Replacing cartridges can bring unexpected expenses for pool users. So, the best way to avoid extra-expenses is to keep pool cartridges clean and protect them from damages. It is only sheer neglect on the user’s part that leads to cartridge’s damage. The decomposition of dirt on the cartridge surface is a continuous process. As filling in of debris continues inside the filter, the debris gets piled up and that creates a pressure on the surface. Regular cleaning of the filter, however, saves your cartridge from damages caused by such extraneous matter.
While cleaning your Pool filter parts, note that you are extra- cautious about avoiding the usage of pool cleaners such as stiff brush or a pressure washer system to clean the debris accumulated on the surface on the filters. The reason is the modern cartridges are made of a soft polyester filament that easily gets damaged when handled without care. Just using a normal garden hose should be good enough for cleaning of the cartridges. At most you can immerse it in solutions of muriatic acid and chlorine so as to remove sticky substances. It is always good to wash regularly so as to avoid overbuilding of debris. Pool users can use two set of cartridges as this can help to avoid over-indulgence of a single cartridge on pool cleaning. You can also use cartridges of two brands say Hayward and Doughboy for your pool filter. The replacement cartridges easily fit into any type of pool filters. Using two sets inevitably saves your cartridge from getting damaged.
Steps to be taken to protect cartridge filters
June 24th, 2010Thrill of Swimming Pool never ends with cartridge filters
June 23rd, 2010Keeping swimming pools clean is more of a mechanical system so as to keep things really working. The filters are a very important part of this mechanical system. If you are using a traditional filter then the dirt that gets piled up is a big mess to be disposed. Clean water has to be re-circulated and backwashing done in time. The accumulated debris needs to be pumped into your sewage system. But these botherations can be easily avoided by installing a cartridge filter in your pond.
The cartridge type filters are really good for they are made of polyesters like polyethylene and polypropylene. These filaments have very tiny pores that leave little scope for even microscopic particles to escape out in the pool water. They are forced to deposit on the surface of cartridges and as they get piled up a large mass of debris is left in the filter. The pool users then just have to either wash the debris or replace the cartridge used in the filter. Replacement Filter Cartridges of Sta-rite and Unicel can be used in all kind of filters. It is true that the process involved in such cartridge filters is also mechanical. But then it saves you from the pain of backwashing and manually cleaning your cartridge. It also saves your time as now you can easily replace the clogged cartridge and re-start the filtering system. So, your pool remains a non-stop experience where you can dip in for relaxation and rejuvenation. It can be used in all seasons constantly with the same purity and serenity of a new swimming pool.
Methodology for cleaning of pool filters
June 10th, 2010The filters of brands like Baker Hydro and Harmsco when installed in a pool get clogged after some days of use. Then the concern is to clean it for future usage. There are many cleaning methods that are in place for cleaning the filters. Starting from washing the cartridge with water to keeping it immersed in a solution of acid becomes essential for complete cleaning. The hose connected with a water source can be used to spray water in the cartridge. This cleans a lot of dirt that accumulates on the surface of the cartridge. But this will not be enough as oily substances need to be treated with solutions of acids. For this reason, I would suggest that you prepare a Chlorine solution and keep the cartridge immersed for some time. This will kill all the micro-organisms on the cartridge surface. Then wash it again with water and re-immerse it, this time, in a solution of muriatic acid. If necessary keep it soaked overnight. The acid will react with the mineral elements and will dissolve them. So, your cartridge will become free from all extraneous materials by following these procedures.
This new method of cleaning is much morcartridges cleaning methodse advantageous in comparison to the conventional cleaning methods where one has to backwash the accumulated dirt. The filament used to build the cartridge is made of a superior material more commonly known as polyesters. This material can easily filter out tiny particles that can only be seen in microscopes. The efficiency of filtration thus becomes much more pronounced with this type of filters.
Filters: The ultimate defense against pool impurity
June 9th, 2010For the uninterrupted functioning of a pool, swimming pools need to be equipped with pool product supplies for the top notch operation of a pond. One very important supply is the filter that restricts impurities from getting released in the pool. This equipment commands a very important pool supply as without its presence keeping pools clean would become literally impossible. There are a lot of manufacturers of the likes of Gulf Coast Spas, Sta-rite and Jacuzzi that have launched their series seeing the craze for filters.
The best form of the newly launched filter is cartridge filter. This product is capable of meeting all your cleaning needs. The dexterity with which it purifies the water is really astounding. No form of dirt is allowed to remain suspended in the pool water. All the particles are trapped inside the filter with the cartridge catering to stave off the dirt particles from percolating through its sieves. So, the impurity molecules start coagulating on the surface of the cartridge of the filter. They can then be easily washed off by making use of solutions of muriatic acid. So, on realizing the importance of such accessories many pool users have started to make a mullah hunt for good quality filters that would last long and also keep their pool water clean. The cost of buying such filters goes down drastically on visiting the site filters4less.biz. I have met many people who brought exclusive filters for spa use and for swimming pools by ordering on this site. The cartridge type filters serve well for any kind of pool, spa and ponds.
