We’re days away from the unofficial start of the summer season. While it’s almost time for fun, there is a long checklist for homeowners to get their homes summer-read. If you have a pool, you have an even bigger to-do list this time of year. The choices you make for your pool now can set the stage for a season filled with fun—or one riddled with frustrations. One of the most important decisions you’ll make as you’re prepping is what type of water filtration media you’ll use. Do you know which is best? Read on to learn about your media options for pool filtration.

Your Media Options for Pool Filtration

Recycled Glass

What it is: As the name suggests, this filter media is made from 100% post-consumer container glass. It is refined to a point where there aren’t any sharp edges or dust.

How much it filters: 40 microns down to about five microns, so you might be able to see some impurities in the water

Pros: Recycled glass is an environmentally friendly option. It keeps waste glass out of landfills and limits energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with glass production. People also like this option for the longer filter cycles compared to traditional filter media options like sand.

Cons: Though carefully processed to remove sharp edges, there is still the possibility that recycled glass can cause cuts and injuries if improperly handled. It’s also important to get the right particle size because recycled glass is known to clog more easily than other options. And while it has a longer lifespan, recycled glass can be more costly upfront.

Sand

What it is: The sand used in a pool filter is #20 silica sand that’s approximately 45 to 55 millimeters.

How much it filters: It’s designed to trap particles in the 20- to 100-micron range. When it’s at its most efficient, you won’t be able to see particles in your pool. However, when it’s not working as well as it can, your pool will still show some particles.

Pros: The more the filter collects dirt, the more effective it becomes, so you might actually see improvements over time. Sand is also known as one of the least expensive options.

Cons: This filter often becomes mudballed, which is when it contains small clumps of oil gunk. It can also become channeled, meaning water runs straight through without being filtered. And it’s probably not your best option if you have hard water because it calcifies with calcium deposits, turning the sand inside into sandstone.

Cartridge Filters

What it is: This type of filter is made from spun polyester. It’s pleated and wrapped around a heavy plastic or PVC core.

How much it filters: Similar to sand, it traps dirt and particles of 25- to 100-microns in size. This means you might have some clarity issues with your pool.

Pros: As cartridge filters operate at a lower pressure, they reduce the strain on the pool pump and have lower energy consumption than other types of filters.

Cons: Cartridge filters have a limited filtration capacity due to their lower surface area. As they can last anywhere between one and five years, the lifespan is hard to predict and you might need to change your filter more often than you’d like.

Diatomaceous Earth

What it is: Diatomaceous earth has a very small particle size, a high porosity, and a crystalline structure, making it an excellent filtration medium for many applications, including pool filters.

How much it filters: It traps particles down to an impressive three to five microns, providing incredible clarity.

Pros: Diatomaceous earth filters have no dangerous contaminates, so should there ever be a tear and you find DE particles, you can feel comfortable knowing your family will not get sick from exposure.

DicaPool Perlite Pool Filter Media

What it is: Perlite is one of nature’s most versatile and efficient minerals. It is formed by molten (magmatic) rock, also known as volcanic glass. DicaPool is a perlite pool filter media that uses perlite’s maze of microscopic pathways to remove impurities in your pool down to three microns.

How much it filters: It can filter down to an impressive three microns—well below what the human eye can see.

Pros: 

• DicaPool removes impurities at a very high filtration flow rate, helping your filtration system run efficiently.
• Perlite filters weigh up to 50% less than other types of filter media. For example, 1/2 pound of perlite is equal to one pound of diatomaceous earth.
• It can be used as a direct replacement for your diatomaceous earth filter medium.
• It is natural and chemically inert, so no colors or odors are transferred to your swimming pool filter.

Specifications:

• Filtration level: Down to 3 microns
• Mineral: Perlite, potassium aluminum silicate
• Physical form: Dry powder
• Particle shape: Semi-polyhedral and plates
• Color: White
• Specific gravity: 2.3 to 2.4

Dicalite Management Group: Your Options for Pool Filtration

As the old adage goes, “Dicalite swimming pool filter powder keeps pool water drinking pure: actually cleaner than city water!” Our naturally occurring swimming pool filters have supported pool communities for over half a century and continue to do so today. Call us today at 866-728-3303 to request your free sample to see the difference a mineral pool filter can make for your summer fun.