How Do Swimming Pool Filters Work And Which Is Best For You?

Pool filters are one of the most important parts of your swimming pool, as they help to keep it clean and healthy. Swimming pool filters distribute chemicals accordingly to help tackle bacteria and remove any insects or debris from the pool.

At Discount Leisure Products, we tell you how swimming pool filters work and which is best for you.

Table of contents

• How do swimming pool filters work?
• When should you clean your pool filter?
• How long do swimming pool filters last?
• Which pool filter media is best?

How do swimming pool filters work?

Water is pumped into the filtration system and passes through the pool filter media, which can be made up of materials such as glass, sand or filter cartridges. The media filters out debris or dirt as the water travels through the filter.

Once the water has been filtered, it will return to the pool. Ensuring you properly filter the water in your pool will keep it clean and free of any dirt or debris. You should run your pool filter for at least a few hours a day.

When should you clean your pool filter?

It is recommended that you clean your pool filter every month. However, some pool filters may need to be cleaned more regularly depending on how much debris is in the pool. 

You will need to clean your pool filter after a heavy algae bloom. An algae bloom is a rapid increase in the algae population in marine or freshwater systems. Algae will end up in your filter after an algae bloom, so you must clean it.

After a heavy rainstorm, larger amounts of debris will end up in the pool, so you must clean it. Clear out any visible debris from your pool before cleaning out your filter, as smaller pieces of debris can end up clogging it.

You must clean out your filter if you’ve had a large group of people in your pool.Your filter will collect all the dead skin cells and other debris from numerous people in the pool, so you must clean your filter soon after. If you need to clean debris from your pool, why not browse Discount Leisure Products’ range of pool cleaning products?

How long do pool filters last?

The length of time your pool filter will last depends on how much you take care of it. Taking regular care of your pool filter can help to extend its lifespan. How you care for and maintain your swimming pool can also affect the lifespan of your pool filter. If you take good care of your pool, your pool filter will ultimately last longer as it doesn’t have to filter as much dirt.

Your pool filter will eventually become less functional the longer you have it. Once your filter has passed its peak performance, it will become prone to getting clogged and dirty. Sand filter media can often last 3-7 years, while glass filter media should be replaced every 8-10 years. You should consider replacing cartridge filter media every 2-3 years.

Which pool filter media is best?

The filter media in pool filters is the main component separating debris or dirt from the water. As water is filtered through the pool filter, the media will capture any particles while sending clean water back into the pool. Glass, sand and cartridge filter media work similarly but vary in longevity.

Sand filter media

With a lifespan of approximately 3-7 years, sand filter media can filter out particles about 30 microns in size. Sand filter media is an affordable option and relatively low maintenance.

Sand filter media requires a sand change around every 5-8 years and cannot filter the smallest particles, unlike glass and cartridge filters. Pool owners will occasionally have to backwash the filter, which could lower the pool’s water level.

Glass filter media

Glass filter media has the longest lifespan and should be replaced approximately every 8-10 years. Glass filter media can capture the smallest particles, filtering down to around 5 microns. Glass filters require less backwashing than sand filter media as the glass material is lighter.Although glass filter media is often more expensive than sand and cartridge filters, it can filter smaller particles and has higher durability, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Cartridge filter media

Cartridge filter media is usually paper-based, with the ability to filter out particles 10 microns in size. Cartridge filter media only needs a low pump pressure which helps to reduce energy costs and extends the filter media’s lifespan. Cartridge filter media is very low maintenance and only needs to be cleaned twice yearly.

Cartridge filter media is often used for smaller pools, such as hot tubs and spas, so this may not be a practical choice if you have a larger swimming pool. Cartridge filter media has the lowest lifespan, with the filter having to be replaced approximately every 2-3 years.

Find high-quality pool filters at Discount Leisure Products

Discount Leisure Products stocks a wide range of high-quality pool filters to help keep your pool clean and healthy. Now you know the benefits of each filter media you can have in your pool filter, why not start  keeping your pool clean with the latest pool sand filters at Discount Leisure Products? If you need a replacement filter, why not browse the latest selection of filter cartridges?