How Does a Swimming Pool Filter Work?

How Does a Swimming Pool Filter Work?

A pool has a drain and skimmer box which brings the water to the pool filter. There are also return outlets in the walls of the pool through which the water flows back into the pool. In order for the pool filter to work, the pool pump must first be put on either manually, or in most cases, by an electrical timer. Filtering a swimming pool is a simple process but necessary in order to avoid contamination.

External Parts of a Pool Filter

The pool pump pulls the water to the pool filter through the skimmer box or the pool drain. The skimmer box contains a basket that stops large debris from entering the pool filter. The pool drain has a cap that does the same function.

Filtering the Water

When the water reaches the filter system, there is another basket to catch any large debris that got through the skimmer box or drain. When using a pool filter that has a cartridge made of cloth fiber, the cartridge collects the tiny particles of dirt and debris. The water then runs through a cartridge that contains chlorine tablets, further sanitizing the water. It is then pumped back into the pool through the return valves.

With a sand filter, the water passes through filter grids that have a coating of diatomaceous earth which captures any dirt and debris. This type of filter may or may not have a chlorine discharge unit for further sanitizing. If it does not, chlorine is added directly to the pool water when the pump is active.

Cleaning a Pool Filter

Each type of filter needs to be cleaned occasionally. On a cartridge filter, the cartridge is removed and cleaned with a hose until the dirt is removed. A sand filter requires backwashing to remove the dirt-filled diatomaceous earth. Fresh diatomaceous earth is then poured into the skimmer box, which brings it to the filter where it attaches to the filter grids.

Resources

• Knowing Your Swimming Pool Filter Types