Warning Signs That You Need Pool Filter System Repairs

One of the most essential components of your backyard swimming pool is the pool filter. Your pool filter is a large fiberglass, concrete, or metal tank, filled with a special type of sand. If it’s not working correctly, you’ll end up with a dirty, murky pool. Eventually, it can start transforming into its own little ecosystem filled with algae, bacterial films, insect larvae, and other undesirables. If you notice any of the following common problems, you probably need pool filter system repairs.

Pool Filter Functions

Pool filters are called “sand filters,” composed of a tank that contains a special grade of sand. Dirty pool water comes into the filter through an inlet pipe, entering the water distribution head. Gravity pulls the water down through the sand, which captures small particles, dirt and debris. At the bottom of the tank, the newly clean water flows into an outlet pipe.

Reasons for Faulty Pool Filters

A working pool filter is essential for keeping your swimming pool clean and safe. In combination with chemical water treatments, it keeps the water relatively sterile and free of microbial growth. Homeowners occasionally need pool filter system repairs by swimming pool service Miami for various problems with their sand filter. Leaks are one such issue, noticeable by dripping water or water pooling near the filter tank. If there’s a hole in the filter tank, the whole thing will need to be replaced. Pool filters can also be affected by short cycling, which indicates that the flow rate through the filter tank is too high. Your pump might be too strong for the size of your pool, or it may not be big enough to handle the volume of water that it needs to clean. You could also start noticing sand or diatomaceous earth from the filter coming into your pool. In DE filters, this might indicate a cracked grid manifold or torn grid fabric. In sand filters, it usually means that the filter lateral is broken.

Pool Filter Installations

If pool filter system repairs aren’t feasible, you may need to replace your filter entirely. In most cases, the most sensible option is to get a new version of the same filter you had before. However, you may also want to upgrade to a filter that’s higher quality, or that is better suited for the size of your pool. Sand pool filters are the most popular, and can filter particles from 20 to 40 microns in size. Cartridge filters can remove smaller debris 10-20 microns in size, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters can remove particles as small as 3 microns. Whichever type you choose, it’s important to size it correctly. The size of your pool, as well as the power of your pool pump, will determine what size of filter you’ll need.

Pool Cartridge Replacement

When you’re troubleshooting problems for pool filter system repairs, you may find that you need to replace your filter cartridge. A typical cartridge can run for about 2,000 hours or so before it wears out, and you’ll probably need pool cartridge replacement every one to two years.

Pool filters are an essential part of your home swimming pool system. Without a working filter, algae and bacteria can quickly take over. At All Florida Pool & Spa Center, we carry a variety of pool filters and filter cartridges for pool filter system repairs and replacement. Come by any time to check out our selection.