• Free Callouts

    Your problem, our solution-free

  • Expert Engineers

    Pool, Spa, Steam & Sauna

  • Free delivery

    on order over ₤100

Filter Media Changes

clear pools start with clear filters

Ever noticed your pool looking a bit under the weather, even after a good clean? The culprit might just be hiding in your filter. Over time, filter media, like the trusty sand in your filtration system, can go from hero to zero – clumping, channelling, and just not doing its job. This means your water gets murky, and cleaning becomes as effective as a chocolate teapot. That’s why changing your filter media isn’t just good maintenance; it’s essential for keeping your pool’s sparkle.

When to Say Goodbye to Old Filter Media

The golden rule? Every 3-5 years, or when you start noticing your pool water doesn’t clear up like it used to. Think of it as the pool equivalent of changing your car’s oil – necessary maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.

Why Not Just Any Sand?

Pool filter sand is no ordinary sand; it’s specially graded, washed, and sifted to ensure it provides optimal filtration. Its uniformity and size are key to preventing clogging and ensuring water flows smoothly through your filter, unlike the unpredictable sizes and contaminants found in generic sand.

Why Not Just Clean or Backwash?

Ah, if only it were that simple! While backwashing your filter does clear out the day-to-day debris, it can’t fix the issues of deeply embedded dirt, clumped media, or the dreaded channels that let water bypass the filter entirely. It’s like trying to fix a leaky boat with tape – a temporary solution that doesn’t solve the underlying problem.

Calculating the Crunchy Bits: Sand and Pea Gravel

Not all pools are created equal, and neither is the amount of filter media they need. We’ll calculate the exact amount of sand you need based on your filter. As for pea gravel? It’s not always needed, but when it is, it’s the unsung hero at the bottom of your filter, ensuring an even flow. We at Pool Bros have got the maths down to a fine art, so you don’t have to worry about the specifics.

Filter Media Options: Beyond the Grains of Time!

Gone are the days when sand was your only option. Welcome to the future of filter media! From zeolite, a volcanic mineral that’s a whiz at ammonia removal, to glass media, which lasts longer and filters finer than its sandy cousin, the choices are vast. Each has its pros and cons, but all aim to keep your pool as inviting as a cool drink on a hot day. And remember, not all sand is created equal – pool filter sand is specially graded and washed to work perfectly in your filter, unlike the sand from your favorite beach.

Filter Media Options: Beyond the Grains of Time!

Gone are the days when sand was your only option. Welcome to the future of filter media! From zeolite, a volcanic mineral that’s a whiz at ammonia removal, to glass media, which lasts longer and filters finer than its sandy cousin, the choices are vast. We’ve narrowed down the landscape to what we, in our opinion, deem worthwhile options (sorry, plastic!). Each has its pros and cons, but all aim to keep your pool as inviting as a cool drink on a hot day. And remember, not all sand is created equal – pool filter sand is specially graded and washed to work perfectly in your filter, unlike the sand from your favorite beach.

Silica Sand

Traditional Sand: The Classic Choice
  • Advantages: Sand is the tried and true filter media, known for its affordability and ease of availability. It's effective at filtering particles around 20 to 40 microns in size, making it a solid choice for general pool filtration.
  • Disadvantages: Sand doesn't catch the finest particles, which can leave your pool a tad less sparkling than you might desire. Over time, sand can clump or channel, reducing its effectiveness.
  • Lifespan: Approximately 3 to 5 years. Silica sand is durable but over time can become clumped or develop channels where water bypasses the sand altogether.
  • Filtration: About 20 to 40 microns; effective for standard pool filtration needs, catching the majority of debris and particles.
  • Price: £cheapest
Zeolite

The Volcanic Virtuoso
  • Advantages: Zeolite, made from volcanic minerals, boasts a greater surface area for capturing particles, down to about 5 microns. It's also a champ at ammonia removal, keeping your pool not only clear but also chemically balanced.
  • Disadvantages: It comes with a higher price tag compared to sand and may require more frequent backwashing in the initial phase to remove fine dust particles.
  • Lifespan: About 5 to 7 years. Zeolite's higher porosity and surface area allow it to last longer than traditional silica sand.
  • Filtration: Zeolite can filter down to about 3 to 5 microns. Also highly effective at removing ammonia (great for families with kids!)
  • Price: £££ mid price range
Glass Media

The New Kid On The Block
  • Advantages: made from recycled glass, is an eco-friendly option. It lasts longer than sand, reduces the need for backwashing (saving water and chemicals), and is highly efficient at trapping dirt due to its slightly negative charge.
  • Disadvantages: The upfront cost is higher than sand, but the long-term savings and effectiveness can offset this.
  • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years, and sometimes even longer. Glass media's durability and resistance to clumping and channeling make it one of the longest-lasting filter media options.
  • Filtration: 5 to 10 microns. Its irregular shape and slightly negative charge help it to catch finer particles compared to Silica Sand.
  • Price: ££££ mid to high price range

The Nitty-Gritty of Changing Filter Media

Performing a filter media change can be extremely messy and labour-intensive, but is essential for maintaining your pool’s health and longevity. So, what’s happening when Pool Bros sweeps in to switch up your filter media? Here’s the scoop:

  1. Drain the Drama: We start by giving your filter a good drain, saying goodbye to the old water.
  2. Lid’s Leap: Next we open up your filter, exposing the filter media
  3. Evict the Old Tenants: Out goes the old sand, gravel, or whatever media has been calling your filter home.
  4. Inspect and Perfect: We check your filter for any signs of wear and tear, making sure it’s in tip-top shape for its new fill. This includes a thorough inspection of the laterals and photos/videos.
  5. Clean the Filter Tank: Once all the old media is removed, we chip away and scrub and residual media, thoroughly cleaning and sterilising the inside of the filter tank.
  6. The Great Fill-Up: In goes the new media (and pea gravel, if applicable), perfectly measured and meticulously placed.
  7. Level the Media: As we add the new media, we ensure it’s evenly distributed to prevent channelling, avoiding overfilling as per the filter specifications.
  8. Back in Business: We reassemble your filter, give it a good backwash to settle everything in, and voilà! Your pool’s filtration system is ready to tackle anything.

Remember, not all heroes wear capes; some just keep your pool water crystal clear.