So although they are considered the most effective type of filter, make sure the efficiency is properly offset by the amount of time you are spending maintaining the filter. The only thing to keep in mind is that this model comes in three different sizes, so choose a pump to fit the max flow rate of the filter. Most pool pumps use one of three filtration methods: sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), or cartridge. As long as you keep up a good maintenance routine, backwash often, and change the sand every 3-5 years, this filter will continue cleaning your pool water without giving you much trouble at all. Household uses for DE also make it a handy substance to have aroundyou can use it to control insect infestations and deworm animals. Check out Intex if you have an above ground pool. Not sure where to start when it comes to buying a pool filter? The installation process for the Blue Wave cartridge filter system is quite easy to follow. One major con to this product is the quality of the plastic that may degrade over time under the sun. Of course, price was also a consideration for me and should definitely be factored into your decision based on your budget. Participation in these programs helps us keep the lights on at PoolResearch.com and in no way impacts my research process or editorial opinions. filter. The pump and filter media will have to be purchased separately. Most other brands have pretty routine setup processes, although the instructions can be vague sometimes. Couple that with a six-position valve that makes it easy to backwash, rinse, drain, winterize, or test the filter, and the Carvin Laser is one of the best above-ground pool filter options on the market. Questions? Easy to install and DE powder is added through the, DE powder is inexpensive at roughly a dollar per pound. This could either be an unfortunate one-off incident, or an indicator that Hayward's quality is not consistent with all of their products. It could also be that above ground pools (such as Intex pools) are smaller in size and dont require as much cleaning. The top mount also allows the filter to be more compact, which is very handy for those with limited space. You may need to ask a friend or neighbor for help. Pressure gauges measure how well the system is drawing water from the pool. Whether you need a remodel, a new pool, or just some maintenance help, HomeAdvisor will find the best professional for the job. While pool filters do not take a lot of energy to run, every bit makes a difference. Filters come in different sizes to handle swimming pools of various capacities. Most filters are rated by gallons per minute. In contrast, cartridge filters remove 10 microns, and sand filters remove 20 microns. filters that require periodic backwashing, Pentairs cartridge filter is easy to maintain. The filter boasts a flow rate of 150 gallons per minute, making it a worthy choice for larger inground pools of 30,000 gallons or more. Cartridges are available online and in most retail stores, making them accessible no matter how many you go through. The lack of the backwashing feature can be a bit perplexing as well, but the manufacturer states there is no need for it due to the size of the filter. The material filters out debris and particles as small as 10 microns, which is more effective than your standard #20 silica sand. The cartridge itself will need replacing only every 2-4 years. Replace the lateral assembly and pipe and add fresh sand. Considering its a smaller pump than most, to get the most out of it, ideally, you would be running it for longer. If you dont mind the backwashing required every 2-4 weeks, this may be a good fit for you. To change the sand in a pool filter, begin with draining the tank by opening the drain cap at the bottom of the tank. Cartridge filters have a larger filtration area, which allows them to remove smaller particles than a sand filter can. But in some cases, you might find that a filter isnt effective at cleaning your pool water. In addition to its durable construction, its also easy to maintain. I found the instructions to be quite vague for novice pool owners, but there are plenty of helpful video tutorials if you need some more assistance. Depending on the size of the filter, the price ranges from less than $100 to just over $200. Cartridge filters use similar technology to air filters, incorporating materials like polyester fiber into cartridge units. This versatile pool pump and filter combo will work with flexible or rigid plumbing. You must use a filter designed for above-ground use. Other models have multiport designs with switches that allow the user to winterize, rinse, and backflush the filter with the turn of a knob. The pool filter has a strong flow rate, meaning it is able to effectively clean larger pools. It is an efficient system with an easy-to-use 7-way multi-port valve that assists with filtering, backwashing, winterizing, re-circulating, closing, rinsing, and wasting. Though more expensive and requiring more maintenance than other filter types, D.E. The curved panels come in different sizes and are layered on top of each other. In evaluating dozens of pool filters for this guide, we considered several criteria. Carvin Laser Above Ground Pool Sand Filter - I think this is a decent option for above ground pools if you want a sand filter, but still think Intex can work for most pool owners. To calculate the max flow rate of your filter, use my calculator. Tanks also come in different different sizes, with some being large and round, while others are slim and tall. Some customers had less positive things to say about the filter, specifically regarding the quality of the body. If youre not sure which type of filter to get, head over to my sand vs. cartridge vs. DE filter comparison. Its relatively small size and versatile plumbing connections also make setting up the plumbing very easy for this filter. Pool filters use a variety of means for filtering water, including sand, paper cartridges, and diatomaceous earth. In addition to being durable, this model makes it easy to conduct regular maintenance, thanks