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Filters
(cont.)
when adding new D.E. powder after
backwashing, but you can test this at any time. The best method to determine the cause is
to remove the grids and clean/ inspect thoroughly.
Filter
Grid replacement:
Grids and manifolds vary by manufacturer, and can be expensive. $25
per grid; up to $100 for a manifold. Labor is usually under one hour.
If handy with
an awl, torn grids can be sewn instead of replaced.
Poor
water Quality?
It could be a problem with your multiport or push-pull valve.
The valve could
be allowing water to bypass the filter and return to the pool unfiltered. Perhaps you are
not running the filter long enough. Perhaps there is not enough D.E. powder in the filter,
or too much. You may also need to backwash the filter or remove the grids and clean them
manually. Poor sanitation, poor water balance, and pool circulation
could be another cause,
and it could have nothing to do with the filtering at all. Remember: filtration + sanitation + circulation = :-)
How long
should I run my filter each day?
Well, just as much as you need. Careful
experimentation will show you when the water quality begins to suffer. Many people with
smaller, older equipment (filter/ pump) run their systems 24 hours per day. The average (I
would guess) would be about 16 hours. BUT! It depends on your system. Undersized? Old? High pool Use? Large Debris Load? Heavy Sunlight? Any of these factors call for extra
filtering. If you're too frugal with the electricity, you may have to pay more in chemical
costs.
|
Remember: filtration + sanitation + circulation = |
 |
They all work together. |
Leaking
filter?
Most D.E. filters have a belly band clamp with a large O-ring between tank
halves. The o-ring can become distended or flattened and may need to be
replaced if water
is dripping from the center clamp. Caution: Do Not remove the center clamp while the pump
is running, and without first releasing pressure inside the tank. You may notice your multiport valve leaking in one or more areas. See
sand filter info
on previous page. If your
push-pull valve is leaking out of the backwash port (where the hose attaches), the plunger
either needs replacement, or a new set of o-rings.
Plunger
replacement:
Varies by manufacturer. Around $90, plus 1 hour labor.
Filter
replacement:
D.E. filters are more expensive than sand filters. You may want to
replace
if your filter is old and tired, or you may decide to upgrade efficiency from a sand or
cartridge filter. Price varies by manufacturer; however, as an example, we sell the Pentair FNSP 48 for $483.
Cartridge filters:
Filter of
choice for most spas, and many smaller
above ground pools, the cartridge filter
is enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
The cartridge
filter element, an aquatic
version of the pleated air cleaner in
your car, traps dirt and particles of
25 - 100
microns in size. The cartridge is removed from the tank
and hosed thoroughly, top to bottom,
with a high pressure hose to remove dirt
when the pressure gauge rises 8 - 10 lbs.
above its clean reading. I know some
people that take their cartridges to the
local self serve car wash place for
cleaning. Each time the filter is
cleaned, some of its filtering ability
is reduced. The cartridge should be
replaced every 2 - 5 yrs, depending on the
work it was asked to do. If the filter
was a bit undersized, and had some algae
every year and lots of tree debris, etc.
then it may last only 1 - 2 years. Nicely
sized cartridge filters can operate for
6 months between cleanings.
"How do I Backwash my Cartridge Filter?
A trick question. There is no backwash
valve on a cartridge filter because
today's pool filter cartridges aren't
built for backwards flow. Instead, the
pump is shut off, air bleeder opened,
lid removed, cartridge removed, hosed
thoroughly top to bottom, and replaced.
It's a bit of a pain to do, but
hopefully the filter is sized so that
it's a 1 - 2 x per year job. Another
advantage is that cartridge cleaning
doesn't waste as much water as
backwashing.
Soaking
the cartridge in a TSP (trisodium-phosphate) or similar solution prior to hosing will improve your cleaning. Do
not use TSP if you utilize Baquacil or Soft Swim for sanitation.
Use of
a clarifier or Chitin product like
Sea-Klear is a great help to a cartridge filter. Some
people also increase the filter efficacy by adding a small amount of synthetic filter aid
powder (1 - 2 cups) through skimmer. D.E. powder is not recommended by most manufacturers, as
it can clog the pores of the cartridge.
Disposal/replacement of the cartridge, its
difficulty in maintenance (no backwashing), and its low efficiency are the reasons I don't
recommend these filters for use in most larger swimming pools. But for pools under 30,000
gals., there are some nice filters like the
Hayward C-4000 that can really be a great
filter.
Right off the
shelf for $40 - $100, depending on its size. No professional labor needed. |
