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Your
Pool's Support System
The
support equipment circulates, filters and heats the water in
your pool. It also helps to evenly distribute the chemicals
you add to control purity and balance.
The
Pump
The
pump is the heart of your pool's sup-port system. It
circulates water through the filter and heater and then
returns it to the pool. When choosing a pump, important
factors to consider are its pumping capacity relative to your
pool size, the operating costs and maintenance steps. Many new
energy saving models are on the market, and your pool
professional will be glad to assist you in your product
choice.
The
Filter
The
filter's job is to keep your pool's water fresh and clean.
There are three basic types of filters; all designed to remove
oils, grease and dirt from pool water.
The
high-rate sand filter is the most popular type, partly because
of its simplicity of operation and maintenance. Pool water is
pumped through layers of sand inside a pressurized container.
Dirt and grease particles are retained in the sand.
The
obvious time to clean the filter is when the water is no
longer clear. However, don't wait until pool water loses
clarity to check the filter. An increase in the pressure
registered by a gauge on the filter tank or a reduction in
water circulation are signs that the filter needs to be
cleaned.
The
high-rate sand filter is cleaned by backwashing, which
reverses the flow of water through the filter and pumps it out
a waste line. Backwashing lifts the particles collected,
raises the sand bed and cleans it. With proper backwashing and
use of a filter cleaner, the sand can last indefinitely.
The
D.E. is another popular filter. It contains diatomaceous earth
(hence the name D.E.), a white powder that filters out even
very small particles. There are various methods of cleaning
D.E. filters, including backwashing. In most cases, the used
D.E. must be replaced whenever you clean the filter.
In
a cartridge filter, pool water circulates through cartridges
of fibrous material. These cartridges can be removed, hosed
down and soaked in a cleaning agent. Cartridge filters are
relatively easy to clean and also have a low replacement cost.
They should be replaced when they fail to maintain clear water
in the pool or when they show signs of wearing.
Dangerous
pressures can build up inside a filter and before you attempt
any maintenance operation, be sure to consult a professional
or the equipment operations manual.
There
are many different filter sizes. and your choice will depend
largely on the size and usage of your particular pool. The
more people that use the pool, the more water must be
circulated. Your dealer or builder can give you advice
on the right model and instructions on how long to run your
filter.
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