to a six-position multiport valve on the top of the filter. It boasts a flow rate of 40 gallons per minute, which is enough to service a 24,000-gallon pool. The tank is made of a corrosion-resistant polymer material and is weather-resistant. filters, we selected models with multiport valves that allow the user to easily change the filter to different operating modes for back-flowing and winterizing. The Hayward Pro Grid DE filter is a powerful piece of equipment. Hayward XStream Above-Ground Filter Pump - I didn't love this model's effectiveness and power; it was pretty weak when I tested it. A few testers even stated that after more than 5 years, the pump is still running in pristine condition. Sand filters circulate water through a canister with pounds of sand inside. There are five different size options to choose from, so you can pick one depending on the size of your pool. A filter wont work without a pump to push water through it. Just keep in mind that the filter does not include the pump or the sand - these need to be purchased separately. The manual that comes with the filter is not very clear, so it can be a bit complicated if you have any doubts. But how does it work? There are a few different styles of grid DE filters: finger, curved, and straight. You can either backwash or hose them off without having to remove them from the tank. By Tony Carrick | Updated May 26, 2022 11:59 AM. The high-impact grid elements help to provide maximum efficiency through up-flow filtration and top-down backwashing. But once you have the adaptor, the rest of the installation is intuitive. The pump must be powerful enough to push water through the filter without being so powerful that it damages it. More than 80% of the reviews are either 4 or 5 stars, which is a testament to this product. I have more details on specific filters from those brands and my other top picks below. Finally, cartridge filters are in a similar league to sand filters. Buyers must consider three types of pool filters, each of which has its pros and cons. This is a high-powered filter system with a superior flow rate, leading to great water quality. One way of achieving this is to install a larger pool filter to reduce the strain on the pool pump. This guide dives into the world of pool filters to identify what factors are crucial to consider when shopping for the best pool filter, while evaluating some of the top models on the market. The smallest size Hayward pro series is 22 inches in diameter and it holds 250 lbs of sand, The next size up is 24 inches in diameter and it holds 300 lbs of sand, Next, there is the 27 inch in diameter filter which holds 350 lbs of sand, The second to largest size is 31 inches in diameter and holds 500 lbs of sand, Finally, the largest Hayward pro series sand filter is 36 inches in diameter and holds a whopping 700 lbs of sand, The fitler provides visual indicators to show when its time to backwash and clean, You must purchase the multiport valve and pump separately, The smallest size Pro Grid filter is 36 square feet and requires 4.5 lbs of DE filter to fully cover the filter grids, The next size up is 48 square feet and requires 6 lbs of DE to cover the filter grids, The largest size of the Pro Grid filters is 60 square feet and will need about 7.5 lbs of DE powder, Plastic filter body that can break down in sunny conditions, The most popular mid-sized option is 125 square feet, And the largest one is at 175 square feet, Filter requires replacing every two weeks, Manufacturer recommends a max run time of eight hours only, Need to purchase hose adaptors separately, The smallest size Krystal Clear cartridge filter has a flow rate of 330 GPH or 5.5 GPM, The cartridge filter the next size up has a flow rate of 530 GPH or 9 GPM, The middle-sized filter has a flow rate of 1000 GPH or 17 GPM, The second-largest Krystal Clear cartridge filter has a flow rate of 1500 GPH or 25 GPM, The largest filter has a flow rate of 2500 GPH or 42 GPM, All-around strong filtration for a range of pool sizes (both above and in-ground). The Krystal Clear cartridge filters by Intex are probably one of the most affordable options on the market. One of the knocks on DE filters is that theyre the most labor intensive when it comes to cleaning. The customers rave about the easy setup and the quality of the filter system that has helped to clean out their dirty pools. A single knob-release that securely fastens the filter head to the tank makes it easy to access the filter cartridge. Effectiveness accounted for 30% of the overall score. This reduces the pressure inside the filter, prolonging its cycle times and increasing its lifespan. DE filters do require more maintenance than other filter types, but I see it as a fair tradeoff since DE filters are so effective at filtering pool water. A pool filter should be both easy to maintain and durable. Here is a size breakdown of Blue Wave models: As the Blue Wave cartridge filter system comes as a package with a base, pump, and hoses, the compatibility rating is quite high. But if you are replacing an existing system or are just starting out, consider whether a combo unit is the most efficient for your pool size, type, and setup. A drain located at the bottom of the tank makes it easy to empty the filter for winterizing or sand changes. Despite its high capacity, the filter is fairly compact at just 14 inches in diameter and 38 inches tall. Saltwater pools provide swimmers with less harsh water, but they arent immune to filth. I would highly recommend this model for homeowners with large pools looking for an effective and affordable cartridge filter. On the other hand, DE filters need constant replenishing. You can use my pool pump size calculatorto figure out the right model for you. DE filters are to be fitted with a multiport valve. While some filter setups are ideal for pools of all sizes, others can only filter a set number of gallons of water. ZeoSand is made from zeolite, a mineral that is really good at capturing small contaminants and you only need about half as much as you do silica sand. It is an incredibly durable product that is sure to last years as long as it is looked after properly. If you want the quick answer, I think Hayward has the best pool filters for most people who need a sand, DE, or cartridge filter for an inground pool. Unfortunately, because the sand is so heavy, its often tough to purchase online. Decking out the filter in this type of plastic helps it resist corrosion, which is obviously important when buying a product that is subject to moisture 24/7. Many times it can feel like an endless cycle of water testing and topping up chlorine to keep the water its cleanest. Keep in mind that you may need to use some kind of sealant to avoid any kind of leakage on the connectors. