THE FACTS ON FILTER MEDIA

Every pool owner wants crystal-clear water and, while sanitising goes a long way towards keeping it clean and healthy, there is another element to the equation: filtration. But it's not just a simple matter of installing the equipment. The type of media chosen for the filter can make a huge difference to the quality of the water and the amount of maintenance required.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

How it works:

DE is made up of the fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae, and each grain has microscopic holes running through it to trap even the finest particles. DE filters have internal elements that become coated with ‘filter cake’ that strains dirt, dust, algae, and some forms of bacteria from the water.

Pros:

• Filters down to 2 microns
• Large surface area requires less maintenance

Cons:

• Needs to be backwashed as well, though not as often as sand filters
• Costs to replace DE each time you backwash it
• Time and effort to replenish the DE powder in the filter

Glass Pearls

How it works:

Manufactured from 100 per cent pure glass, Glass Pearls are a new generation of filter media, capable of providing water of superior clarity and requiring less water for backwashing. Glass Pearls have been Climate Care Certified because their spherical smooth shape effectively cleans trapped contaminants with an estimated 30 per cent water saving. 

Pros:

• Glass filter media operate based on “depth filtration”; dirt is driven through the filter bed and trapped in minute spaces between the particles of filter media allowing the cleansed water to pass through
• Effective size 0.5 – 1.0mm (equivalent to Grade 16/30 sand)
• Whereas other filter media may contain a variety of contaminants, Waterco’s Glass filter media is chemically inert for superior purity. It does not contain any crystalline free silica or heavy metals
• It removes more materials and pollutants than sand, saving on backwashing and resultant water, heating and chemical treatment costs
• It is less susceptible to biofouling. The heat-treated surfaces are smooth, requiring 

Cons:

• Still requires backwashing occasionally
• More costly than sand and Zeoplus

ZeoPlus

How it works:

ZeoPlus is a naturally occurring mineral rock, found in areas where there has been historic volcanic activity. Its microporous structure and ammonia removal properties will significantly improve the quality of your swimming pool water. Ammonia is released in the water by bathers and when the ammonium ions mix with chlorine, chloramines are formed, producing a ‘chlorine’ odour as well as causing skin and eye irritations.

Pros:

• Superior water clarity to sand
• Reduced chlorine demand, reducing ‘chlorine’ odour
• Highly recommended for teaching pools and hydrotherapy pools and spas, where the tendency to build up ammonia by products is strongest

Cons:

• Still requires backwashing occasionally
• More costly than sand
• Requires regeneration to continue to retain its ammonia removal properties

If you still have a few questions, call Swimart on 1300 991 104.