outdoor water filter installation

Investing in a good quality filter for your home pool is essential to maintain good health of yourself and your family. Sand used in filtering media is one of the best choices that you can make to ensure quality and affordability. Sand for sand filters is a low-maintenance alternative to DE or diatomaceous earth filters because these filters remove dirt and bacteria at a lower cost, and for a longer period of time.

The sand in these filters is somewhat finer and subtler than the sand found in beaches. Highly graded and specially formulated for filtering purpose, the average dimension of this sand lies within the range of 45 to 55 millimeters, and it possesses the ability to trap dirt particles as small as 20 microns. As the accumulation of impurities inside the filter increases, the pressure on the filter assembly rises. A very high amount of pressure on the filter may render it incapable of filtering properly; therefore it is necessary to monitor this pressure using the pressure gauge provided.

Whenever the value increases the figure of eight pounds, it is important to start the backwashing procedure so that the impurities and particles get discharged and the efficiency of the filter is retained.

In order to ensure efficient operation of these sand filters, regular backwashing is an essential feat. Backwashing not only retains the filter’s capability to work to maximum capacity and ensure uniform filtering, but it also retains the life of the filter media and sand tank. Backwashing automatically cleans your filter from the inside; therefore there is no need for manual cleaning as in the case of diatomaceous filters.

Hence this filter is an ideal choice for you if you are looking for the least amount of maintenance, long life and efficiency at an affordable and budget friendly price range. With adequate backwashing and rinsing, the filter media does not deteriorate over time and the sand inside the medium does not require replacement for at least seven years. However, if you experience the need to backwash every fifteen days or so, it can be a sign that your internal filter media has deteriorated. This deterioration is generally a result of hardness or mineralization of the water.

The pH of the water changes due to the presence of hard minerals like calcium, manganese and iron in the water. These metals deposit in the filter media and make the sand filters less efficient by reducing their quality level. In order to combat this problem you can either opt for a larger sand filter that has a bigger surface area, or you can opt for a water softening filter. Water softening filters oxidize the mineral content in tap water and reduce the level of hardness. In this way, metal accumulation in the sand for sand filters is decreased and they can work efficiently for a longer time.

Mode of operation of these filters is simple. The three basic settings common to all filters using sand are “filter”, “rinse” and “backwash.” Filter setting purifies the water off any impurities; backwash reverses the water flow and cleans the filter media, and the rinse feature is activated between filtering and backwashing for about 20 seconds. More detail on Waterco Filter: https://waterfilter.my/

There are several different factors to repairing and maintaining your filter, such as installing the actual filter: plumbing; cleaning it and keeping it clean; and of course, taking care of any problems that may arise.

To install your swimming pool filter, your need to follow some simple guidelines for the installation process. The important procedures are listed below, but first of all, keep in mind that it is only a basic guide and you need to check with your installation book that you received from the manufacturer
before you actually install your filter. You don’t want to begin cutting PVC pipe and greasing the O-rings before you know for certain what you need to do.

Examine the entire system, including the design, electrical and plumbing before you undertake the installation task. Some of the more simple tasks may make a big difference on how your filter operates.

You want your pool filter to have the best water flow possible, therefore, you need to carefully examine the plumbing. The plumbing should be devised and set up with the fewest lines and smallest number of fittings possible. If you need to install the filter somewhat of a distance away from the pool, the pipe size must be enlarged between the filter and the pool so that it will reduce the head resistance and make up for a longer run time.

A slab of concrete (either poured concrete or a concrete block) or brick make up the equipment pad on which the filter will be mounted.

It is best if filters are located as close to the pool as possible. Do not install a filter on a wood surface as it may warp or rot underneath the filter and damage the unit. The filter must be level when mounted; otherwise, it may cause the filter to vibrate or not operate up to its capacity. When you install the filter remember to allow plenty of room to work on your filter if the need should arise. Also make sure to have sufficient drainage.

The filter needs to be grounded since the pump motor runs on electricity even though the actual filter is not directly hooked up to electricity. Make sure you obtain the services of an electrician to undertake this procedure. The set up must conform with the local and national electric codes.

It is very important to integrate the filter into the entire circulation system, as well as the pool’s electrical system, which is why it is important to position the unit in the proper location. More detail on Waterco Filter: https://waterfilter.my/

High rate sand filters information
The method of filtration that has been in existence the longest is the sand filter. It is also the most popular type of filtration.

The high rate sand filters are usually .45 to .55 mm. The sand that is used with the filter is known as pool grade #20 silica sand. The sand filter separates the particles while allowing filtration to take place. This type of sand filtration is known as “depth” filtration because dirt is forced
through the sand bed, then trapped in small spaces between particles of sand. At first, the clean sand filter will eliminate large particles, but as the sand bed collects more dirt, it will eliminate the smaller particles as well.

When sand filters are in the filtration mode of operation, the water will always flow from the top to the bottom. Clean, filtered water is able to pass through the filter through a lateral or under drain that contains slots to hold back sand.