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. The ProSeries Pool Sand Filter comes with some useful additional features, including a top diffuser that ensures even distribution of water through the sand, a self-cleaning drain that makes it easy to empty the filter come wintertime, and a gauge for monitoring pressure. They use diatomaceous earth powder (an ancient form of microalgae) on a filter grid to grab pollutants as water passes through the filter on its way back to the pool. With price tags that go into the thousands of dollars, a pool filter replacement can quickly become a major investment. Keep in mind that you need to handle DE carefully, as it can be harmful if you breathe it in or swim in a high concentration of it. The sheer size of the model allows for the ability to hold extra dirt. The most common modes are Filter (to filter the water), Backwash/Rinse (for cleaning the filter), and Waste (allows dirty pool water to be sent directly out a waste line). Top mount filters are generally cheaper because the mechanics are less complicated, but keep in mind that top mounts also require more work when cleaning out or changing the sand. I like the visual indicators that tell you when its time to run the backwash process, too. Customers were pleased with how efficiently the filter was able to clean their pool water. In this article, I will walk you through all of the specs of the top-performing pool filters in a few different categories. One thing to keep in mind is that it is likely that you may need to purchase an adaptor to fit the pump to your pool. The wider pleat design of these grids allow for easy cleaning. Alternatively, if you require a low-maintenance filter model, choose a sand or cartridge filter. D.E. Installing a filter system for an inground pool is never an easy task, but installation for this SwimClear cartridge filter is quite straightforward and easy. The filter has to be the same size as the pool pump youre using. At a relatively low price compared to other filters of a similar caliber, this price cannot easily be beaten. In fact, it is one of the more expensive filter options out there, but you get what you pay for. Setting up the pump/filter is easy. For more complicated plumbing issues, I recommend contacting a professional. While some filter units are also pumps, many are standalone units that tie into the pools plumbing system. Its common for a filter to reduce water pressure slightly, but a huge dip after installation could mean your filter is not the right size for your pool or pump. Most of the positive reviews talk about the products ease of use and effectiveness. On top of that, consider that you will need to purchase a new filter grid every 2-3 years or when your grids look worse for wear. You will also need to purchase the multiport valve separately for this filter, but almost any standard multiport valve will be suitable. Here is a size breakdown of Pro Grid models, including how many scoops of DE is needed: The filter sizes are all great for small to medium inground pools, but unfortunately, even the largest filter size will struggle to clean pools over 30,000 gallons. It is worth mentioning that some of the bad reviews of the product come from customers that used an extension cord, which is advised against by the manufacturer. You wont need to worry about purchasing the extra equipment needed for the filter. If you have a 25,000-gallon inground pool, for example, youll want a filter with a higher capacity a filter that accommodates 6,000-gallon pools wont work out. Youll have to consult the filters specs but you can use any filter that has a flow rate that meets or exceeds the gallons per minute your pool requires. For cartridge filters, we chose models with quick-release fittings that allow the user to access the cartridge without having to remove a lot of hardware first. Curved grid DE filters are the most common DE filter design. Straight grid DE filters use the same type of grid panels as the curved version, except theyre lined up one after the other (like Dominoes). If you are looking for a decent, affordable filter that gets the job done, the Hayward Pro Series sand filter should be on your list. We chose models with tough, molded plastic construction that could resist harmful UV rays as well as extreme cold. The finer the sand, the smaller the particles (microns) it can clear from the water. Heres How to Fix It, How to Install a Pool Pump Timer (With Wiring Diagram), Takes up less space than side mount pool filters. Hayward W3DE3620 ProGrid D.E. Read on to learn more about these and other attributes of pool filters. With its flow rate of 120 GPM, this filter can service large inground pools with up to 60,000 gallons of water. Cleaning a saltwater pool works just like a traditional pool, as they still require a sanitizing chemical in the water, and a filter in the pool house. In order to get a full filtration of the water, turning it over 3 times is needed. Although the reviews are generally positive, it seems Intexs product quality isnt consistent throughout the market. A pool filter should be able to filter the entire contents of a pool in about 8 hours. This is usually due to how big the tank needs to be for the pool, but it also helps if you are limited on space for your pool equipment. We work with HomeAdvisor to match you with the best swimming pool contractors in your area.
although they are considered the