Pool Filter Maintenace Guide

The job of the filtration system is to remove any undissolved dirt and debris from the pool water. While the skimmer basket, and the hair and lint basket in the pump are all factors in the filtering of pool water, the primary element we'll address here is the filter itself.

There are three types of filters that are used in swimming pools to remove dirt and debris from swimmers and the environment:

1. Sand Filters

2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

3. Cartridge Filters

Filter selection: Each of the three types of pool filters (Sand Filter, Cartridge Filter and D.E Filter) have their own set of flow factors, their own sizing parameters, and their own maintenance procedures. Utilizing the correct sizing and maintenance procedures for each type of filter will help your pool and spa systems remain healthy. When installing a new filter, service technicians can help select the best option for each individual customer by analizing one essential filtration tradeoff over the other. Filter selection for a pre-existing pool or spa is limited to existing equipment, plumbing and poo/spa size.

Sand Filter Care Guide: Dirt is removed from a sand filter by "backwashing" or reversing the water flow. The filter should be backwashed when the pressure gauge indicates a 7-10 lb. increase over normal operating pressure (the pressure reading on the pressure gauge when filter is completely clean). Sand filters are more efficient when they are slightly dirty so they should only be backwashed when required by increased pressure.
Sand filters should be cleaned at least once every season with cartridge filter cleaner.

Cartridge Filter Care Guide: Dirt needs to be removed from a cartridge filter when the pressure gauge indicates an increase of 7-10 Ibs. over normal operation pressure. Remove the cartridge(s) from the filter and hose off all loose dirt and debris. Then soak the elements(s) in cartridge filter cleaner for at least 12 hours. This will remove all oils and greases imbedded in the filter element. After soaking, remove the cartridge(s) and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Peak filter efficiency is achieved when you let the filter element(s) dry prior to reinstallation. To avoid down time for the circulation or filtration systems, it's advisable to purchase a second set of cartridge elements so they may be interchanged on a regular basis with the first set. To prevent oil and scum build-up along the pool tile line and to improve filter efficiency (all types), use Natural Enzyme Treatment on a regular basis. The product digests oil wastes that naturally enter the pool and releases them as carbon dioxide. Oil and scum lines formed during the winter can also be removed by using the Enzyme Treatment during spring start-up.

D.E. Filter Care Guide: Like sand, the D.E. filter is cleaned by backwashing the filter when pressure increases 7-10 Ibs. over normal operation pressure. However, once the filter has been backwashed, new D.E. must be added to coat the grids in the filter. Do this by pouring D.E. through the skimmer. Your professional SUN' dealer can tell you how much D.E. is required to "recharge" your filter. To remove oils and other natural build-up, D.E. filter grids should be cleaned at least every two months using SUN Filter Cleaner. Also, at least once a year, disassemble and clean the entire D.E. filter thoroughly, and inspect the grids for tears or rips in the grids.

Performance Vs Maintenance: Sand filters, for example, require the lowest maintenance most new cartridge filters offer good filtration levels with a nominal increase in maintenance requirements. Customers who want highest level of filtration should choose the D.E. filter. D.E. filters can filter particles as small as 3 microns. However D.E. filter requires more maintenance and costs more than comparable size sand or cartridge filter.

Filter Sizing
NEW SYSTEMS: The designed flow rate of the pro-posed filter must be greater then the GPM of the system's pump. When considering a sand or DE filter the system pump's GPM should be at least 60% of the filter's designed flow rate to achieve an effective backwash cycle. When sizing a cartridge filter, you are able to exceed the pump's GPM by any amount be cause the elements are manu ally cleaned. The benefit of using larger cartridge filters is: the larger the car tridge filter, the onger operational time before it needs to be cleaned.

EXISTING SYSTEMS: Choosing a new filter with an existing pump is very simple. Because the
plumbing system is already in stalled and there is no easy way to de 0 termine the flow rate of the existing pump, you need to match flow rate for flow rate. When replacing a filter with a DE or sand filter, match the new filter with the old filter's designed flow rate. If you are looking to install a replacement car tridge filter, as stated above, you can go as large as you want in order to maximize the time between cleanings.

