Filters And Pumps For Above Ground Pools � Quick Buyers Guide

While above ground swimming pools can provide you and your family with hours and hours of fun and recreation every year, it's essential to remember the importance of proper pool maintenance. If the right steps are not taken to keep your pool water clean, it will become dirty and contaminated. Worst of all, your swimmers will be at risk of contracting infections from bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. However, simply by using the right equipment and following a straightforward maintenance routine, you can keep your above ground pool sparkling clean and enjoy a healthy swimming environment.

Two of the most vital pieces of equipment for all above ground swimming pools are filters and pumps. Together, above ground pool filters and pumps work to keep your pool water free of debris and contaminants so it will remain clean and clear. Above ground swimming pool pumps are powered by electricity and circulate pool water through the filter and back into the pool. While some pool owners may choose to operate their pump for 24 hours a day, many choose to operate their pump for between 6 and 12 hours per day. This allows pool owners to conserve electricity and save on energy costs. Many above ground pool pumps come with built-in timers for enhanced convenience.

While there are many different models of above ground pool pumps on the market today, there are certain features that you may wish to look for when selecting your pump. For example, pumps for above ground swimming pools that are energy efficient will allow you to save energy as well as money. Also, another feature that most pool owners will appreciate is quiet operation. For durability and many years of use, you may also want to look for features such as a corrosion-resistant body and rugged construction.

As already mentioned, filters for above ground swimming pools are also extremely important pieces of pool equipment. While above ground swimming pool pumps are responsible for circulating pool water, above ground pool filters are responsible for actually removing debris from the water. As the water is propelled through the filter, dirt and other debris particles become trapped in the filter unit and are prevented from returning to the pool with the water. As a result, only clean water is returned to the pool.

While all above ground pool filters perform the same task, they do not all use the same filtration media. In fact, there are three main types of filters for above ground pools that are currently available -- sand filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. As can be guessed by their name, sand filters for above ground swimming pools use sand beds within the filtration units to trap debris and contaminants. Sand filters for above ground pools have been in use for many years and are able to trap debris particles as small as 20 to 40 microns.

In contrast to sand filters, cartridge filters use cartridges made from a lightweight, fibrous, paper-like material to trap many types of debris particles. Cartridge models of above ground pool filters have greater filtration surfaces than sand filters and are typically twice as effective at removing contaminants from pool water. Another advantage of using this type of filter is that cartridge filters operate at a lower pressure than sand filters which means that they will provide greater flow while putting less of a strain on the pool pump.

Although sand and cartridge filters will both provide excellent filtration and will help to keep your pool water clean, diatomaceous earth above ground swimming pool filters offer the most effective filtration available today. Diatomaceous earth is a porous powder derived from the fossilized exoskeletons of diatoms. As pool water is circulated through a filter containing diatomaceous earth, clean water is able to pass through the powder's microscopic openings while dirt and microorganisms become trapped in the powder. DE above ground swimming pool filters can trap debris particles as small as 2 to 5 microns and yet are relatively inexpensive to operate. For these reasons, DE filters for above ground pools are increasing in popularity among pool owners.

Whether you would prefer to use a sand, cartridge or DE filter for your pool, choosing high quality above ground swimming pool filters and pumps is extremely important. Accordingly, it's a good idea to educate yourself about the various available options prior to making a purchase. By doing so, you will be able to make an informed and confident decision. Moreover, by purchasing above ground pool filters and pumps that will provide you with years of top quality performance, you will be protecting the health of your swimmers and ensuring that your pool maintenance routine will be easier and more effective.