Cleaning is an important process of maintaining your sand filter in order for it to operate at optimum level. It is also important to extend the life of your other pool filter equipment.

The sand filter is cleaned by reversing the flow through the filter to the “waste” line. This process is known as backwashing. The filter should be cleaned on a regular basis, approximately once a month. You should carefully read your filter instructions to learn how to reverse the water flow in
order to properly clean the dirt and debris from the filter.

The sand in a crushed sand filter should be replaced every three to five years. Of course, this would depend on how often the pool is used during the season and the types of contaminants in the air that come in contact with your filter. More detail on Waterco Filter: https://waterfilter.my/

Everything Pool Filters – Importance of Good Water Balance For Your Swimming Pool
What good water balance means to you…

Our customers ask, “why do I have to worry about testing & balancing my swimming pool water? If it looks clear, everything must be good. Right?” The answer is, “Usually not.” The short answer is if the water isn’t properly balanced, you’re not safe, the pool & its components (filter, pump, heater, pool surfaces, fittings, etc) just won’t last long, and finally, you’ll be wasting your money!

Here’s what we mean:

Pool Water balancing for you & your body: When the pH & Total alkalinity are out of balance, your chlorine, bromine or other sanitizer don’t work as efficiently as they should. When the sanitizer doesn’t work efficiently, bacteria & other stuff you don’t want in your spa start gaining control. You could easily end up with skin rashes and eye irritations at least.

Pool Water balancing for your pool: Without proper chemical maintenance, you can get water line scum build-up, much shortened heater life (the heater either corrodes away due to low pH & Total Alkalinity; we’ve seen people buy 2 heaters in one season because they don’t think they need to balance their water!) or scale build-ups (high pH, high Total Alkalinity, high Total Hardness) prevent efficient heating (scaling of the thickness of just 1 sheet of paper can easily cause you to use at least 10% MORE electricity or gas), clogged filters and shortened filter life. Left completely alone, we’ve even seen the pool liners become faded & brittle & other damage because of it’s constant contact with out-of-balance water. Consistent, low total alkalinity & especially calcium hardness over a period of several months can lead to a shortened vinyl liner life (lots of little, tiny pinholes – no warranty coverage). You didn’t buy your pool for that mess!

Remember that the source water for filling your pool can have certain properties that can cause chemical changes as you top off your pool; especially pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness & metals & minerals. If your tap water is “soft” or “hard”, those chemical make ups, make a difference. The use of water softeners makes a difference. Certain salts will directly affect the water balance.

Here are the proper water balance parameters to keep in mind:

pH – 7.4 – 7.6
Total Alkalinity – 80 – 120 ppm in concrete pools, 120 – 150 ppm in vinyl or fiberglass pools
Calcium Hardness – 200 – 250 ppm in concrete pools, 175 – 225 ppm in vinyl or fiberglass pools
Total Dissolved Solids – less than 2500 ppm (in NON-salt pools)
Iron or Copper – ZERO
Cyanuric Acid – 40 – 100 ppm (chlorine pools ONLY; bromine CANNOT be stabilized; biguanide pools – Soft Swim or Baquacil – do not require stabilizer)
Maintaining Total Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness in the middle of their respective “good” ranges is just a really good idea. Everything works just the way it should. The water looks great, feels comfortable, chlorine & bromine are acting properly, water balance is bouncing around.

Rain water can dramatically effect your water balance, depending on its pH & obviously the quantity of rain. The pH of rain varies across the country generally becoming more acidic as you go from west to east. As rain falls, it carries down particulate matter that is suspended in the air. This suspended particulate is dust, dirt, soot, chemicals, even bird droppings.

Adding  fresh make up water after evaporation or backwashing will eventually have an effect on the water balance. Additions of more than 2 inches of fresh water should be allowed to circulate for 24 hours then tested to make any necessary adjustments.

Also keep in mind that rain water (especially when heavy or copious) can add to chlorine demand.

Wasting money: I think you’re beginning to understand the reason why from the above information. You’ll be purchasing more chemicals when you don’t need them. More frequent filter changes (proper cleaning of the filter cartridge should give a life of 2 to 3 years minimum, DE filter elements should last about 5 years with proper cleaning & maintenance). Par Pool & Spa wants you to have fun. Proper water balancing, testing & care shouldn’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes per week on average.

Be sure to test your water with a good quality test kit or test strips. Remember to change the strips or testing reagents each swimming season. For added accuracy seek out a local pool professional who is able to properly and thoroughly test your pool water filter. These test need to include: Total chlorine or bromine, Free chlorine, combined chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, acid demand, alkali demand, calcium hardness, total dissolved solids, water temperature, mineral or salt level (saline or salt chlorine systems), iron and copper levels. Don’t wait to adjust the water balance. Like most things, it costs more to fix than to maintain. More detail on Waterco Filter: https://waterfilter.my/