Swim Clear Cartridge Filter

There are three basic types of pool filters.

1. Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.)
2. Sand
3. Cartridge

The first two are good filters but require a backwashing process. This process uses the pump to reverse the flow of the pool water through the filter to flush out the accumulated debris in the filter. It takes 3-4 backwashes to remove most of the accumulated debris. A small 1hp pump pumps 70 gallons per minute. Each backwash cycle takes about 30 seconds for a total of about 2 minutes. This cleaning method uses 140 gallons of water to clean the filter. You can just imagine what a 2hp or 3hp will add up to in terms of wasted water.

The third filter is our preferred choice of pool water filtration because there is no backwash cycle. This extends the filter cleaning cycle, conserves both water and chemicals and reduces waste. Don't be fooled by some builders or service companies that say they don't work or that a DE filter is the best. Not only are they guaranteed to work they work better. Use the following chart and see for yourself which the is the better filter. The comparisons are based on the largest residential DE and largest residential Sand Filter.

The following price list is for local area residents delivered to your door. We will deliver to South Padre Island, Brownsville, San Benito, Harlingen, Weslaco, McAllen, La Joya and surrounding areas. Please call 1-800-580-7946 or email us for a price quote to install the pump.

	Product Number: C4020
	Swim Clear 400 Square Foot Cartridge Filter
	$750.00

Some definitions are in order.

A DE Filter use at least 8-grid element panel system. The panels come in various shapes but serve the same purpose. They are plastic "ribs" lined with a cloth mesh. This cloth mesh is then lined with D.E. powder. The actual filter media is the D.E. powder. Water is pumped in around the grids, through them and then out to the pool. Once the D.E. powder can filter no more, it needs to be removed by backwashing the filter. D.E. powder is added to the filter to recharge it for another cleaning cycle.

A Sand Filter uses sand as its filter media. Laterals are located at the bottom of the tank and you need to access them from a small opening at the top of the tank. 1000#s of sand is needed for the largest residential sand filter. Water is pumped at the top of the tank down through the sand and back into the pool. Once the sand can filter no more, it needs to be cleaned by backwashing the filter.

A Cartridge filter uses paper cartridges as its filter media. Some filters come in single cartridge systems. We use a 4-cartridge system. Water is pumped around the cartridges through them and then out to the pool. The tank is opened, the cartridges are removed, and they are hosed off approximately every 6 months.

Filter area: The amount of area available to filter the water.

External Valve: The backwash valve needed to "backwash" the filter

Flow Rate: The amount of water expressed in gallons per minute (gpm) that can flow through the filter. The lower the flow rate, the harder the pump works.

Please understand that you will probably not use the largest de filter or largest sand filter. They are being used as a comparison in attempt to illustrate how much better the cartridge filter works. What you do need to keep in mind is that if you are considering a de or sand filter they will probably be smaller than the ones used in this comparison and thus the margins will increase in terms of comparisons. Furthermore, the flow-rates will be smaller thus either decreasing your pump size or undersizing your filter. This translates into more maintenance and repair costs. This does not mean that the equipment can not be properly sized. What it does mean is that there are builders out there that will install a 2hp pump on a 36sq.ft. D.E. filter or a 3hp pump on a 48sq.ft filter. Today's pumps will not back down when the filter begins to get dirty. They will crush anything in their path.

If your potential builder does not understand hydraulics or how to size pool equipment, We recommend you look elsewhere. You will be disappointed with the performance of the pool equipment, in-floor pool cleaner and spa. You don't want marginal equipment right? You want the best for your hard earned dollar!

Why do we choose the 400 sq.ft. cartridge filter?

1. Extended Cleaning Cycle.
2. Pumps do not work as hard.
3. More water flows through the system allowing the best efficiency in heating and cleaning your pool
4. No water wasted.
5. Retrofits into most pool applications