How to choose the most suitable filtration system for your pool
In a swimming pool, the filtration system is an essential component that removes impurities from the water. At the heart of the system, the pump circulates the water, which then enters the skimmers, passes through the filter and then through the water treatment systems, before being returned, purified, through the return jets.
The filtration system provides a flow of water that is renewed several times a day, preventing the water from becoming stagnant and contaminated with bacteria and algae.
The golden rule when choosing the most suitable filtration system is to make sure it is adapted to the volume of water in your pool.
FILTRATION ADAPTED TO YOUR POOL AND WATER TREATMENT
The key element in filtration is the passage of water through the filter. This process operates in a completely closed circuit. The quality and type of filter are therefore two decisive factors in ensuring that, as the water circulates, it always comes out completely clear.
To select the most suitable filter for your pool, one of the factors to consider is the volume of water to be filtered (the pool volume, in cubic metres or m³).
The second criterion for making the right choice is based on filtration and water-saving requirements. There are 3 main types of filters:
Sand filters: sand with a filtration fineness of approximately 40 to 50 microns is used as the filter medium. Regular backwashing is required to maintain maximum efficiency.
Cartridge filters: one or more filter cartridges are used as the filter medium, providing a high filtration fineness of between 15 and 20 microns. In addition, cartridge filters do not require backwashing for maintenance. All that is needed is to rinse the cartridge regularly, with the advantage of saving water (no backwashing).
Diatomaceous earth filters: a filtration method that offers the finest level of filtration (10–15 microns), but requires more maintenance.
It is also worth noting that the sand in sand filters can be replaced with glass. This filter medium is slightly more expensive, but offers a higher level of filtration fineness (20 microns) and faster backwashing (saving water). Zodiac® Crystal Clear filtration glass is the ideal high-performance material for effective water treatment.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE FILTRATION SYSTEM RUN?
The pool water will be fully purified once the entire volume of water has passed through the filter.
Naturally, the larger the volume of water, the more time is required to renew the water. This is referred to as the recirculation or renewal time.
You should also bear in mind that the daily filtration time depends on the water temperature. The warmer the water and the more people using the pool, the longer the filtration system should operate, as bacteria multiply more rapidly.
In this case, it is preferable to operate the filtration system according to the following guidelines:
Single-speed pump: Water temperature in °C / 2
Variable-speed pump: Water temperature in °C / 1.5
In warm climates, we recommend keeping the system running continuously.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PUMP
The pump that circulates water through the filtration and treatment circuit is practically the “heart” of the pool. It is therefore an extremely important component.
Today, there are particularly powerful, energy-efficient and eco-friendly pumps: variable-speed pumps. This technology allows them to operate for longer periods at a lower speed and with reduced noise levels.
In this way, water circulates more slowly through the filter, improving filtration quality and reducing noise.
Zodiac variable-speed pumps are particularly quiet and can reduce energy consumption by up to 90%. They provide a faster return on the initial investment compared with single-speed pumps. They are a suitable choice for long-term savings.