Pool filtration, Filter maintenance

Consisting of a filter and a pump, the filtration system removes suspended particles and impurities from the pool water and circulates the water throughout the pool.  

Most private pools are equipped with either a sand or glass filter, or a cartridge or bag filter.  
Common filtering media include sand, glass (AFM® ng, Eco Filterglass Plus), and filter balls.  

Cartridge filters are made from fine pleated material with small pores (various filtration fineness options are available).  

All filters capture impurities and ensure that dirt and debris are removed from the pool water.  

➡ How to calculate the daily filtration time?  

To calculate the daily filtration time, follow a simple rule.  

The daily filtration time in hours should be at least equal to the water temperature divided by 2.  

For example, if your water temperature is 24°C, you need to filter for at least 12 hours per day, during the day when the water is warmest and the sunlight is strongest (avoid filtering only at night). When the water temperature exceeds 28°C, more extensive filtration may be necessary, running up to 24/7.  

➡ What kind of pool pump do I need?  

Your filtration pump should be able to circulate the entire volume of your pool’s water in 3 to 4 hours, and do so 3 to 4 times a day.  

Example: for a pool with a volume of 45 m³, the pump’s capacity should be at least 11 m³/h. 

➡ What factors can influence the operating time?  

• Pool usage: If your pool is heavily used, with many people swimming regularly, the filtration pump needs to run longer to maintain water quality.  
• Environmental factors: Temperature, weather conditions, and the presence of trees or other sources of dirt/pollution can affect the pool’s water quality. In environments with high pollution risks, it may be necessary to adjust and extend the filtration pump’s operating time.  

DO YOU HAVE A SAND OR GLASS FILTER?  
Perform regular backwashing.  
 

➡ HOW does backwashing work?  

As impurities accumulate in the filter, they clog the system.

Backwashing clears out the accumulated dirt from the filter media: water is pumped into the filter from the bottom. Each grain of sand is stirred, dislodging and flushing out the impurities, which are then sent to waste. After backwashing, a rinse is necessary.  

➡ WHEN should you backwash?  

Check your filter’s pressure gauge, which will indicate when it needs cleaning. When the pressure rises by 0.2 to 0.3 bar above the baseline after cleaning (the baseline value should be your clean filter), it’s time to backwash. 

Depending on the level of clogging and the pump’s power, the backwashing process can take between 2 and 3 minutes. After backwashing, remember to rinse the filter for about 30 seconds.  

The amount of fresh water needed to top up will depend on the amount of water sent to waste during backwashing.  

➡ Clogged filter: what are the consequences?  

The more dirt in the filter, the higher the pressure. However, the higher the pressure, the less efficient the circulation pump becomes. The filter’s effectiveness decreases. Dirt that isn’t expelled remains in the filter, leading to increased disinfectant consumption.  

To ensure good filtration performance, wash your sand filter regularly.  

The cartridges are removable and can be cleaned with a water jet and a special 'cartridge filter' brush. Regular cleaning is necessary. For more details, refer to your cartridge filter’s manual, or consult your pool professional.  

➡ DESCALING, DISINFECTING the sand filter  

A scaled or clogged filter may be the cause of cloudy water.  
For a sand (or glass) filter, first open the filter tank and check if the filter is scaled or clogged. If the filter media is scaled, use Decalcit Filtre cleaner. If the filter media is contaminated with bacteria or microorganisms, use Filterclean Tab
For a cartridge filter, remove the cartridge and soak it in a Decalcit Filtre solution to descale it. If necessary, consider replacing the cartridge.  
 

➡ FLOCULATION, CLARIFICATION  

Place a Superflock Plus flocculant cartridge in the skimmer basket every 7 to 15 days for pools equipped with a sand or glass filter (if you have a cartridge filter, use Superklar).  

Sand used as filter media deteriorates over the years and needs to be replaced regularly (about every 5 years).  

To keep your filter media lasting much longer, opt for a filtering material like AFM made from 100% recycled activated glass as a replacement for sand.  

Remember, good filter media helps reduce water and chemical consumption.  

• AFM optimizes the filtration of fine particles down to 1 micron while reducing disinfectant and backwash water consumption (up to 50% compared to sand).
•  Additionally, AFM has a longer lifespan compared to other filter media (AFM can last up to 20 years) and also allows for faster and more effective filter cleaning.  
   

AFM, the most eco-friendly and durable filter media for your pool.

 

Yes, some filters are equipped with automatic valves. Ask your dealer for more information.

GOOD TO KNOW! Pool Relax® and PoolManager® are two automatic treatment devices that allow for automated backwashing of the filter. 

For in-ground pools, you can swim while the filtration system is running. If you have a variable-speed pump, we recommend filtering at low speed, particularly in the evening after swimming, to achieve the best filtration results.  

For above-ground pools, the recommendations depend on your setup. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, or seek advice from your pool professional.