When you begin shopping for a pool, one of the
things you may notice is that companies often recommend different
type filter systems.
WaterWorks of Texas can provide you with
any type you prefer, however, we want you to understand the
differences. Here are the facts.
Filter Type
Description
Performance
High-Rate Sand
The oldest method of filtration is sand.
High-rate sand filters use a special filter sand with sharp edges that
serve to separate particles, allowing filtration to take place. They
operate on the basis of "depth" filtration; dirt is driven through the
sand bed and trapped in the minute spaces between the particles of
sand. Initially, a clean sand bed will remove larger particles, and
then, as the bed starts to load up, it will remove finer particles.
Cleaning of the media, or sand bed, is accomplished through reversing
the flow through the filter, to the "waste" line. This is known as
backwashing.
Good
20-40 microns
Cartridge
Cartridge filtration has been available
for a relatively long time, but only recently has it begun to enjoy
rapid growth and acceptance. When water passes through a cartridge
filter, dirt is screened out at the surface of the cartridge element.
When clean, the element will trap larger particles, with finer
particles being filtered out as the pores of the element become
clogged by the larger debris. The cartridge element can be removed and
cleaned by pressure washing inside and out with cleaning solution and
a garden hose.
Better
10-20 microns
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.)
Many pool professionals consider D.E.
filtration to be the finest, because it is capable of removing smaller
particles than either sand or cartridge. Diatomaceous earth is a
porous powder with microscopic openings, that, when magnified, look
like tiny sponges. Clear water can pass through these openings, but
particles, as small as one to three microns, are trapped the first
pass through the media.
All D.E. filters have internal elements that become coated with D.E.
It is this "filter cake" that strains dirt, dust, algae and some forms
of bacteria from the water.
Similar to sand filters, when a D.E. filter becomes dirty, it is
cleaned by backwashing the used D.E. to the "waste" line. To restore
filtration, a fresh "charge" of D.E. is added to the filter.
Best
1-3 microns
When good or better isn't good enough
The filter system is the heart of
the pool, keeping your pool clean and crystal clear. This is not where
you want to cut corners.
The choice of WaterWorks
of Texas for most applications
is the FNS Plus by Pentair. Filtering with diatomaceous earth (D.E.)
results not just in clean water, but water that really sparkles.
That's because D.E. filters remove particles as small as 1-3 microns.
Even though particles smaller than 40 microns can't be seen with the
naked eye, large quantities of the contaminants have a very noticeable
effect on water clarity. And D.E. strips them away.
Here's five good reasons to choose D.E.
Sparkling Water - D.E. filters the
water ten times better than any other method, so finely that it can
even remove some forms of bacteria.
Less Maintenance - Maximized
filtration area. More filter area means longer periods between
cleanings.
Lower Electric Bills -
These systems require the least amount
of pumping power to achieve a needed flow rate. Lower pumping
requirements mean lower utility costs.
Optimum Performance -
D.E. filters are at optimum performance
first pass. Other kinds of filters must start to clog before they
filter smaller contaminants. When you backwash a D.E. filter, the
cleaning medium and the contaminants go down the drain together.
Fresh D.E. is added and you have Day 1 optimum performance again.
Cleaning Cost -
It only costs you a few dollars worth of
D.E. when you clean. Cartridge cleaning preparations and replacement
cartridges can be much more expensive.
With
the FNS Plus D.E. filter, you get sparkling clear water from the most
effective filtration system you can buy. And because they're designed
to extend the time between cleanings, you'll spend more time enjoying
your pool and less time maintaining it.
The
stainless steel classic for unmatched water clarity
No pool
filter made can give you cleaner, more sparkling water than
2000 SERIES Stainless Steel D.E. filters from Pentair. And
they're built to operate more efficiently, too. That means
they can often be paired with a smaller pump for lower
operating costs.
Like all Pentair
filters, 2000
SERIES filters provide optimal filtration efficiency, easy
maintenance, and longer runs between cleaning. Their
extraordinary dirt-holding capacity and easy cleanability
makes them the perfect choice for even the largest backyard
pool.
Additional features include:
Attractive
almond-colored tank blends into any backyard environment.
HIGH FLOW*
manual air relief valve and continuous internal air relief
eliminate air build-up from tank to maintain efficient
filtration and prevent over-pressurization.
Conveniently located 1 1/2" drain for easy and efficient
cleanout.
Unique
internal design ensures optimal filtration and backwashing
efficiency for longer runs between cleanings.
Your WaterWorks of Texas
representative will be happy to discuss the different filter systems
available with you and answer any questions you may have.