Pool filters come in three main types: sand filters (low maintenance, 5-7 year lifespan), cartridge filters (easy cleaning, 1-2 year replacement), and DE filters (finest filtration, requires backwashing every 4-6 weeks).
Pool leaks can occur in the shell, plumbing, or equipment and are detected using bucket tests, dye tests, and pressure testing. Most minor leaks can be DIY repaired, but structural damage requires professional assessment.
You can shock your pool without running the filter system, but you must ensure proper circulation through brushing and the return jets. The filter doesn't need to be running, but water movement is essential for even chemical distribution.
Your pool pump isn't working properly if you notice weak water flow, unusual noises, air bubbles in return lines, high pressure readings, or the pump running but not circulating water.
Connect your vacuum head to telescoping pole and hose, prime the system by submerging the hose underwater until bubbles stop, then attach to skimmer and systematically vacuum in overlapping strokes.
Running a pool pump without a filter will damage your pump's impeller, allow debris to circulate, and create dangerous pressure imbalances. Only run briefly in emergencies while replacing the filter cartridge or cleaning DE/sand media.
Yes, you can vacuum a pool on recirculate, but it won't filter debris - it only circulates water back to the pool. This setting is useful for extremely dirty pools to avoid clogging your filter system.
You need a new pool filter if it's damaged, cleaning doesn't restore flow, or it's reached its replacement schedule (1-2 years for cartridge, 5-7 years for DE grids, 10-15 years for sand). Check for tears, reduced flow, and cleaning frequency to determine replacement needs.
Cloudy pool water results from poor filtration, chemical imbalance, or contaminants. Fix by testing chemistry, shocking to proper FC/CYA ratio, and running filtration 24/7 until clear.
Pool heaters work by transferring heat to pool water through different methods: gas heaters burn fuel to heat water directly, electric heaters use resistance coils, heat pumps extract ambient heat from air, and solar heaters use sun energy to warm water as it circulates through collectors.
Yes, pool filter pressure can be too low, typically indicating restricted water flow from clogged impellers, air leaks, closed valves, or pump problems. Normal pressure ranges from 8-25 PSI depending on your system.
Pool skimmer baskets work by trapping large debris like leaves and insects before they reach your pool's filtration system. Water flows through the skimmer opening, fills the basket chamber, and continues to the pump while debris gets caught in the perforated basket.
Pool vacuuming involves connecting a vacuum head to a telescopic pole and hose, priming the system underwater, then systematically cleaning the pool bottom in overlapping strokes while maintaining proper suction.
Yes, you can clean pool filters and should do so regularly. Cartridge filters need rinsing every 2-4 weeks and deep cleaning monthly, sand filters require backwashing weekly, and DE filters need backwashing and annual teardowns.
Yes, a pool sand filter can be too big, causing poor water clarity due to insufficient backwash velocity and channeling. Proper sizing should match your pump's flow rate at 15-20 GPM per square foot of filter area.
