|
|
The Importance of "Filtering Efficiency"
In order to maintain proper water clarity, the pool water must receive
adequate filtration. Filtering time is a function of heat and usage. While 2 to
3 hours daily is sufficient for the winter months, 10 to 12 hours daily is
generally required during the peak summer months.
A dirty filter can reduce the effectiveness of your filter by up to
80%. Accordingly, you could filter for 10 hours and receive the equivalent of
only 2 hours of "efficient" filtration.
Most filters should be backwashed when their pressure rises 8 to 10
pounds. You should also double-check the accuracy of your filter gauge by
feeling the force of the flow of water from your return line in the pool. A weak
flow means that its time to backwash.
For those with D/E filters, you should know that backwashing only
cleans the filter grids about 50%. You're better off taking them out and washing
them off, achieving 100% cleaning. This procedure should be done early spring
and mid-summer. Also, the proper amount of D/E to add is calculated by the
following formula: A one-pound coffee can of D/E for every five square feet of
filter area (i.e., 45 sq. ft. = 9 coffee cans). Every 4 to 5 years it is wise to
acid-wash the D/E filter grids to remove accumulated calcium deposits which can
restrict flow through the grid material. To acid-wash the grids, fill a large,
clean plastic trash can with water, and add 1/2 gallon of regular (muriatic)
pool acid. Soak each grid for 5 to 10 minutes, and then hose them off
thoroughly.
For those of you with cartridge filters, you can improve your
filtering efficiency up to 50% by adding 2 coffee cans worth of Diatomaceous
Earth (D/E) to your filter. This is accomplished by adding the D/E through the
skimmer with the pump on, and stirring it in the skimmer until it is totally
dissolved. Following the eventual backwashing of the filter, you may recharge
the filter with D/E. D/E is a very inexpensive and harmless powder available at
virtually any pool supply store. With normal usage, it will not harm grass,
plants, etc.
If you have a sand filter, a new filtering product, FiltraMax, can dramatically reduce
water ammonia levels to eliminate burning eyes and "rotten chlorine"
odor as well as increase the efficiency of your filter. Plase ask us for more
information.
|
