine may provide some relief. If your pool sits directly in sunlight, practice adding pheromone pellets to help the water’s negative allergen “innate” into the pool water chemistry.

Part 3: Basics of Water Management

While it is important to understand how pool chemistry is affected by all of the additional things in the water’ from sixth- etc. strength chlorine’ to exotic chemicals’ even pools need a basic understanding on the formation of a pool.

After this basic summary, many pool events, lessons, and guides include a more in-depth section on the chemistry of the water. The chemistry of pool water is also discussed briefly at the end of this article.

When on a trip or in need of a pool maintenance inquiry for your pool, use this online pool primary chemist calculator. The pool chemist calculator provides a very quick, and free, way to determine the chemical content of a pool or spa water tank.

I recommend an outdoor pool chemist test kit for every pool. This tests your out of the norm pool water chemistry.

This is a basic lab test package for the indoor swimming pool. You will use it to determine when a water change is necessary. It provides the carbon dioxide and nitrogen results and tells you when water is healthy and when it is unhealthy.

This one is a great place to properly examine the water condition of a swimming pool/spa. It combines a report on the pool environment, a pH test, and a light/color test.

Part 4: Pool Filters

Companies that sell carbon filtered water for pools have liability insurance where the pool manufacturer will cover mop-up operations if you had to remove all the debris in the pool because of a wet or dirty area.

You can purchase this pool cleaning package at all of the markets where Sinclair Electronics sells indoor swimming pools.

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Exterior Home Maintenance

Any homeowner who is interested in improving their home’s exterior in any way should keep an eye out for the following simple preventative maintenance tips to ensure all items of internal decoration are functioning correctly.

This will ensure any unwanted water and moisture, as well as mold, is kept at bay, ensuring the exterior maintenance of not only your home but the lives of those living inside your home.

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