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Top Dog Swimming Pool Pumps

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Swimming Pool & Spa Filters

There are basically three types of pool and spa filters:

One type of common filter uses #20 Silica sand for its filter media. This type of filter is known as a Sand Filter. The water that is pumped into this type of filter is sent through a bed of sand, and then returned back to your pool or spa. The particles that are filtered out of your water get “caught” between the grains of sand. The Sand Filter is generally known as the least efficient type of filter, as compared to the other types listed here. It removed debris down to a size of about 30 microns. Because it is not as efficient as other types of media, you usually need to run your pump more hours per day than you would with a cartridge or DE filter. Why consider a Sand Filter if it not efficient? The answer is ease of use. To clean this type of filter, you simply operate a device attached to it known as a Back Wash Valve, and the filter cleans itself. This valve reverses the flow of water in the filter and expels the dirty water our through a waste port. It is simply the easiest type of filter to maintain.

Another type of common filter uses one or more cartridges for its filter media. This type of filter is known as a Cartridge Filter, or Modular Media Filter. The water that is pumped into this type of filter is forced through the cartridge media before it is returned back to the pool or spa. This type of filer is more efficient than the sand filter. It can usually filter down to a particulate matter of about 15 to 20 microns. These types are filters need to be disassembled, and the cartridges cleaned off with a garden hose using a high pressure nozzle. These types of filters do not utilize a back wash valve. While they are not as easy to maintain as a Sand Filter, they produce better results for a little extra effort.

The third type of filtration media is known as diatomite, or “DE” filtration. The DE Filter may use “grids” of one of several different styles to achieve the very best filtration results. Some DE Filters use a backwash valve, and some do not. However, even for those models that use a back wash valve, best results are attained if the filter is opened up and cleaned thoroughly about once a year. After cleaning they must be “recharged” with diatomaceous earth. While this may be a little messy for some folks, the water clarity results can be outstanding! For the absolute best filtration results, in most applications, the DE Filter is your best choice.

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