The Role of Filtration Systems in Pool Maintenance

Most pool owners know their pool filtration system plays an important role. What might surprise you is that you may not use it to its full potential. By correctly maintaining your system and knowing how (and when) to use its settings, you’ll:

• Reduce your maintenance schedule
• See a noticeable improvement in water quality
• Reduce stress on your pump and heater
• Spend less money on energy bills

Here’s a quick filtration system overview to get you started.

The Filter Setting

You typically use this setting during vacuuming sessions. When activated, water flows through the system and hits the filter basket, which traps dirt and debris. Next, the water goes through a secondary filtration process (often using sand) before reaching the pump. Finally, the clean water is recirculated back into the pool.

The Backwash Setting

Once you vacuum your pool, engage the backwash setting. This setting reverses water flow in your filter and uses pressure to remove dirt particles and debris from the filter cartridge. That debris is then sent out of the pool through the waste pipe.

The Waste Setting

“Waste” bypasses the filter and dumps water directly from the pool system. Generally, people use this setting after heavy rain, during winterization, or full drains because the water is cloudy, full of calcium deposits, or because they burn through pool chemicals to maintain quality.Many pool cleaning companies will advise you to drain your pool and start fresh in situations with poor water quality. This is the wrong approach. There is an alternative to draining your pool called reverse osmosis. We use it to eliminate wasteful draining, allowing you to keep up to 85% of your water without compromising quality and clarity. The best part? It only takes one day.

The Rinse Setting

The "rinse" setting is typically used after backwashing to flush out any remaining dirt particles from the filter and, if you use a sand filter, to settle the sand back into place. We recommend using “rinse”:

• After adding filter enhancers or clarifiers to the water
• Following routine maintenance
• After heavy pool use
• Before closing your pool for the season

The Closed Setting

“Closed” completely shuts off water flow through the filtration system. You might use this setting during the following:

• Routine Maintenance: when replacing your filter, repairing plumbing, or servicing the pump
• Winterization: to protect the filter components from potential damage due to freezing weather
• System Priming: to prevent air from entering the system until the pump is primed and ready for use
• Emergencies: to stop water flow if there is a sudden rupture to your plumbing system

Experience the Williams Difference

Whether you need routine pool filter maintenance, expert plumbing solutions for your home or pool, or simply wish to avoid costly pool drainings, we've got you covered. With over a decade of industry-leading experience, we're dedicated to meeting all your needs and exceeding your expectations. Contact us today!