As we head into another pool season, I have to ask – “How’s your filter doing?”

Hello again, Dr. Pool here. Today’s discussion centers not on pool chemicals, but on the closely related topic of pool filtration and circulation.

Filtration and sanitation are closely linked, working together to produce clean pool water. A proper balance between the two is essential. If filtration is lacking, sanitation (and circulation) must be increased to compensate.

I beleive that is Better water quality and reduced chemical use with a larger filter.

Increasing the size of the pool filter is certainly one way to improve your filtration; an oversized filter can help prevent many water problems before they occur.

However, this post is not attempting to steer you to a new pool filter, rather our goal is to instruct on ways to improve the filtration on your existing filter, without expensive pool filter replacement.

CARTRIDGE BAG POOL FILTERS

A cartridge pool filter has the simplest of design, water is pumped into the filter tank and forced to pass through pleats of spun polyester. The dirt is trapped in the many layers of woven fiber, and cleaned manually by removing the cartridges and spraying with a garden hose.

Improving Cartridge Filter Efficacy

Don’t Over-Clean: Filter cartridges become a bit more effective at trapping dirt when the cartridges are slightly dirty. Trapped dirt helps trap more dirt. Secondly, each time a pool filter bag is cleaned, the fibers loosen and dirt trapping ability is reduced slightly. Clean your bags, starting pressure, or when flow rate is significantly reduced.