Pool Filters

Pool filters remove dirt, debris, oil, skin, hair and organisms from your pool water that slip through the skimmer box.

As water passes through the filter, impurities are trapped and water returns to your pool in a clean and pristine condition.

How do you choose the correct filter for your swimming pool?

There is no correct answer to this question as it really depends on personal preference.  There are three main types of pool filters: cartridge, sand or diatomaceous earth (DE).  All three will do a good job of filtering your pool but each has it’s advantages and disadvantages.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use less water and filter finer particles than sand filters. Cartridge filters also require less water flow and less energy to effectively filter your pool water. Ideal for tight spaces, they are simple to operate and maintain, and only need to be cleaned once or twice a season.

Sand Filters

Sand filters have traditionally been the most popular filters in Australia.  Robust, durable and low in maintenance, sand filters can also be filled with different filtration media such as Diamond Brite to filter finer particles. Sand filters strain the water from the surface of your skimmer box, filtering out impurities. These impurities eventually clog up the sand, which should be cleared every 6-8 weeks using a process called backwashing.

Waterco Fibreglass Sand Filters

Aquaquip Fibreglass FJ series: Side or Top mount

Zodiac Titan Fibreglass Filters: Top mount

Zodiac Titan Thermoplastic Sand Filters: Top mount

Filter Media Options: Sand, Diamond Brite or Waterco ZeoPlus, Glass

Glass Filter Media

The filter media inside your filter should be exchanged on average every 5 years depending on the environment and amounting type of debris the pool receives as well as the type of pool finish you have. For example a painted pool where the surface is chalky and oxidising will significantly reduce your filter media capacity as it clogs up over time.

There are various form of Glass filter media available, ranging from crushed recycled glass, tumbled glass and our preference Virgin Glass Pearl Beads. The sharp chards that are contained within crushed recycled glass have proven to be a safety risk when filter laterals eventually fail allowing filter media to return into the pool.

Waterco Glass Pearl Beads provide the following superior filtering qualities and in our experience is well worth the extra initial investment over sand filter media due to its ongoing benefits, longevity and the amount of time the typical filter media will remain in a filter.

D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters

DE filters provide the best filtration for your pool, but require more maintenance. Operating similar to a sand filter, DE filters use fossilised diatom to catch debris. However when you backwash the filter, some of the DE material is washed away and needs to be refilled.