The size of your above-ground pool determines the power you need to buy for the sand filter pump to work properly. Dual-speed pumps are a good choice for above-ground pools up to 18′ in diameter and usually come with a flow rate of 2500 gallons per hour, which is more than enough for most pools. One of the most important parts of pool maintenance is installing a sand filter pump, something we will discuss in detail below. They don’t contain a backwash valve, so they naturally use the least amount of water.
Combined with a sand filter, they can help keep the water crystal clear for an above-ground pool by removing bacteria and other particles from it. Sand filters use granular filter media that consist primarily of silica-based minerals, such as diatomaceous earth, fossil shell flour, or a mixture of both. The material captures small particles, which are then thrown into the drain through the filter with the normal circulation of pool water. Sand filters are known as the most compact and cost-effective option for filtering, whether it’s an underground pool or above ground, this could be the most affordable option for you.
In it, we find that a “rotation” is the amount of time it takes to move a volume of water, equal to the size of your pool, once through the filtration and sanitation process. Filters are sorted by gallons per minute per square foot. The filter flow rate should have at least the same GPM as your pump or higher. With pool filters, it’s best to err on the larger size so you can handle the power of your pump.
No matter what type of filter you choose, it’s critical that you tailor the right pump with the right filter. Each filter has a designed flow rate that must be professionally dimensioned and matched to the right pump. Too much flow can lead to increased pressure in the filter and can lead to excessive back pressure in the system. One of our expert pool builders can advise you on the right size filter for your individual needs. In general, we recommend a cartridge filter for most pools, unless it is a large-scale construction, in which case we recommend the use of a sand filter. Unlike sand filters, cartridge filters don’t need to be rewound, allowing for water savings of up to 92% or thousands of liters.
Start by running a backwash and leave the pump off when you’re done. Start by loosening the bolts that hold the container together, alternating back and forth to avoid damaging the container with excessive stress on one side. Remove the top of the container, and then remove the sand in the filter container. Once you have removed the sand from the filter, check the side components on the inside to see if they are too loose or broken. Replace sides that have broken or become loose, then fill the container with half water to protect them from damage if you start adding sand.
The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. You need to know how deep the shallow part is and the depth of the deep end. The critical flow rate is defined as the minimum flow rate required for the proper functioning of a pump. If it falls below this value, it can cause damage to the device or even lead to its failure.
If you still see dirt particles floating, it indicates a problem with your filtration system that needs to be addressed by cleaning the sand first before turning it back on. Of the three types of pool filters we’re discussing today, sand filters have the simplest design. They are also one of the aquarium equipment most common options besides cartridge filters. Selecting the right sand filter depends on the volume of your pool. You should test this volume against the flow rate of your sand filter. For a private pool, you need to choose a filter that can filter all the water in your pool within 6 hours.
It should only be about two inches long because there will be another opening at the top where all the water will enter. Before you start installing a sand filter pump, you need to have a few things in place. If you are looking for a highly efficient solution with the least amount of bacteria and dirt that will continue to swim in your pool, the cartridge filter is your best solution.
This can even help trap smaller particles, even when the sand itself begins to soften. But in the end, it will prevent the proper flow of water through the filter, reducing the efficiency of the filter. But before you can accurately compare the types of pool filters, how well they work, and how much work they take to maintain, you need to know about microns. For each 2-inch inlet line, the maximum flow rate is 73 gallons per minute. For each 1.5-inch inlet line, the maximum flow rate is 42 gallons per minute. To give the pump the right size, you need to know the volume of water in your pool.