Hayward is a company that creates and develops low-maintenance pool filter products. Hayward filters are colorfast, and made from strengthened thermoplastics.
Hayward offers filters that use three types of systems: Cartridge filters, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters, and Sand Filters.
Cartridge filter technology was invented in the mid 1960’s. Despite the system’s availability for around half a decade, it has only taken precedence over the other filtration technologies relatively recently.
A cartridge filter works by sifting out particles from flowing water using the surface of the filter element. The filter will primarily catch larger debris while the cartridge is clean. Once the filter’s pores become clogged with larger particles, the buildup will allow the filter to trap smaller debris.
Cartridge filters have larger surface areas compared to sand filters. This enables cartridge filters to operate for longer periods, as obstructions occur less with bigger filter surfaces. Cartridge filter systems also permit better water flow – thus, placing less strain on the filter pump. The elements in a cartridge filter catch debris and other particles as tiny as 10 microns. These types of filters are also easiest to clean by using a flow of high-pressure water from a hose. Cartridge filters require cleaning around four to eight times a year.
Diatomaceous Earth filters utilize the fossilized remnants of near-microscopic diatoms. These remains are used to cover matrices in the housing of the filter element, acting as a sifter. This system can remove particles as tiny as 5 microns from the pool water. Rising pressure backwashes the filter, much like a sand filter. The network of grids is also recoated with DE.
Sand filters extract impurities from the running water using special sand to draw and trap the particles. Backwashing also releases the water waste for cleanup. Sand filters require cleaning at least once a month. The filter element traps relatively larger debris of 20 microns or larger.
Intex Recreation Corp. is part of the Inex group of international companies. It has been developing and producing indoor and outdoor recreational products for more than 40 years. Some of its products include aboveground pools, inflatable pools, pool filtration systems, and inflatable toys.
Intex also creates filter cartridges for pool water maintenance. Some types of the Intex cartridge filters have the ability to filter water from salt-water pools.
Intex cartridge filters utilize a technology invented in the 1960s. The cartridge filter is currently the most widely used filtering technology for pool filter systems. Other prevalent filter system technologies include sand filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.
Cartridge filter elements employ a bigger surface to trap dirt and other impurities from pool water, compared to sand filters. Both expensive and low-cost cartridge filters work with less water pressure and backpressure than sand filters. A new or recently cleaned cartridge filter catches large particles at first. It eventually catches finer debris once the pores of the element are obstructed by the larger particles. The element can snag debris as small as 10 microns.
High-pressure water may be used to clean the filter element. These types of filters require cleaning at least 4 times a year, and may last for more than 5 years. Note that a cartridge filter’s ability to clean pool water decreases every time the element is washed. The lifespan of a cartridge filter also depends on the degree and frequency of filtering it does.
Intex is best known for its aboveground pools, which cover a wide range of products for of various sizes for different budgets. There are four product lines to choose from: the Easy Set pool line, oval-frame pools, rectangular-frame pools, and round metal-frame pools. Pools are made from patented Super-Tough sidewall technology, which are made of three layers.
Pool cartridge filters clean pool water by trapping dirt, debris, and other unwanted particles with a filter element. The element in a cartridge filter uses a large surface to stop particles while letting water run through.
There are inexpensive and relatively costly cartridge filters. The expensive filters typically last longer, and require less cleaning and/or replacement as opposed to the cheaper alternatives.
Maintenance varies, depending on many factors: filter size, pool size, filter cleaning, replacement, amount of impurities, and so on. Some filters may last for more than 5 years. Some may last for around a year. The degree of filtering that a cartridge filter does generally dictates its lifespan. If a large-sized filter cleans a small pool, then that filter will logically last beyond its estimated existence. If a big pool uses a relatively tiny filter, then the filter will require replacement long before expected, especially if the filter system is used often in frequently dirty water.
When the time comes that it take too long for a filtering system to clean the water in a pool, then an owner may need to consider replacing the cartridge. However, attempting to find a correct or compatible replacement for one’s swimming pool or spa filter system may be overwhelming. Literally hundreds of filter cartridges exist for a few thousand filter systems. Note the cartridge dimensions of the old pool filter and compare them to the one for purchase. Also, take down the part number and replacement number on the device.
If you want to replace the cartridge yourself, be sure to follow all safety precautions, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Otherwise, contact a pool care professional to replace the cartridge and give you a few tips on maintaining your pool and filtering system.
Dick Meissner, who founded the company, created the Unicel cartridge filter. It is currently the largest producer of spa and swimming pool filter elements worldwide.
Pool cartridge filters work by trapping debris on the surface grid of a filter. It primarily traps larger-sized impurities. These bigger particles in the filter cause a buildup, which works with the grid to trap finer particles that could have passed through previously. Debris at a size of approximately 10 to 15 microns are caught by the cartridge filter element. Filters may need replacement every 3 to 5 years, and cleaning every 2 to 3 months.
History
The DE, or Diatomaceous Earth technology for filtration systems only preceded the advent of cartridge filters by less than a decade. The first cartridge filters were made with a material similar to paper, which did not equate to durability when used in swimming pools. Meisnerr then developed a process to improve cartridge filter technology with the introduction of spin-bonded polyester, which he branded as ‘Reemay’. Dupont created the material, which Meisnerr adapted to create an enhanced cartridge filter element. Reemay is now the leading material used for cartridge filter systems.
Unicel became a supplier for branded filter and pump system manufacturers, contuinuously augmenting the technology. The company also created elements for DE systems. Production improved with new facilities to provide materials to many manufacturers.
In the mid 1980’s, many large companies began to manufacture their own Reemay filters. The company restructured itself from an OEM to produce their own line of branded replacement filters. Wholesale distributors could now source their materials from one supplier.
Since then, Unicel has focused its efforts on the pool filtration market. It now provides products for wholesale distribution and the OEM market, recognized as an industry pioneer in media design and development.
Pool water is cleaned as it goes through a filtering device, and the filter element catches the impurities in the water. This system is similar to water filters fitted under household sinks. Cartridge filter systems have larger surface areas with which to capture debris compared to sand filters. Many cartridge filters can cover a range from a hundred square feet, while most sold on the market today can filter an area of more than 300 square feet. Cartridge filters use a technology that requires less maintenance, and subsequently, less frequent replacement.
Two types of cartridge filters exist: these are the inexpensive filters that last for a relatively shorter period, and the pricier alternatives that can work for 5 years or longer. Both types usually operate at less water pressure than sand filters. This equates to lower backpressure to the filter pump, which allows for better flow using a normal-sized pump. Cartridge filters do not need much maintenance, needing cleaning only 4 to 8 times a year. Cartridge filters are between sand filters and DE, or Diatomaceous Earth systems in terms of the size of debris captured.
Cartridge filters are the most widespread type of filters used to clean pool water. This technology can also be found in filters for spas / whirlpool baths / Jacuzzis. The pleated fabric in a car air filter is similar to the cartridge filter element. It can catch particles from 25 to 100 microns. Medium-pressure water from a hose can clean most cartridge filters.
A cartridge filter loses some of its cleaning ability each time the filter is cleaned. Typically, the more ‘work’ a cartridge does, then the less time a pool owner has between replacements. If a small filter is used for a large pool, and the water accumulates much debris, then it may function properly for around one to two years.
- August 2009 (5)
