A pool filter is one of the most important components to having a clean and functional swimming pool. Your pool water flows through the filter and it traps dirt, contaminants, and other particles and removes them from your water. While there are several different types of pool filters to choose from, sand filters are one of the most common.
These types of filters are filled with sand, which traps particles as pool water flows through it. Sand filters have a very simplistic design and are one of the oldest types of filters in the industry. They're highly effective, extremely durable, and low maintenance because there are very few components that can give out.
While sand filters are low maintenance, they aren't maintenance free. In other words, even though they have a simple design and operation, there are still things that can go wrong with a sand filter, which means they require ongoing maintenance. This is especially true in pools that use chlorine for cleaning and sanitation purposes.
The Purpose of Chlorine in Pools
Chlorine is a potent chemical used as a purifying agent in pools and city water supplies. It's widely used because it kills bacteria, viruses, germs, and other contagions that can lead to sickness if swimmers accidentally swallow them. Although chlorine doesn't kill these contaminants in itself, when combined with water, it creates hypochlorous acid, a potent and powerful cleansing agent.
Ideal Chlorine Levels for Pools
While chlorine does an excellent job of purifying pools, it's essential to have the right chlorine levels. Ideally, that means having levels between 1 and 3 parts per million, regardless of the pool's overall size.
What Happens if Your Chlorine Levels Are Off?
If your pool has too much or too little chlorine, it will often do more harm than good. Too little chlorine is ineffective at removing algae, bacteria, germs, and other toxins. However, too much chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation, such as rashes, itchiness, and redness.
Additionally, excess chlorine in pools can cause coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory problems if someone accidentally swallows the water. This can be especially serious in people with lung conditions or breathing problems. As such, it's essential that your pool has the right amount of chlorine.
Effects of Chlorine in Sand Filter Efficiency
In the same way that chlorine can have a positive or negative effect on your pool, it can have a similar effect on your sand filter. As such, it's essential to have just the right amount of chlorine in your swimming pool.
How Chlorine Can Help Sand Filters
When you have the right amount of chlorine in your pool, it can significantly aid your sand filter. All of the things that chlorine kills, including algae, organic matter, and debris, are harmful to sand filters. Over time, these things will enter the filter, reducing its efficiency and impeding its ability to clean your pool.
How Chlorine Can Hurt Sand Filters
While chlorine works hand in hand with sand filters to keep your pool clean, it can also negatively impact your filter if your levels are off. Not having enough chlorine will allow moss, algae, and organic matter to grow and thrive, leading to clogs in your sand filter.
Too much chlorine, on the other hand, can break down your pool filter media prematurely. When this happens, sand can leak out of the filter and into your pool, resulting in a dirty pool and a clogged filter. You'll also have to replace your filter prematurely, which can be an expensive fix.
Maintenance Considerations for Sand Filters in Chlorine Water
To ensure that your sand filter and chlorine get along swimmingly, it's important to protect and maintain it properly. That means maintaining it on a regular schedule to ensure it never goes too long without proper care.
Properly Backwashing Your Sand Filter
The most important maintenance item for sand filters is backwashing them. You should backwash your filter at least once per month or every other month, depending on how frequently you use your pool. This is fairly easy to do, as you simply need to turn off your pump, switch the filter to backwash, and turn the pump back on. Let the water backwash through the filter for ten minutes before rinsing the filter and switching it back to its original setting.
Signs That High Chlorine is Hurting Your Filter
The main sign that high chlorine is hurting your filter is that it will operate less efficiently. It will have a harder time removing dirt, algae, and other particles from your water and could even cause your water to turn green.
Best Practices for Balancing Chlorine With Your Sand Filter
The best way to balance chlorine with your sand filter is to test the pH levels of your water after adding chlorine. You should also measure your chlorine carefully when you add it to ensure you're adding the right amount. If you aren't able to do this on your own, you should hire a pool maintenance and cleaning professional.
Alternatives to Chlorine
If you want to get away from using chlorine in your pool altogether, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- UV lights
- Salt water pools
- Bromine
- Ozonization
- Mineral water systems
When to Replace the Sand in Your Filter
While maintaining your sand filter will help the sand inside to last longer, you'll have to replace it eventually. As a general rule, you should replace the sand every three to five years. A few signs to watch out for that indicate it's time to replace your sand include:
- Dirty or cloudy water
- Green water
- Sand in the bottom of your pool
- Your pump runs longer than normal
- Low filter pressure
Final Thoughts
While there are several alternatives to chlorine, it remains the most popular way to keep pools clean. As long as you measure carefully and add the correct amount, you won't have to worry about chlorine hurting you or your sand filter. However, it's still important to maintain your filter regularly with proper backwashing, and to replace your sand as needed.