How to Properly Maintain Your Pool’s Water Filtration System

Maintenance is part of owning a swimming pool. Especially if you use the pool frequently, it’s a must to make sure the swimming pool water is clean. Otherwise, it’s going to cause you a lot of problems. And you wouldn’t enjoy your swimming sessions as completely as before.

Why is it important to keep your pool water clean?

A swimming pool that’s not maintained properly could pose potential health and safety risks for the users. A murky pool water could be a breeding ground for disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Filthy water could also cause infection, especially if the swimmer has an open wound. The presence of hair, skin, and sunscreen in the pool could also cause rashes and allergic reactions. A tailored andnatural water cleanerwill help you prevent any potential diseases or health problems in general. It’s common to have homeowners that skip the regular maintenance because the installations and systems are used only by family members. However, the best call is to keep an eye on purification and cleaning systems.

As the swimming pool water gets dirtier, algae could also grow. And over time, it will cause some structural problems. Water that’s filled with dirt, algae, and other contaminants could destroy the filtration system. And the next thing you know, you need to spend for the repair or replacement of the filter.

What are the common signs that the pool’s water filtration system needs cleaning?

Aside from replacing the water regularly, cleaning and maintaining the filtration system is the best way to keep the pool water clean. You can tell that the filter needs cleaning if you start to notice the following signs:

• The water is murky – Water becomes murky with the presence of dirt, dust, algae, sunscreen, hair, and other contaminants.

• The filter is leaking – The housing might have a hole in it, and the belly band might need some repair.

• Debris keeps coming back into the pool through the filter – Check the fittings and valves. Most likely, the backwash valve is malfunctioning.

• The PSI (pers square inch) pressure is increasing – There’s a blockage in the filter system.
• Reduction of water flow – The contaminants and debris clog up the filter.

Water filtration system cleaning tips for different types of systems

Don’t delay the water filter cleaning as this could lead to more serious issues. You could do the cleaning on your own. Or if you don’t have the time and expertise, hire a professional cleaner. The cleaning process also depends on the type of filtration system you have.

1. Cartridge filter – If you have this filter type, keep track of the pressure. It certainly needs cleaning if the pressure is above the normal, which is 5-8 lbs. Start by removing the filter. Remove the debris by spraying it with water. You can use a standard garden hose or other specialized equipment.
2. DE filter – Like the cartridge filter, this type needs backwash if the pressure is more than 5-8 lbs. Once you’re done backwashing, remove the filter and other parts. Then, clean by spraying water. Ideally, make sure to clean the filter twice during the season.
3. Sand filter – Like the other filter types, sand filter needs backwashing when the pressure rises above the normal 5-8 lbs. This maintenance routine depends on how frequently the pool is used. If the pool is lightly used, do the backwashing routine once per week. Ideally, replace the sand every 3-5 years.

Other aspects you need to keep in mind when maintaining a pool

Making sure the water filtration system is clean and fully functional greatly affects your swimming experience. You won’t have to worry about skin allergies, rashes, and diseases you or your loved ones could get because of the filthy swimming pool water. Aside from the filtration system, though, you might need to monitor the following:

• The pool’s pH level – The pH scale is measured from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral, above 7 as alkaline, and below 7 as acidic. The ideal pH level for the pool water is between 7.2 to 7.8.
• Calcium hardness – This is one of the factors to consider to achieve proper chemical balance for pool water. The ideal calcium hardness for pool water is 200-400ppm (parts per million).
• Salt levels – The optimal salt level for pool water is 3200 ppm. However, you can also have it between 2700 and 3400.
• Total alkalinity – In pools, this has something to do with bicarbonate alkalinity, which needs to be between 80-120ppm.

The water filtration system plays a major role in keeping your pool usable, clean, and safe. By doing the necessary maintenance routines, be it for the pool water and the filtration system, you can ensure a fun and memorable swimming experience for yourself and your loved ones.