Every pool must have some sort of filter to clean the water in the pool. There are three different types of filters: Sand, DE (diatomaceous earth), and Cartridge. The sand filter and the DE are basically the same but have different material to clean the water. The sand filter uses “pool filter media sand” or you may use Grade #20 sand. Both types of sand can be found at your local pool store. The DE filter uses DE powder that needs to be flushed or backwashed every month or so.

Both filters have a backwash system located on the top of the multi-port valve. The backwash function on the multi-port valve simply pumps the water through the pipes faster than the usual speed while running the pool. It then cleans the pipes and circulates the dirty water through the filter and it is then either run through a separate pipe to the sewer line or it is runoff on the landscape.

The loss of water varies due to how dirty the pool is and the gallons or size of the pool. The cartridge filter uses a special cartridge to capture the elements in the water and circulate the clean water back to the pool. It does not have a backwash system but rather the owner must take out the cartridge and clean it with a garden hose. Each filter has its benefits and all have the same purpose: to clean your pool.

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