ACID WASHING, Prewashing Routine backwashing (sand filters and DE filters) and hosing off (cartridge elements) is dictated anytime a filter's attached pressure gauge has climbed 8-10 PSI above the system's clean-filter pressure. Additionally, DE filter grids, Perflex fingers, and cartridge elements need to be cleaned once a season to remove oils and scale/calcification.
The common and accepted way of cleaning these elements and grids is (after hosing off dirt and debris) to let them soak in a muriatic (hydrochloric) acid solution. The concentration of the acidic mixture varies widely, and highly concentrated solutions can damage decorative cement or nearby objects if technicians are not careful. The purpose of an acid bath is to remove scale and
other minerals from the fabric of the filters. But Wait! The more common problem that clogs filter elements is body oil build up. These oils and greases need to be removed first. An acid bath will not remove oils. In fact, it will actually embed the oils into the fabric and make the filter have short filter runs. As oils are embedded in the fabric, the filter element becomes difficult to thoroughly clean, which can eventually require the filter element to be replaced. So, before acid washing filter elements, wash them with dishwasher detergent or a solution of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate). Remove the elements from the filter and hose them off with a Hayward]et-Action Cleaning Wand or forceful garden hose. Fill a large plastic container with the warm water, slowly mix in about a Yz-cup of detergent, then soak the elements for approximately 3-4 hours. After soaking, rinse off the elements again - and do so thoroughly so you don't wind up with detergent bubbles in the pool! The detergent or TSP bath can then be followed with an acid bath to remove any scale buildup. If unsure whether there is scale on the filter elements, carefully apply 1-2 drops of acid onto the elements. If you notice any foaming, the elements need an acid bath. If the filter elements are relatively new and not too scaled, a mild mixture of one (1) part acid to four (4) parts water may be used to achieve a good cleaning. If the elements are badly scaled or look old and poorly maintained, increase the strength of the acid bath to a 1:1 mixture. Soak the grids in the acid bath until the foaming stops. Then carefully remove the elements and hose off thoroughly.

HEALTHY HYDRAULICS This is the fourth article in our Healthy Hydraulics series examining the principles, challenges and techniques for installing and maintaining heii.lthy hydraulic systems.

Service with, Splash Cii.rtridge filter customers should always be encouraged to purchase ii. spare set of filter elements. That way, there is always a clean (set of) filter element(s) waiting whenever the filter must be removed and cleaned. With the second filter element (or set of elements), the pool owner never has to wait while a dirty filter is cleaned, and technicians never feel pressured to rush back with a freshly cleaned filter element. In non-freezing areas, this service can be offered twice a year.
When handling acidic cleaning agents and solutions, strictly follow manufacturer instructions. Failure to follow manufacturer instructions (located on the container label) can result in severe or fatal injuries. Improper handling of acidic: deaning agents and solutions can be harmful to the eyes, skin, and internal body parts as well as nearby objects, plant life and other people. Acidic deaning agents and solutions can be harmful if swallowed, c:an result in severe burns and may cause blindness if splashed into eyes. Always keep out of reach of children and use in well-ventillated locations. Protective eyewear and rubber gloves must always be worn while preparing an acid hath, during the acid bath, and throughout the deanup process afterward.

PRECAUTIONS: When preparing an acid bath, NEVER add water to acid. Instead, do the opposite, slowly adding acid to water until your acidic solution reaches the desired strength.
Careful handling and proper disposal of acidic solutions are critical concerns when completing an acid bath. Filter elements should be rinsed with cold water, and acidic solutions must be neutralized prior to disposal. Technicians must be familiar with and refer to the deaning product's Material Safety Sata Sheet (MSDS) to ensure proper disposal of any acidic solution or residue. Pay particular attention to runoff water, as it will be acidic - meaning it can kill grass, harm concrete, and result in injury if not properly disposed.