It’s time for a pool upgrade! Naturally, pool owners gravitate toward additions like water features, jacuzzis, and anything that screams fun in the sun. But truthfully, many pool owners would be better off investing in an upgrade that’s not as flashy: a new pool filtration system.
New filtration might not make you feel like you’re suddenly living in the lap of luxury. That’s partially because most pool owners don’t know how pool filtration systems impact their swimming experience.
Here’s what you should know about upgrading these systems, and why keeping up with pool maintenance services is the secret to keeping them at their best.
Know Your Options for Filter Upgrades
If you’re interested in upgrading your equipment, it’s important to know what’s available. Different filters have different strengths. You want one that matches your pool’s needs. Here are some of the most common options for swimming pool filtration.
Sand Filters
Pool owners who value simplicity and efficiency often go for sand filters. These mechanisms push the pool water through the sand. Debris and dirt get caught, and the fresh water passes through back into your pool. Sand filters are among the easiest to maintain in terms of cost, but they require backwashing to clear out the trapped debris.
Cartridge Filters
A filter cartridge can filter out even smaller particles than sand filters. They also don’t need backwashing, saving you on maintenance and water. They trap debris in a cartridge — most pool owners opt for a four-cartridge filtration system to keep things maintenance-friendly.
You’ll have to degrease the cartridges (usually once a year) to remove things like body oils and hair products, as these can affect the performance of the filter.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
The third most common type of filtration uses diatomaceous earth. These are on the more expensive side and operate similarly to the sand filter, but with much improved filtration.
DE filters also require backwashing, and, unlike with your sand filter, you lose some of the DE when you wash it. DE is also considered a health hazard if mishandled, so while these filters are extremely effective at what they do, it’s worth knowing the drawbacks before you go all in on a more expensive filter.
Why Pool Pump and Filter Maintenance Is Essential
It doesn’t matter if you upgrade to the most high-tech, luxury pool filtration system on the market — it will only lose efficiency if you aren’t taking care of it. That’s a tall order for a pool owner to do by themselves, and most of them don’t. They opt for the simplest method: outsourcing maintenance to pool professionals.
This means pool owners have more time for other pursuits, but it also equates to a longer lifespan for their filter and better overall water quality. If you’re considering upgrading your pool filtration, you should have an expert install and maintain it to ensure you’re always getting as much benefit out of it as possible.
Do You Need a New Pool Filter?
It’s one thing to want a new pool filter as an upgrade. It’s another to have a damaged filter and need something to make your pool usable. Failing pool filters can cause many issues that make swimming unappealing, uncomfortable, and unsanitary. Here are a few scenarios that would justify you calling pool maintenance services to see if a new filter is in your future.
Cloudy or Dirty Water
Cloudy water could mean a few different things. One is that the chemicals in your pool aren’t properly balanced. The other is that there’s something wrong with your filter. The issue could be that your chemical ratio is fine, but the pressure in the filter is too high or is recirculating dirty water. Test your water to see if you’re dealing with the first issue.
A Leaking Filter
If you notice a water leak in your filter, you might have an issue. However, you can sometimes see water streaming out of the backwash line if you’ve cleaned the filter recently. If the problem persists long after maintenance, you should call to have it fixed or replaced.
Algae Growth
Algae is another common issue that can arise from other problems, including chemical imbalances. If you use shock or algaecide but the green just won’t go away, a failing pool filter could be to blame. This is another instance when you want to start by checking your chemical levels. If everything seems okay, call in professionals to see if there’s a mechanical issue.
Strange Noises From the Filter
Most pool filters aren’t supposed to make loud noises. This is usually a sign that something has gone seriously awry. Turn off your filter, call in a professional, and see if they can fix it. If noise is a constant issue, you’re probably better off upgrading to a new system.
Upgrades to Your System Recommended by Experts
Any expert can tell you that maintenance is important for a healthy pool. But they’ll also recommend taking things a step further and upgrading your existing filters to help them get the job done even better.
The first is to use saltwater chlorinators. Chlorine is the most common pool cleaning chemical. While it’s generally safe to use, it’s not always easy on the water or the equipment. However, saltwater is, and these chlorinators turn salt into chlorine. The result is water that’s more suitable for swimming, less spending on chemicals, and lower pool maintenance.
Another recommendation is to invest in variable-speed pumps. These act like “smart pumps” and adjust the pump to match your pool’s needs. They operate at lower speeds during normal filtration but kick into high gear when you’re backwashing or vacuuming. This saves you money on operating costs and reduces the wear and tear on your pool filtration system.
Get a Professional Upgrade and Pool Maintenance Services Today
It’s time to save money and have more summer fun with an upgrade to your pool equipment system. Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf is the perfect pool contractor to call! Reach out to learn more about our installation and pool maintenance services or to schedule a visit from a pool professional today.