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Home-pool filters
Filter Terminology
and Design
It is so
important to keep your pool and spa properly filtered due to the
contaminants that enter your pool from people using it, as well as
from the wind and rain and objects which may come in contact with
your pool. By filtering your pool or spa, it is possible to remove
much of the foreign matter and contaminants from the water. The
filtering process also gives your pool and spa water a clean, clear
appearance, as well as keeping the water safe and sanitary. Filters
are a vital part of the process of cleaning your pool and spa. They
are found (or certainly should be found) on virtually all pool
systems. The filters are associated with the circulation system as
are the motors and pumps. The filter is basically composed of rather
simple elements and contains no moving parts.
There are three types of filters: sand, diatomaceous earth (D.E.)
and cartridge. Following is a glossary of terms and definitions
which should help you understand the filtering process.
Anode: An anode is an element generally composed of zinc or
magnesium. With steel filters, it avoids electrolysis or galvanic
action (deteriorating reaction between metals which may occur with
moisture).
Backwash: The method of cleaning the filter core and components
wherein the flow of water through the filter is reversed, which
causes the dirt and debris to be forced out of the filter.
Bridging: This procedure is done in diatomaceous earth (DE) filters,
wherein the filter core builds up between the filter components,
which will limit the water flow.
Cartridge filter: This type of filter utilizes fabric type
cartridges or disposable paper at its core.
Diatomaceous earth (DE): DE is a powder which is composed of
fossilized skeletons of small plankton which are called diatoms
which act as a filtration core as it develops into a cake on the
filter component.
DE filter: Diatomaceous earth is used on this type of filter to
serve as the filter core.
Effluent line: This is the plumbing line that extends from the
filter equipment to the pool or spa.
Filter area: The filter area is measured in square feet and it is
the surface area in which water flows in the filter accommodation.
Filter cycle: The length of time for the process between cleaning
and backwashing routines.
Filter medium: The material used to filter debris from the water -
usually sand, a cartridge or diatomaceous earth.
Influent line: This is also known as the suction line or plumbing
line which leads from the pool or spa to the filter equipment.
Multi-port valve: Different directional control of the flow of water
through a filter is able to take place with this valve because it
combines the operation of two or more single valves.
Pressure differential: The change in pressure from the influent and
effluent lines of a filter.
Pressure filter: A pump is affixed to the influent side of the
filter and water is forced through that filter. This is the most
frequently used filtering system.
Pressure gauge: A type of device that measures water pressure of
both influent and effluent lines. An increase or decrease in the
water pressure could be a sign of cleaning or backwashing
procedures, or a line that is plugged.
Sand filter: Smooth layers of sand that are actually used as the
filtration core.
Septum: The portion of the filter component or framework which
contains the filter medium deposit or, as in most cases, the DE
cake.
Turnover rate: The required time for the filter to circulate a
volume of water in conjunction with the size of the particular poor
or spa.
Vacuum filter: A filtering process by which the water is pulled by a
pump which sits on the side of the filter containing the plumbing
line (effluent side). In most cases, this type of filter utilizes DE
at its core.
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