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 Pool Supplies - Pool supplies includes information about maintaining your pool and the equipment needed such as filters, heaters, liners and covers for above ground or inground pools. Not forgetting Health & Safety issues as well as pool supplies for relaxation and fun.
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Advice on choosing the correct filter for your pool. Details the use of sand pool filters, cartridge filtration and the latest diatomaceous earth filter systems. Includes a section on several Hayward pool filters and links to suppliers.
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General Introduction on pool filters
Choosing the right pool filter takes consideration as well. No type of
filter - whether it be a sand filter, a DE filter, or cartridge filter - is necessarily better than another, but
it must be suited to the type of pool setup you have. Three types of filtration methods for pools and spas exist today:
sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth DE).
Sand filtration
Sand filtration has been around longest and is still the most common. With this method, water flows from the top to the
bottom of the filter, after which a lateral system holds the sand back whilst allowing the water to pass through it.
This system is also used to return the water to the pool after it has been cleaned. Sand pool filters use a special
type of sand to clean the water, generally a no. 20 silica sand with grains which are approximately 40-55 millimetres
and have sharp edges to separate unwanted particles and allow them to be filtered out. These pool filters operate on the
basis of depth filtration, whereby dirt is driven through the filter sand and collects in the spaces between the
grains. Initially, the clean sand bed traps the largest dirt particles; then, as more are collected in the bed,
the filter trap increasingly smaller particles until the water is clean. Sand pool filters are cleaned by
backwashing/reversing the flow of water from the filter into a "waste" line which flushes out the debris, achieved
by a multi-port valve which is either side or top mounted. The fact that sand pool filters can only remove particles up
to a certain size makes it a less effective method for cleaning pool water, although it will still get the job done.
Cartridge filtration
The next method of filtration to be developed is cartridge filtration. Cartridge technology has been around for a
relatively long time, but people have only recently realized its usefulness for swimming pools. This method is
superior to sand, as it has twice the amount of filtration capacity of its older cousin and can remove smaller
particles. Here, water flows through the cartridge element, where dirt is screened out. As with sand pool filters, when
the cartridge element is clean it traps the largest particles, accumulating increasingly smaller ones as the pores
of the element become clogged. Cartridge pool filters also need regular cleaning, but this can be done easily by removing
the element, soaking it in Tri-Sodium-Phosphate, and rinsing it with a hose. Alternatively, spraying it with a high
pressure garden hose will also do the trick.
Diatomaceous earth filtration
The newest discovery in pool filters is diatomaceous earth, or D.E. This has become the most effective method
of filtration as it has the capacity to remove even smaller particles than cartridge filters. Diatomaceous earth is a
porous powder derived from natural resources which has microscopic openings that look like sponges when magnified. Clear
water is able to flow through the powder, but particles as small as one to three microns will become trapped on the
first pass through the filter. D.E. pool filters have an internal element that must be pre-coated with D.E., creating a
filter cake which traps the dirt particles. Like sand filters, D.E. filters can be cleaned by backwashing, draining
the clogged D.E. to a "waste" line; they can also be cleaned simply by replacing the diatomaceous earth powder.
Big or small pool filters ?
As with most pool equipment, smaller filters can accommodate an "above ground" pool, but "inground" pools need something
larger. All the major companies make the three types of pool filters: Hayward have the three types in both "above ground"
and "inground" models, and Pentair have all three for "above ground" pools and just sand and D.E. filters for "inground".
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Hayward Pool Filters(see link below)
Hayward Industries are one of the leading manufacturers of pool equipment, specializing in custom applications for a number
of industrial uses and high-tech recirculation services for residential pool water heating and pool filters. They have
been in business since 1923, and claim to make it a priority to help pool owners achieve the most enjoyable experience possible
from their pool. On top of that, they claim to continuously re-invest their resources into setting the standard for production
design, efficiency, and positive effect on the environment. Naturally, Hayward are one of the most common makers of pool
filters, offering a wide range of products.
Hayward have models of all three types of filtration method: sand, cartridge, and D.E. For sand pool filters, they offer
the Pro series of Top and Side Mount Valve filters. These filters are made from long lasting corrosion proof colourfast
polymeric material which claim to yield a handsome unitized tank that enables long periods of troublefree use without need for
extensive maintenance. They claim that these pool filters set the standard with an efficient multi-lateral drain assembly that holds the water back
and returns it to the pool when clean, and a built-in top diffuser that distributes pool water evenly over the top of
the sand bed. A flange clamp design enables the unique Vari-Flo valve to rotate 360 degrees, thus simplifying the
plumbing system. Finally, an integral moulded drain plug allows the tank to be easily drained without loss of sand
during backwashing.
Hayward carries several series of cartridge pool filters, including the ASL, Easy Clear, and Micro Star-Clear for above
ground pools. They also make the Star-Clear, Star-Clear Plus, and Swim Clear for in ground spas. The Star-Clear
Cartridge system for above ground pools features a single locking knob which securely fastens the head to the filter,
meaning that bolts or clamps will not be needed. The pool filters head can rotate to position easily the pressure gauge
and manual air release. Injection-molding is used for the tank to protect against corrosion, and the extra large
cartridge element has an extruded core to maximize the flow of water. Also, there is an elevated, filtered water
collector and debris pump which keeps unwanted debris from getting into the pool water accidentally when removing
the cartridge for cleaning.
Finally, Hayward makes the Perflex and Pro-Grid ranges of D.E. pool filters. The Perflex filter cleans the water quickly
and can remove very small particles to keep your pool sanitary. The patented Flex-Tube system recycles the D.E.
powder and dirt mixture and claims to give you a fresh debris-cleaning surface every time. There is also a bump handle which
activates the Flex-Tubes, causing them instantly to purge themselves of dirt. A combined diffuser and lower mixing
chamber produce a uniform coating of D.E. on the Flex-Tubes when pre-coating the filter.
The most relevant links we could find, placed here free for pool filters
 Bargain Pool Supplies
- Supplier of Hayward and Pentair filters and other pool equipment. www.bargainpoolsupplies.com
Froogle
- Google search for pool filters. www.google.com
Pool Store
- Swimming pool filters and other pool gear. You can order online and they only ship to the United Kingdom. www.poolstore.co.uk
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