Pool filtration can be a complicated business. There are cartridge filters, diatomaceous earth filters and sand filters. The most common difference, the one people usually know about is the size of particles they are able to filter out of the water. Sand filters catch particles as small as 25 or 30 microns. Cartridge filters are usually effective down to about 20 - 80 microns. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters catch the smallest particles, about 3 - 5 microns. The interesting thing here is that under about 35 microns, particles are invisible to the naked eye. In a swimming pool, when there are a lot of smaller particles, although invisible individually, they combine to increase turbidity in the water. Most of the time DE filtered pools will be the ones that will sparkle with clarity, because their filtering ability includes the smallest particles.
So that's the filtration capabilities. How about maintenance? Sand filtration requires backwashing every week or two, uses a lot of water to flush the filter, and the sand needs replacing about once every 3 years. DE filters require backflushing fairly regularly and also removal and cleaning of the filters grids with replacement of the DE about once every 2 months. Cartridge filters tout themselves as being the most carefree, remove the filters and hose them off, replace and you are done. Cartridge filters replacements vary in price, usually the more expensive ones will last longer.
So let's talk about ECOsmarte pools, shall we? First off, cartridge filters are not compatible. This assertion comes straight from corporate and is borne of much experience. Are there any ECOsmarte pools out there that do okay with a cartridge filter? Probably. Are there many, many more that have tried it and found it's a bad combination? Yes. Do we recommend it? NO! Next, DE filters do a pretty good job filtering an ECOsmarte pool but still require a fair amount of maintenance. Okay, let's talk ideal, here. If you are going to purchase or already own an ECOsmarte pool system, the very best choice you can make for filtration is a sand filter with glass media. Whoa there - who said anything about glass? I did, just now, and it's really important. Here's why...
A sand filter with crushed glass media instead of sand media will filter particles out of your pool water down to 2 - 5 microns. The clarity of the water will absolutely astonish you (it did me). And this is the very best choice you can make for any pool, but especially for an ECOsmarte pool. The reason has to do with the oxidation. In a chlorine pool, the oxidation is the chlorine. Chlorine oxidization action literally dissolves organic materials, kind of fries them as I understand it, makes them disappear. ECOsmarte oxidation, created in the chamber, although very effective at purifying the water, does not dissolve particles of organic material. That's the whole point, actually, to not have chlorine frying your skin or hair or eyes - all of which fall in the category of organic material. So excellent filtration becomes a necessary component to the pleasures of a zero-chlorine, zero-salt pool.
Back to the glass. First of all, it is 100% recycled post-consumer waste. Wow, let's bask in the environmental glow of that statement for just a bit. Even better, glass does not require strip mining to produce, like DE and sand, so glass filtration media does no harm to the earth. And now we get to pull out the proverbial steak knives because really, wait, there's more! DE and sand media are Class II carcinogens; breathing masks are recommended when handling both. Glass is safe, not carcinogenic, and will not cut you, either! (And for you unfortunate chlorine or salt pool owners...because of all the ways glass is so much more effective at filtration, you will use far less chlorine and coagulants.)
Last but not least, the smooth surface of the glass particles resists bacteria becoming trapped in cracks, resulting in longer lasting, cleaner, more efficient filtration media. Glass media is less likely to block or channel than sand, and will not support growth of moss or fungus. Because the glass particles are smooth, filters backwash with 25% less water, as well.
So let's review...Here is what Glass Filtration Media will do for you:
1. 100% Recycled, POST-consumer waste
2. No strip mining to produce
3. Completely safe to handle
4. Filtration of smallest particles, including skin cells and blood cells
5. Longest lasting media 7 - 9 years
6. Less water to backwash filter
7. Does not support bacterial growth
8. Reduces chemical use
There is no downside here, folks...
So if your pool filter needs replacing and you are researching the options - don't let your pool guy talk you into a cartridge - even if you don't have an ECOsmarte pool. Spring for a sand filter with glass media, and I promise you, you will be so happy you did. So will the Earth.
