A swimming pool is a huge investment, and whether you have a small pool to cool off after working or an Olympic-sized pool, you want to properly take care of it. The best weekly pool service ensures your pool remains clear and safe to swim in.
A properly functioning pool requires the correct pool chemicals, a high-quality filtration system, and a great pool pump.
This guide explores why these elements—especially pool filtration—are so essential. We’ll also explore ways to improve your filtration system, including contacting the right professional pool maintenance service.
Why Having the Proper Pool Filtration System Is Essential
A pool without the proper pool filter won’t last long. The filter works by pumping all the water inside your pool through its barrier.
The filter then traps and eliminates substances like dirt and debris, allowing clean water to flow back into your pool. Having excess dirt, debris, and other grime can lead to various issues, such as:
Bacteria and Algae
Pools are essentially huge areas of standing water, so they’re more susceptible to algae and bacteria. The main purpose of a pool filter, alongside chemicals and skimmer baskets, is to prevent algae and bacteria growth.
A damaged or outdated filter creates the perfect environment for algae and bacteria to grow.
No One Likes Cloudy Water
Ideally, your pool should be clear and shiny, prompting everyone to want to take a dip. Cloudy pool water is unattractive and can even lower your home’s resale value.
Several Health Risks
When swimming, problems like dry skin and irritated eyes can be commonplace, even for commercial pools routinely treated. However, there’s a difference between itchy skin after hours of swimming and health concerns that occur shortly after swimming.
There’s always a risk of irritated eyes or skin when swimming in chemicals. However, properly balanced and filtered pools minimize these risks. A pool with cloudy water can make you or your guests sick, but the right weekly pool service can help.
Damaged Pool Equipment
Corrosion is a huge issue for unclean pools as it can eat away at everything inside your pool, including the following:
- Your pool’s grout or plaster
- Pool toys and equipment
- Your pool’s ladders
- Metal surfaces, resulting in unsightly stains
Corrosion and nasty bacteria can also damage your pool filter, causing it to clog or become unfunctional.
A Harder-to-Clean Pool
Like your air conditioner or heater, the more dirt and grime present, the harder your pool system will need to work. Constantly having algae and bacteria means your pool filter will always be in overdrive trying to clean your pool, resulting and three potential concerns:
- You’ll spend more time cleaning your pool: While your pool filter and pump can work wonders, your pool will still require extra help. An overstressed pool filter means you’ll need to spend more time pouring chemicals and using a skimmer.
- Lower energy efficiency and higher bills: Having a pool is an ongoing expense, and a stressed-out pool filter can quickly raise those monthly energy bills.
- A shorter lifespan: Pool filters that need to work harder end up breaking down quicker than other filters. A weekly pool service in Scottsdale, AZ, can extend your filter’s lifespan.
What Types of Pool Filters Are There?
Again, pool owners can’t expect their filters to do all the work for them. However, buying the correct pool filter can reduce overall maintenance costs. You can choose from three types of pool filters.
The Traditional Sand Filter
While commercial properties use traditional sand filters the most, homeowners can as well. The sand filter is one of the earliest pool filters released on the market. This filter works via a tank that’s filled with around 75% of sand.
As the water begins traveling through the sand filter, the filter traps harmful contaminants. These contaminants stay until you backwash the unit.
Cartridge Filters
The cartridge pool filter utilizes a cloth-like material as its primary filtering component. A cartridge filter contains various cylindrical cartridges, and as water travels through any material, the filter sends back clean water.
Since it’s impossible to backwash a cartridge filter, you’ll need to administer a full cleaning three to four times a year. You’ll need to administer a full cleaning once pressures become too high.
Most homeowners will need to replace their cartridge filters every three to four years. However, this time frame can depend on factors like your pool’s environment and overall usage.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
This filter type works by using Diatomaceous Earth during the filtration process. Diatomaceous Earth consists of microscopic shells and coral that coat the filter’s cloth grids. This DE material can trap extremely small particles, resulting in a very thorough cleaning process.
Once pressures become too high, you can backwash your filter, and you should do so at least once a month or when needed. You should also do a full cleaning twice a year and replace your grids every two to three years or as needed.
While DE filters are highly effective, they require greater maintenance than other filters. Our McCallum’s Pool Service team can help you choose the right filter.
Call Our Team for the Best Weekly Pool Service in Scottsdale
Properly maintaining your pool requires the best pool filter system. Our pool company can make buying the right one easier while also providing our weekly pool service.
Scottsdale, AZ, pool owners can call our experts at McCallum’s Pool Service LLC today at (480) 734-2495!