If you’re looking to buy a new pool filter, you may be wondering “What size pool filter do I need?” Here are a few things to consider when making your purchase.
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The Basics of Pool Filters
One of the most important pieces of pool equipment is the filter. Its job is to keep the water clean by removing dirt, pollen, and other debris. There are different types and sizes of pool filters, so it’s important to choose the right one for your pool. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of pool filters so that you can make an informed decision about which one to choose for your pool.
The three types of pool filters
There are three types of pool filters–sand, diatomaceous earth (D.E.), and cartridge. Of the three, sand filters are the most commonly used for residential pools. All three types of filters use a process called mechanical filtration to remove debris from your pool water.
Sand Filters
A sand filter uses sand to collect debris as water passes through the filter and back into your pool. The sandFilters must be replaced every 3 to 5 years, and backwashing is required every two weeks or as needed.
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filters
A D.E. filter uses Diatomaceous earth, a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of aquatic creatures called diatoms, to collect debris as water passes through the filter and back into your pool. D.E.-filtered pools require less chemicals and have crystal-clear water, but they are more expensive to maintain than sand- or cartridge-filtered pools because the D.E. powder must be replaced every few years and backwashing is required every week or as needed.
Cartridge Filters
A cartridge filter uses a pleated paper or polyester cartridge to collect debris as water passes through the filter and back into your pool. Cartridge filters must be cleaned monthly, and replacement cartridges can be expensive.
The size of your pool
The size of your pool is the single most important factor in determining the size of your pool filter. The rule of thumb is that you should have a filter that can circulate all of the water in your pool in about 8 hours. So, if you have a 50,000 gallon pool, you will need a filter that can circulate at least 6,250 gallons per hour.
Why Size Matters
The size of your pool filter is important because it needs to be able to circulate all of the water in your pool in a timely manner. A pool filter that is too small will not be able to keep up with the demand and a pool filter that is too large will cause your pump to work harder than necessary.
The importance of flow rate
The size of your pool filter is important, but often misunderstood. The common misconception is that the bigger the pool filter, the better. In actuality, the size of your pool filter has very little to do with how well it will clean your pool. This is because the size of your pool filter has to do with its flow rate, not its filtration ability.
Your flow rate is determined by the size of your pump and how many gallons per minute (GPM) it can push through your system. The rule of thumb is that you need a minimum of 1 GPM per 10 square feet of surface area for above ground pools and 1 GPM per 20 square feet of surface area for inground pools. This means that if you have a 20,000 gallon inground pool, you will need a 1 HP pump that can move at least 1,000 GPM.
Now that you know how important flow rate is, you can see why the size of your pool filter doesn’t really matter. As long as your pool filter has a high enough flow rate for your pump, it will be able to clean your pool effectively.
The difference between surface area and volume
When you’re ready to buy a pool filter, you need to know two things: the surface area of your pool and the volume of your pool. These may sound like the same thing, but they’re actually two different measurements.
The surface area is the total square footage of your pool. To calculate it, you need to measure the length and width of your pool and then multiply those numbers together. For example, if your pool is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, the surface area would be 200 square feet.
The volume is the amount of water in your pool. To calculate it, you need to measure the length, width, and depth of your pool and then multiply those numbers together. For example, if your pool is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 5 feet deep, the volume would be 1,000 gallons.
Now that you know the surface area and volume of your pool, you can choose the right size filter for your needs.
Why you need to know your pool’s turnover rate
Turnover rate is the number of times all the water in your pool will be filtered in a day.You can calculate your pool’s turnover rate by dividing the volume of your pool by 8. For example, if you have a 50,000-gallon pool, its turnover rate would be 6,250 gallons per hour (50,000 / 8).
The size of your pool filter is important because it needs to be able to handle the turnover rate of your pool. If your filter is too small, it will not be able to clean all the water in your pool and the water will become cloudy. A filter that is too big will cost more and will not work any better than a properly sized filter.
How to Choose the Right Size Pool Filter
Choosing the right size pool filter is important for keeping your pool clean and your water circulating properly. The size of your pool, the type of pool, and the type of filtration system you have will all play a role in determining the right size pool filter for you.
Use the manufacturer’s sizing chart
When you’re ready to purchase a pool filter, you’ll need to know the proper size for your pool. The best way to find this information is to consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart. These charts are designed to help you select the right model based on the size of your pool.
If you don’t have access to a manufacturer’s sizing chart, you can use the following formula to determine the appropriate filter size for your pool:
Pool volume (in gallons) / 2 = Minimum pool filter size (in square feet)
For example, if you have a 20,000 gallon pool, you would need a minimum pool filter size of 100 square feet.
Consider your pool’s turnover rate
To calculate your pool’s turnover rate, multiply the length of your pool by the width of your pool. Then, multiply that number by the depth of your pool. Once you have that number, divide it by 360. This will give you your pool’s turnover rate in gallons per hour.
Now that you know your pool’s turnover rate, you can determine the size of filter you need by using the following formula:
Turnover Rate (in Gallons per Hour) x Pool Volume (in Gallons) / 8 = Quickest Filtration Time in Hours
For example, if you have a 25,000 gallon pool and a turnover rate of 50 gallons per hour, it would take 20 hours to filter the entire pool using a one-half horsepower pump.
Consider your pool’s volume
The size of your pool filter is very important. If the filter is too small, it won’t be able to effectively clean your pool water. If the filter is too large, it will end up costing you more money in the long run. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing the right size pool filter for your swimming pool.
1) The first thing you need to consider is the volume of your swimming pool. Pool filters are typically rated in gallons per minute (GPM). To find out the GPM of your pool, simply multiply the length (in feet) by the width (in feet) by the depth (in feet) by 7.5. This will give you an estimate of the gallons of water in your pool.
2) The second thing you need to consider is the type of swimming pool you have. There are three types of pools: above ground pools, inground pools, and kidney shaped pools. Each type of pool has different filtration needs.
3) The third thing you need to consider is the type of filtration system you have. There are two types of filtration systems: sand filters and cartridge filters. Sand filters are typically used for above ground pools and inground pools. Cartridge filters are typically used for kidney shaped pools.
4) The fourth thing you need to consider is the frequency of use. If you have a small family and only use your pool occasionally, you might be able to get away with a smaller filter. However, if you have a large family or use your pool frequently, you might need a larger filter.
Conclusion
Now that you know the 5 different types of pool filters, and have a better understanding of how they work, you can begin to narrow down which type of pool filter is best for your needs. Inground pools generally require a larger, more powerful pool filter than above ground pools. cartridge filters are easy to maintain and don’t require backwashing, but they may need to be replaced more often than sand filters.
Whether you have an inground or above ground pool, the size of your pool filter is an important factor to consider. The size of your pool filter will determine the amount of water that can be filtered and the speed at which it is filtered. A too small pool filter will not be able to properly clean your pool and a too large pool filter will waste energy and money.
If you have any further questions about what size pool filter you need, or which type of pool filter is best for your needs, please contact us and we would be happy to help!