Saltwater pool system is increasingly becoming more popular among pool experts. However, they are often burdened with the question of; if they can use a sand filter with their saltwater pool system.
Even though there are other better and more effective ways of cleaning your pool, sand filters are inexpensive. Thus, making it a more acceptable cleaning system for pool owners under a strict budget, who are using the saltwater pool system. In this article, we shall understand if sand filters, can be used with saltwater pool systems.
Sand filters can be used with saltwater pool systems. But it isn’t an effective cleaning system that you can wholly rely on.
However, if you can’t afford the expensive cleaning systems such as; Diatomaceous Earth (D.E) filter, and cartridge filters, (Even though they have their own disadvantages) then you can always go for the sand filters.
Sand filters when used with a saltwater pool system, is able to purify the water from contaminants around the size of about 20 microns.
Pool owners have also tried to demystify the mystery behind most saltwater pools. Bothering on the fact that saltwater pools don’t use chlorine. This is because of the natural salt solution contained in the water.
Now, this natural salt contains chlorine particles in it. Which has the capacity to kill any kind of germs in the pool. However, the salt in the pool will be unable to do the job of a filter such as; getting rid of impurities such as debris and other dirt. This is why a filter is needed. Every pool needs a filter even if the pool is a saltwater pool.
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What Do You Need To Know About Sand Filters?
Truth is, sand filters are generally not the best options around, but they can be the most affordable, and the easiest filter to use. First, you need to know how to clean a sand filter just in case you plan on having one.
Turn on the pool pump and you will observe that contaminated water is collected through the skimmer which is then directed into the sand container dumping the dirt and debris there and then returns to the pool. The sand filter filters about 40 microns. Also, the sand filter is quite durable because it can last for up to 5-10 years.
Sand filters have affordable components. This means that whenever a part of the sand filter gets broken and needs replacement, that means it needs another replacement. So, the cost of that replacement is usually very affordable. Sand filters are fast and also are able to perform high-quality purification to purify particles of massive size.
It’s quite easy to install and maintain its parts. Although the quality of the sand filter’s performance is highly dependent on the weight and size of the sand filter. It also has the tendency to collect too much water during the whole process.
Read: Can You Use A Sand Filter With An Intex Pool? (Quick Answer)
What you need to consider before choosing a sand filter with your saltwater pool system
Before you choose a sand filter, there are certain things you need to consider.
1. Pool Size
What is the size of your pool? And yes, it does matter in choosing your sand filter because the sand filter must be sufficient enough to purify the saltwater pool else, you will be at risk of getting an unclean pool. So, it is better if you get a more powerful pool filter if your pool is large.
The larger the pool size, the larger the capacity of the pool filter. For instance, a 20,000-gallon saltwater pool needs a 20-inch sand filter tank to do the job and it goes on in that format.
2. Check the pool type
What type of pool is it? Is it an in-ground or an above-ground pool? This is because your sand pool may not be suitable for your above-ground or in-ground pool.
However, most pool owners have indicated that sand pool filters are usually better for in-ground pools. But we suggest you look into this for your convenience because sand filters can be good for both pool types.
3. Filtration energy
You need to also select a sand filter that is capable of filtering a tangible amount of water per hour. Such that it would complement with the pool size and the time invested in running the pool.
So, if for instance; your pool size is about 30,000 gallons, then it means you need a filter that can at least filter about 3,000 gallons of saltwater per day since the pumping time can be around 10 hours.
4. Your location
Your location is also as important as anything else. Because the sand filter is prone to crack or spoilage during frosty climate seasons. So, if you live in a location where the weather is usually frosty, then you need to sort out possible ways of removing the sand filter, and transferring it into the house or somewhere safe since the pool is not in session.
Also, you need to consider that you will need to replace the sand in the filter during seasons like this. So, consider the climatic condition of your location.
5. Cost
Expenses are quite important, and should, as a matter of fact, be the first thing that you should consider while considering a sand filter. Well, this is because even though sand filters are affordable, you need to consider the size of your pool in order for you to know the size and type of sand filter to buy.
And as a result of this, prices tend to increase because of their size. However, you should get ready to spend at least $400 to $1000 on a sand filter in addition to the installation fee.
Final Thoughts
Sand filters can be used with your saltwater pool system. It may sound awkward, and somewhat archaic that you still own a saltwater pool but relax, there are still very sound measures that will guide you to help maintain it properly as you have projected. A Saltwater pool isn’t that difficult to maintain, it only becomes tedious, when used together with the wrong pool filters.
