| Swimming pools are the perfect distraction on a | | | | they catch microscopic debris that passes through |
| hot summer day, but most people rarely think of | | | | the strainer. There are three types of filters: |
| the intricate processes that keep them clean. A | | | | sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) |
| pool without a proper sanitation system is unsafe | | | | filters. |
| for human enjoyment; pumps and filters are | | | | Sand filters are the most common because they |
| necessary for maintaining bacteria levels in the | | | | are the most affordable. In these filters, water |
| water. | | | | passes through tanks made of concrete or |
| An unclean pool can house numerous | | | | fiberglass which contain a layer of special grade |
| micro-organisms from infected swimmers and, | | | | sand. Gravity pulls the water through the tanks |
| left untreated, can spread hazardous diseases. | | | | and the sand layer collect small debris before the |
| Swimming in contaminated pools can cause | | | | water is returned to the pool. However, dirt and |
| diarrhea/Giardia, eye and skin infections and even | | | | debris collect and build up over time-thus slowing |
| respiratory problems if the water is swallowed. | | | | the flow of water in the pump. When a custodian |
| To most of us, a pool is just a big hole in the | | | | discerns that there is a blockage, they can |
| ground filled with water-but they rely on pool | | | | reverse the flow of water (backwash) and |
| accessories like water pumps, which utilize | | | | redirect it into the sewer. |
| complex processes to keep water clean. During | | | | A diatomaceous earth filter is comprised of |
| the pumping process, an electric motor runs an | | | | powder made from fossilized remains of sea |
| impeller which draws the water from the drains | | | | organisms. When coated on a grid, these |
| and through a strainer-which removes large debris | | | | organisms act as little sieves that are efficient at |
| from the water. Next, the pump moves the | | | | catching microscopic particles. To recharge these |
| water through a filter before returning it to the | | | | filters, owners just pour more DE powder into the |
| pool. State law requires that all the water must | | | | skimmers. |
| be processed within a amount of certain | | | | Cartridge filters use thin paper or cloth as a |
| time-usually between 30 minutes and 6 hours, | | | | medium. These filters need to be replaced every |
| depending on the size of the pool. To illustrate the | | | | 8 years or so. |
| vital role that pumps have in a pool system, | | | | Cleaning chemicals (like chlorine) are important pool |
| imagine a typical apartment-size pool: 167,000 | | | | accessories, but it's important to consult a |
| must be treated (pumped, filtered, returned) | | | | professional on how much a pool needs. An |
| every six hours to keep the water sanitary! | | | | overabundance of chemicals can be irritating to |
| Filters are also important pool accessories because | | | | swimmers' skin and eyes. |