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SWIMMING POOLS
FILTER QUESTIONS / PROBLEMS
What Is "Channeling"? (8/18/98)
Silt On Pool Bottom (7/15/98)
Running A Pool Filter (6/23/98)
Clogged Filter (5/28/98)
Pool Filter Problems (5/8/98)
Clogged Filter (4/28/98)
Keeping Water Clear With A Sand Filter (4/21/98)
Choosing An Above Ground Filter (4/3/98)
What Is "Channeling"? (8/18/98)
Q:
I've read through your answers to all of the questions regarding cloudy water and poor filtration. I have cloudy water and the chemical balance seems to be OK. I notice you mention "Channeling" when you talk about backwashing sand filters. What is this? How do you know if you have it? What do you do to fix it? How do you prevent it from happening?
M.M. - Houston, TX
A:
Channeling is caused by the water cutting a pathway through the sand, defeating the filtration process. Replacement or recharging of the sand will eliminate this problem.
It is normal for a sand filter to have pressures that rise over the course of the season. If this never happens, there is probably something wrong.
Try using Sun Tru-Blue. This product will coagulate fine particles that might otherwise pass through a filter. As these particles are removed the filter becomes even more efficient.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Alan
Silt On Pool Bottom (7/15/98)
Q:
We have a small above-ground pool: 42" deep and 15' in diameter. Our problem is that no matter how often, and how carefully, we vacuum, there always seems to be a layer of fine silt-like material that settles on the bottom. How do we remove it?
J.M.
A:
Some pools do not typically come with the best filtration systems. It is possible that fine particles are passing through the filter and appearing as silt. Wind-blown debris can also be part of the problem.
Swim-Free Claritabs is a tablet that is added to the skimmer. As the water passes over it, it slowly dissolves, releasing a material that can coagulate fine particles. The coagulated particles help make the filter more efficient and lead to improved clarity. This is particularly effective if the fine particles are of an inorganic nature.
If the particles are dead algae or organic debris, Swim-Free Algalator would be an even better choice.
Try and operate the filter with people in the pool. This will help remove the silt while suspended.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Running A Pool Filter (6/23/98)
Q:
When is the best time to run the pool filter and for how long?
J.B. - Palmyra, NY
A:
There is no set answer to the question.
I prefer to run the filter during the day. This way the filter can remove any silt that is stirred up by the swimmers, Some people like to filter after the Sun goes down, in order to help protect chlorine being added. Doing this you may get by with less chlorine, but you may end up with cloudy water during daylight activity. I also like the idea of adding sanitizer while there are swimmers creating wastes.
How many hours depends upon the pump size, pool size and turnover rate. During peak usage the length of the cycle should be increased. You would best to ask a local pool professional, familiar with your type of equipment, for their recommendation.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Clogged Filter (5/28/98)
Q:
1. Can running a pool filter on an extension cord cause the motor (1hp) to overheat or die?
2. If the flow of water through the filter has decreased substantially, is it a result of low voltage due to the extension cord or is it possible that with numerous chemicals to kill a substantial algae problem that something is clogged? The filter is running at 20pps but very little water is being sent through the return.
S.S. - Gahanna, OH
A:
That's no way to run a filter!!!!!!!!!!!!
Because your pressure is high, it is my guess that the pump is running full out. It is likely that the filter and baskets are clogged with dead algae and organic debris.
Clean out the filter and any leave collecting baskets. This should cause the pressure to drop and increase the throughput of the pump.
If the return flow doesn't improve immediately, look at other possibilities such as clogged line or damaged pump impeller.
Good luck
Sincerely,
Alan
Pool Filter Problems (5/8/98)
Q:
I have a slight problem. A few days ago, my father cleaned our pool filter. He didn't backwash it, as there are no valves on the filter, so he manually cleaned it. Well, he didn't put any D.E. in because he didn't know he was supposed to! I was pretty upset when I heard two days later, because the filter had been running and I know it shouldn't be run without the D.E. Now when I did put it in, the DE came out of the return flow, and now the water is cloudy and won't get clear. Is the filter damaged from being run without DE? Or should I add some shock treatment?
R.S. - Northridge, CA
A:
I think that you need to address the question of "was the d.e. filter damaged" to either the manufacturer or a local dealer selling the product.
You can't get rid of D.E. by shocking. After re-establishing filtration, try vacuuming and long filter runs. Adding a product such as Swim-Free XTRA-BLUE or SUN TRU-BLUE should help restore clarity.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Clogged Filter (4/28/98)
Q:
My filter pressure starts at 10 psi and after 12 hrs. reaches 25 to 28 psi.
C.W. - East Liverpool, OH
A:
Something in the water is clogging your filter. It could be algae or organic debris, a mineral precipitating from the water or a chemical such as alum that might have been added.
Have the water analyzed!!!!!!
Adjust the parameters, as necessary. Checkout the filter and clean as often as needed to drop the pressure. Run filter continuously until the water clears.
Check chlorine level!!!!!!!! If algae is present and FREE CHLORINE level is low, shock pool and maintain a Free Chlorine level of at least 3 PPM for a few days.
Some types of algae are described as filter-clogging algae.
I hope this information will prove helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Keeping Water Clear With A Sand Filter (4/21/98)
Q:
How long does the sand in a sand filter last if you run the filter 9 hrs a day? I am having issues with water clarity in my 35k pool. Does the heater make any difference in potentially clouding the water? I used to have a diatomaceous earth filter and clarity was never an issue and now I fight it all the time. What is the best tip on keeping water clear with a sand filter??
S.C.
A:
How long you run a sand filter doesn't determine how long sand lasts.
A sand filter needs to backwashed if the pressure rises too high. This is usually because too-large amounts of suspended materials have been removed.
D.E. filters are usually better at removing smaller particles than are sand filters. They are more prone to problems if proper maintenance practices are not adhered to.
Sand filter lose efficiency after backwashing or if the media has formed channels. Frequently, backwashing may reduce the ability to produce optimum clarity.
There are a variety of products that work well with sand filters, enabling smaller particles to be removed more quickly. Such products are: Swim-Free Claritabs, Algalator or Xtra-Blue Water Polisher and Sun Tru-Blue or Super Clear. They work by coagulating fine suspended particles, making if easier for them to be removed by filtration.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Choosing An Above Ground Filter (4/3/98)
Q:
What is the best kind of above ground filter to purchase for a 15 x 30 foot pool?? earth or sand??? one or two speeds?? horse power???
J.B.
A:
The pool you described is relatively small. The filter size and pump power should be tailored to the job at hand. The pool dealer should be able to other you several choices in terms of equipment and cost.
My personal preference between earth (d.e.) and sand would be earth in terms of water clarity and quality. However, it is not that simple. Sand filters are easier to maintain, but are not as efficient as d.e. filters. D.E. filters can produce better clarity, but can be more difficult to maintain if proper pool conditions are not maintained and algae growth results.
All types of filters will work so long as you maintain proper pool chemistry. Maintaining proper sanitizer levels will prevent algae growth and make filtering easier.
Your local pool professional should be able to offer you advise on maintaining water quality and maintaining an efficient filter system.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan |
