Choosing the right Above Ground Pool Filter System
Choosing the right Above Ground Pool Filter System
Finding the perfect swimming pool filter is essential in creating an effective filtration system for your above ground pool. Below we have included some, easy, steps to make sure you are choosing the right Above Ground Pool Filter System combination for your pool.
The purpose of choosing the correct system is to avoid any problems that could potentially create malfunctions, ineffective filtration or safety hazards. The pump and filtration system of an above ground pool sits fairly close to the pool, creating a shorter travel time for your water to pass through your filter and back to your pool.
Keep in mind when selecting a filter system
General Pool Size – small, medium, or large
First, figure out what size range your pool falls into. Filter sizes are relative to the pool size. A smaller pool will require a smaller filter and a larger pool will require a larger filter.
Filter Type – Sand, Cartridge or DE
Second, find out which filter type you’d prefer. There are three main types for above ground pools we sell Hayward Filter Systems in: sand, cartridge and D.E. filter systems. Each has their own benefits and filter to different microns.
DE removes particles down to three microns, all the time. A micron is very small – a millionth of a meter. Cartridge filterswork down to 40 microns only when they are working correctly. Sand filters work around 100 microns right after they are backwashed, and get down to about 75 microns when they are dirty. Shocking, which is a chemical oxidation done to pools weekly to monthly, burns off organics (which is mostly what is that small in a pool) up to two microns.
So over time, pool water will build up anything above two microns, and below 3, 40, or 75 microns, depending on your filter. Then what happens? If you have a sand or cartridge filter, some day, perhaps in a few years, there’s enough of this material in the water to give it a light haze or cloud. Then you drain the pool, borrow a DE filter for a few days, or start using a clarifier or filter aid on a regular basis. So why doesn’t everyone just use a DE filter? Because they are more expensive and a lot more work BUT give you the cleanest, clearest water.
Cleaner Type – suction side, pressure side, or robotic
Third, know what type of cleaner you’ll be using. Suction side, pressure side, and robotic cleaners effectively clean an above ground pool but are powered differently.
Suction Side Cleaners – Suction side cleaners are affordable and most commonly used. Attaching to the suction side of the plumbing system, the pool pump powers the cleaner, drawing in dirt and debris. Large debris or high volumes of debris, such as leaves, can clog the filtration system.
Pressure Side Cleaners – Pressure side cleaners conveniently capture their own debris and also help to circulate water and pool chemicals. This is convenient because uncirculated water in “dead zones” will encourage the growth of algae. Pressure side cleaners attach to the return port, and a vacuum is created to pick up dirt and debris.
Robotic Cleaners – Robotic cleaners run independent of your pool’s pump and filter, collecting debris in a self-contained fine mesh bag. They are the most efficient out of all pool cleaners because they do not clean the same area twice.
Finding the correct sizes that work well together will greatly affect the way your pool will perform. Above ground pool pumps range from 1/2-1½ HP and a pump with too much horsepower will create excess water movement.
Things to Remember:
Choosing a higher horsepower will increase water flow movement and water turnover.
A higher horsepower will change the performance of your cleaner, increasing speed and suction. Note: This change could potentially harm your above ground pool liner.
When using a sand filter, anything above 1.5HP will create excessive water movement and push sand into your pool.
For a standard above ground swimming pool, we recommend a 1HP pump, it is sufficient to sanitize your water and run cleaners.
For your convenience, we offer Hayward filter and pool pump combinations. Take the guesswork out of choosing the correct swimming pool pump and filter by selecting one of our many packages. We offer a selection of pump and filter combinations to properly fit your above ground pool.
If you need help choosing a filter system simply stop in our store any we will be happy to help you choose the right filter for you.
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