What is the difference between a cartridge filter pump and a sand filter pump?
A sand filter pump is usually slightly more expensive, but it is also more powerful, allowing it to also remove small debris. While a cartridge filter pump works less precisely and will only suck up the largest dirt. These cartridge filters often come with small inflatable pools and do their job well there too.
Are you opting for a larger pool? Then we recommend a sand filter. Due to the strong circulation, not only will you enjoy a cleaner pool, but you will also need a smaller amount of maintenance products. It is also important to have the filter do a weekly backwash. This involves the pump working in reverse, loosening all the sand and dirt in the filter to avoid clogs. Adding a flocculant (liquid or in socks) to the skimmer will remove even more organic dirt that cannot be filtered away. You can do this weekly or in a higher dose as a treatment in winter.
Besides the fact that a sand filter pump cleans more accurately, you can also choose reusable glass beads or (polysphere) filter balls in addition to sand. A sustainable choice! The filter balls are made of fabric and can simply be put in the washing machine every three weeks (without detergent or fabric softener!). Nice and easy!
In brief:
- A cartridge filter pump holds back mainly coarse dirt, making it ideal for a small to medium-sized pool. This pump works with cartridges that are best replaced every 2 weeks (up to 10,000-15,000 L).
- A sand filter pump filters more precisely and is ideal for a medium to large pool. The filtration sand lasts for several seasons. With this type of pump, you can also choose other filter media such as glass beads, zeolite or polysphere balls (recommended from 15,000 L).
What should I pay attention to when connecting the filter pump?
Make sure the filter pump is on the ground next to the pool. Do you want to connect all kinds of accessories to the pump, such as a pool robot? Then make sure your pump has enough capacity to drive them! If your pump is not powerful enough for these accessories, the water flow will be slowed down. Also check that the connections are the right diameter to connect to your pool. Is this not the case? Then you can simply buy another intermediate connector. Most pools have a 32 mm or 38 mm connection.
How long should the pool pump run?
The entire content of your pool should be fully filtered at least 4 times a day. So how many hours the pool pump needs to be on depends on the number of litres in your pool and the capacity of your pool (how many litres the pool can filter per hour). The general rule is often 8 hours, but can vary. You certainly don't need to keep the pump running day & night, as this wastes energy and money unnecessarily!
What are the different modes on the sand filter pump for?
- Filter: For normal filtration and regular filtering of pool water
- Backwashing: For cleaning the filter media
- Rinsing: For levelling the sand bed after backwashing
- Drain: Drain after backwashing or lowering the water level
- Circulation: For circulating the water back to the pool, without passing by the filter media
- Closed: Closes all water to filter and pool
What filter media are there and how should I clean them?
You may have a good pump, but of course you should also properly maintain, clean or replace the filter media (cartridge, sand, glass, balls...) as this is where the dirt is retained.Cartridge filter pump:
Cartridges or filter cartridges:• rinse the filter with water with sufficient pressure every day and after each use
• replace the cartridges regularly so that the pump can optimally filter the water.
How often you should replace the cartridges depends on how intensively the pool is used, but we recommend replacing the cartridges every 2 weeks on average. Switch off the pump when replacing the cartridges.
Sand filter pump:
With a sand filter pump, as the name suggests, you use sand as the filter medium. But there are some other alternatives such as filter glass or filter balls.• Sand: With a sand filter pump, it is important to perform a backwash weekly or at least once every 2 weeks. You should replace the sand every 2-3 years on average.
• Filter glass: The advantage of filter glass is that it filters finer than sand and lasts longer (5 to 15 years). Clean weekly or fortnightly with a backwash.
Tip from poolboy Marcel: Changing the sand or glass is a clumsy & dirty job. A ladle works best!
• Filter balls: Do you use reusable filter balls? Then you can just throw them in a net in the washing machine. Do not use detergent or fabric softener and wash at a low temperature. Clean them biweekly.
Why should I choose polysphere filter balls?
The big advantage of these filter balls is that they are reusable (they last for 2 to 4 years), you can clean them easily and, above all, they are much lighter and more user-friendly than sand or glass. So you don't have to lug around heavy bags! Moreover, the water flows more easily through the filter balls than through filter sand (thus saving energy because your pump has to work less!). Because they absorb a lot of dirt, a backwash is not enough and you should wash them regularly.
How much filter fill does my sand filter pump need?
- Sand
Filter pump 4m³: 12 kg
Filter pump 6m³: 23 kg
Filter pump 8m³: 35 kg
Filter pump 10m³: 55 kg
- Glass:
Filter pump 4m³: 8.5 kg
Filter pump 6m³: 16 kg
Filter pump 8m³: 25 kg
Filter pump 10m³: 38 kg
- Polysphere filter balls:
How do I perform a backwash at the sand filter pump?
Turn off the sand filter pump. Connect a hose to the ‘waste’ or ‘drain’ connection and make sure the other end is in the drain or large bucket. Turn the filter head lever to backwash and turn on the pump. After 20-40 seconds, the water will be clear and may turn off again. Then turn the lever to ‘rinse’. Turn the pump on again for about 10-30 seconds. After this, the lever can be returned to the filtering position and the hose disconnected.
What do I do with my sand filter pump during winter?
Before dismantling the sand filter pump, first clean the filter properly by letting it do another backwash. After that, remove the water from the sand tank by opening the drain valve at the bottom. Then turn the 6-position switch to position "N" and store this pump frost-free. The sand or other filter medium can simply remain in the tank during the winter period. You can also remove the 6-position switch from the pump if necessary to allow the sand to dry better.
Help, my filter pump is no longer working properly!
Is your filter pump no longer flowing properly? Before you think your filter pump is broken and need to buy a new one, we recommend checking the steps below.
- Is your filter clean?
- Are too many accessories connected?
- Is there air in the hoses?
- Is your pump on the ground?