How Does a Pool’s Filtration System Work?

pools filtration system
We can’t wait to kick off this summer’s pool season, and we know you can’t either! Swimming pools are no doubt our favorite place to cool off on a hot summer day. And the more you use your swimming pool, the more important it is to keep on top of regular maintenance. The pool’s filtration system is a key component of keeping a pool pristine, and understanding how it works is the first step to ensuring it is running properly and efficiently. 

How a Pool’s Filtration System Works

A pool filtration system typically consists of three main components: a pump, a filter, and a skimmer. The pump is the heart of the pool’s filtration system. It is responsible for drawing water from the pool through the skimmer and into the filter. The pump then pushes the filtered water back into the pool through return jets. The pump’s motor is typically located near the pool, and it is powered by electricity. The filter is the second component of the pool’s filtration system. It is responsible for removing unwanted contaminants from the water. The filter typically consists of a tank filled with sand, diatomaceous earth, or cartridge filters. As water flows through the filter, the debris is trapped in the filter media, allowing clean water to flow back into the pool. The skimmer is the third component of the pool’s filtration system. It is responsible for collecting floating debris such as leaves and bugs before they sink to the bottom of the pool. The skimmer is located at the surface of the water and is connected to the pump by a suction line. Your pool’s filtration system is a crucial component to maintaining clean and safe pool water for all your family and friends.

3 Common Types of Pool Filters

Sand filters are the most common type of filter used in residential swimming pools. The filter tank is filled with sand, and water is pumped through the sand bed. The sand prevents debris from returning back into the pool’s clean water once it has entered the filter tank. Sand filters require regular backwashing to remove trapped debris and restore the sand’s filtering ability. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are another common type of pool filter. These filters use grids coated with a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms but work similarly to sand filters. As water passes through the grids, the DE powder collects contaminants, allowing clean water to flow into the pool. DE filters require periodic backwashing and the addition of fresh DE powder to maintain their filtering ability. Cartridge filters are the third type of pool filter. These filters use a replaceable cartridge made of a pleated material to trap debris and contaminants. The cartridge can be removed and cleaned or replaced as needed. Cartridge filters require less maintenance than sand or DE filters but may need to be replaced more frequently. At Fronheiser Pools, we want to make sure that you’re set up for success as a pool owner. If you have any questions about your pool’s maintenance or water care, contact us today and we’ll walk you through it. Be sure to check out our online store and stock up on all of your essential pool chemicals as well as fun toys for the whole family!
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Fronheiser Pools

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