Chlorinated solution and muriatic acid, vital for pool cartridge cleaning
May 31st, 2010Cleaning a filter cartridge is a headache and I think it will remain so forever. I am staying in the US and have my own methods of cleaning the filter of my pool. Once I shut down the pump motor, to remove the filter from the swimming pool, I know that it is going to be hectic. But what I do first is I open the clamps and bring out the cartridge from the inside of the filter. Then I leave it in bright sunlight for quite sometime. The reason is that sun-light has algaecidal properties and also dries out the dirt on the surface of the cartridge. My filter is of a very superior quality as I have only deployed pool products of Doughboy and Astral in my swimming pool.
As the particles on the cartridge dries and becomes hard, what I do is brush them off with a paint brush. This removes the loose particles from the cartridge’s surface. My next concern is to kill the micro-organisms that get trapped in the filter. For this reason, I prepare a chlorinated solution (1 part chlorine and 6 parts water) and keep the cartridge immersed in it for some time. Having done with it, what I do next is rinse the filter cartridge in clean water and leave it in sunlight once again. After sometime of sun soaking, I soak it a muriatic acid solution. This action dissolves the minerals that accumulate in the filter. The next step is to clean it with water and to leave it in Sun to dry. After it gets dried, remember to shake vigorously so as to remove any remaining dust particles. Another important thing to note is to cover the vessel while chlorine-wash. The reason is chlorine evaporates when left in the open.
Taking out the pool cover that has fallen into the pool
February 8th, 2010The annual preparation of your pool for the new season is much less difficult if during the winter months the swimming pool cover stayed on the pool. If the pool cover did fall into the pool, it becomes a very time consuming and unpleasant chore. Getting someone else to prepare you pool would be the easiest, but not likely to happen. Therefore, we have a few suggestions on retrieving the pool cover from inside the pool and getting the pool ready for the new season.
1. Using a leaf rake (just a skimmer with a big net) remove any debris on the cover while it is still in the pool. Scoop the debris into the net by pulling it towards you. Deposit the debris in a container that will allow the water to drain, normally any container with holes will work. The debris will then be easier to dispose of since it will weigh less and be easier to pick up. Remember, if you allow the debris container to drain on the deck, a stain could result.
2. Retrieve the cover from the pool after you have removed the debris from on top of it.
3. Check to see that there are no tears, or other damage, that would cause a need to replace or repair the top. Allowing it to dry after cleaning it, store it away for use again at end of swimming season.
4. Now you must evaluate your swimming pools water condition. It may not be as bleak as you are expecting. It will all be dependent on the amount of debris that actually went into the pool. If you are able to see the bottom of the pool and the amount of debris because the water is clear enough, you can then determine on how to go on.
a. If there is just a little amount of debris and dirt, you can vacuum to waste if your filter system is capable of letting you do that. This way, it is able to by-pass the filter.
b. Now if by looking, you see a large amount of debris, branches, and leaves there is two avenues that you can choose to do. The first is if you know the risks involved and the steps taken you can drain the pool. After it is drained refill with clean water after you have removed the debris. Ultimately, this could be the least expensive, fastest, and less demanding way to go. The reasoning is that cleaning out a large amount of debris can take the use of a large amount of chemicals to clear up the water. It may take hours or weeks to scoop out the debris and then wait for the water to clear and then clean some more.
c. Finally, the other option is if you are unable to drain the pool. In this case, it is necessary to use your leaf rake or leaf eater (a water-powered vacuum) and remove as much debris as possible even if the bottom is not visible at this time. Next, so that you can bring back water clarity start the filter system. It may be necessary to balance the pH and to use chlorine to shock the water abundantly if the water is green and/or murky in color. Do not concern yourself with the total alkalinity until you have cleaned the water. The reason for this is if you need to vacuum a large amount of water, you then would need to balance it again.
5. Any algae, dirt or other material left after you cleared out the leaves and other large debris, vacuum now to a waste container. Balance the chemistry of the water now that you have the pool very clean.
Our final tip is this. If during the off-season, if you keep the top cover free from debris, you do not have to be concerned about cleaning out the pool later if the top does fall into the pool.
Pool Cleaning: Automatic Suction-Side Cleaners
February 4th, 2010Many pool owners are not aware of the fact that automatic pool cleaners accomplish swimming pool cleaning tasks most efficiently and also save a lot of time.
Here’s a thing or two about Automatic Suction-Side Cleaners:
Automatic Suction-Side Cleaners
Suction side cleaner moves and vacuums debris off the floor of the pool with suction. They also act as a moving main drain which was mentioned before. What this does is turns more water over a shorter duration of time, because as the cleaner is under the water the suction is bringing water through the filtration system.
As it moves around the pool the suction side cleaner is agitating and scrubbing the walls reducing the amount of time needed to brush your pool. This leaves more time for you to enjoy it. A suction side cleaner is capable of getting smaller particles than a pressure side cleaner because it vacuums right into your filter. If your pool is positioned in an area that large debris hardly ever gets into your pool this would be a very good choice. Also since there are no additional pumps, hoses or plumbing it is usually less expensive to install.
