By User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1277751552)
No one likes a dirty pool. Nothing can ruin a relaxing day at the pool like floating bugs, hair and the occasional bandaid. If you are the type of person who wants to keep their pool nice and band aid free (and who doesn't, really), you're probably in the market for a powerful and reliable filter system, one that you don't have to touch all the time to keep it working. Cartridge filters are a low maintenance, well priced and reliable tool you can use to help keep your pool looking crystal clear all summer long.
Why Cartridge Filters?
With so many other filter systems out there, it's easy to feel torn about which system is right for you. What's nice about cartridge filters is that they are very easy to understand. They work just like the water filters under your kitchen sink: the water runs it as it catches all the dirt and grime built up in the water. After the water has passed through the filter it is free of any unwanted particles and clean as a whistle. In fact, they can filter out anything down to 5 to 10 microns in size: that's nine times smaller than a single grain of salt. They normally have a large containment area these unwanted materials (most start at 100 sqft and the majority of the cartridge filters sold are larger than 300 sqft) so they don't clog up easily and therefore eliminates the need to replace them often. They are designed to run on far lower pressure than other filter pumps, like sand for example, so the water is able to move through them more regularly and at a much faster pace. Their life span depends on the quality and price of the cartridge filter you buy, but some of these cartridge filters can last you up to five years if they are properly taken care of.
Maintenance
Cartridge filters are a fairly low maintenance way to keep your pool clean but, like everything, they do need a little bit of attention every once in a while. About twice a season, you should clean your cartridge filter by rinsing it with the hose or using a filter cleaner. This easy step will make sure that water still flows through the filter smoothly and allows it to work properly. You will know it's time to replace your filter when you start to notice particle built up in the outer folds of the cartridge filter or in the pool water itself. When it comes time to replace the filter, turn off all electricity that runs to your pool, pull out the old filter, and snap the new one into place... it's as simple as that! The only thing you need to remember is to make sure that you screw the pressure valve (you'll probably have to unscrew it to take out your old filter) back on very tightly. This keeps the pressure high and increases the cleanliness of your pool. Then, let it run for about 10 minutes and your pool will be looking as good as new.