A few of the disadvantages of a suction side cleaner are. Since they vacuum debris straight to the pump basket and filter, it can be a real problem if your pool is in the vicinity of a lot of trees. The best solution for this would be to purchase a leaf trap to capture the larger debris prior to it reaching your pump basket. The filter can also affect the cleaner. Since the cleaner is dependent on the suction of the main pump to operate. As the filter becomes filled, the performance of the cleaner is reduced significantly, so it is imperative to keep the filter clean.
Functioning of a pool filter
February 1st, 2010The swimming pool is the hub of family entertainment during summers, if not at all times. The swimming pool filter and the swimming pool pump are the most important parts of a swimming pool as far as costs, maintenance and health of water ate concerned.
The swimming pool filter is however the most important part of the pool amongst the two. You’ve got to know everything…well almost everything about the pool filter if you want to keep it healthy. The common mistake the most pool owners make is to replace the pool filter once it stops performing according to expectations. A good know how of the functioning of the pool filter will not only help you understand it better, but also help you service it properly.
This is just a general guide; you must read the manufacturers document carefully before you decide on servicing a pool filter. In many cases a simple call to the vendor is all it takes to get your pool filter serviced or replaced for free [if you still qualify for the warranty or guarantee].
Operation:
We use an automatic timer to activate and control the pool filter system. If you don’t use a timer, then all the work is done manually to make sure the system is working properly.
Maintenance of the Pool Filter System:
The most important thing you can do, to make sure your filter system can function efficiently is to clean it according to the use you make.
The first thing that needs to be cleaned are the baskets which are used to trap debris. Remove the cartridges and wash them with a hose until they are clean from all the dirt and the debris they had. If this doesn’t work, you should replace the cartridge.
If you use a sand filter, you should also start by cleaning the baskets. Then you should backwash the filter to clean it. After that you must replace all the diatomaceous earth that has been washed away with new one. Place it into the skimmer and it will go into the filter.
The procedure should be repeated every month. If you use the pool more than the average, you should also clean it more often. Being diligent about cleaning the pool and the filter system you use, you will be able to enjoy your pool for a long time without facing any trouble. You should read and understand everything that the manual advises you before engaging yourself to any special procedure in cleaning the pool.
How to winterize your hot tub spa
January 29th, 2010The greatest damage that can happen to a hot tub spa is caused from false winterization. If you are not absolutely certain that you can close your bath, seek a professional to do it instead.
Switch off the circuit breaker of the electricity or unplug the unit in whole. Remove all covers and drain the spa. You can either pump the water out or use a hose. When you are finished, leave the bottom drain spout open.
Find the spa heater and turn it off. Restore the cover and turn the circuit breaker on. Turn on the air blower for at least thirty seconds.
Remove the cover again and use a towel to remove the water from the inside of the tub. Make sure you do a good job and pay attention to places where the water adds up like the footwell. Put a large towel on the footwell to remove any water that night keep coming up.
Reach for the spa equipment pack. Press the TEST button, to trip the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Switch off the circuit breaker found in the home breaker box and be sure to unplug the spa if it is 110 volt unit.
Find any fittings of the equipment that can be unscrewed and try to unscrew them. They are usually located in the sides of the heater or the pump and are easily disconnected.
You will soon see water coming out, which is what you want. Leave the fittings loose and remove all drain plugs you see.
Find the jet piping and drain the water that is there by any method described above. You should probably need to get in the spa to reach every jet. Keep the jets open and the topside air controls closed.
When you are done, restore the hard cover of the spa and protect it from the wind.
Pool Cleaning Equipment
January 27th, 2010Keeping your swimming pool water clean from chemicals and germs is a must. The water will shimmer in your pool, with an understanding of pool cleaning equipment and a few basic suggestions. There is a selection of different types of equipment to assist you in keeping your pool clean. Both automatic and semi-automatic these tools help save time, are efficient and don’t require more energy. Algae and cloudy water are common issues that are a result of insufficient water circulation. The equipment available will help remove these issues and keep your water germ free and transparent.
Chlorine is one of the best chemicals for your pool, but there are other chemical solutions and items available also. To disinfect your pool from germs and insects Bromine is a good choice. To clean the walls of your pool, hand mitts and /or brushes are a good choice. These brushes with pool cleaning solutions assist you keeping your pool walls clean effectively and simply. Another piece of equipment to help keep pool clean is a leaf net also called a leaf skimmer. These will help remove debris, leaves and insects from the pool. Made of long lasting and secured frames with mesh, they are available in a wider range of sizes and appearance.
To clean the pool floor use a pool vacuum on a regular basis. These may come with a pool skimmer so you can save time by skimming and vacuuming at the same time. Particles left in the water that cannot be dissolved may be removed by a good water pump or filter. The advanced technology and features of pool pumps and filters make these very important equipment for pool cleaning.
Because of the features that come with today’s pool cleaning equipment, it is much faster and a lot easier than in previous years when it was done manually. When using, be sure to pay attention to your pool cleaning equipment and store in a proper place.
