Choosing the right filter material is crucial for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of pools. In recent years, glass materials and pool filter balls have been the main choices in the market. Each of these methods has its unique characteristics and advantages, but which one is better in practice? Based on this, by comparing the performance of different materials in terms of filtration efficiency, service life, environmental protection, and cost-effectiveness, scientific evidence is provided for pool owners and maintenance personnel.

Basic Understanding of Glass Filter Material

Glass filter material generally uses precisely processed recycled glass, with particles of varying sizes and roughness. The irregular shape of these glass particles makes them better at capturing impurities during the filtration process. Glass filter material is a non-metallic material with good chemical stability and does not react chemically with substances in the water.

Basic Understanding of Filter Ball Material

Pool filter balls are made of a lighter plastic, such as polyethylene, which is highly elastic and durable. They are generally round, with a smooth surface, small and lightweight. These filter balls can float in water due to their light weight. When pool water passes through a filter equipped with filter balls, their surfaces adsorb impurities in the water.

Comparative Analysis between the Two

In terms of filtration efficiency

If there are tiny suspended particles in the pool water, such as small sand particles, microorganisms, or other tiny impurities, the irregular and rough surface of the glass filter material can easily capture these. For example, a tiny sand particle of only 10μm, when passing through glass filter material, can get trapped on its surface. This product has good physical filtration effects and can effectively remove most of the tiny impurities in the pool, ensuring water cleanliness.

Similarly, if using pool filter balls, although they can also filter out a large number of larger particles, their smoother surface might be less effective in capturing tiny particles (such as those smaller than 10μm). This means that when filtering the same pool water, if filter balls are used, many fine impurities may remain, resulting in lower water quality than using glass filter material.

Overall, glass filter material can effectively filter tiny impurities, which is key to maintaining high-quality pool water. While pool filter balls, though effective, are slightly inferior in intercepting tiny particles.

In terms of maintenance and ease of operation

Using glass filter material requires careful handling due to its fragility compared to plastic. They require periodic backwashing to remove accumulated impurities, especially during initial operation.

How to Professionally Clean Glass Filter Material?

This process can be cumbersome, like once a year or every two years, regularly backwashing to remove the dirt on it, but it is not necessary to clean it often. Remove the filter material for deep cleaning. Gently brush each glass particle with a soft brush, and if necessary, use an appropriate cleaner. After washing, rinse off all the detergent residues.

Similarly, for a pool using filter balls, although they may require more frequent inspection and replacement, the entire process is generally simpler and more straightforward.

How to Clean Pool Filter Balls?

Open the pool filter cover and gently remove the filter balls. If there are many filter balls, use a bucket or other larger container for handling. Clean the filter balls with clean water to remove large impurities and dirt. Use a hose nozzle for washing, and immerse the filter balls in a mild cleaning solution. Use mild soapy water or specialized filter ball cleaner. Generally, the immersion time is about 30-60 minutes.

After soaking, thoroughly rinse the filter balls with water to ensure there are no detergent residues. Check the cleaned filter balls, and replace them if necessary. Reinstall the cleaned filter material into the filter and ensure even distribution.

This method generally does not require special tools or complicated procedures. Filter balls offer a more straightforward, simpler method suitable for pool maintenance beginners or those who want to reduce the burden of maintenance.

From a Cost and Expense Perspective

The initial purchase cost of glass filter material is generally higher. Due to the more complex production process and higher quality requirements of the raw materials, the price is generally higher than that of pool filter materials. Compared to glass filter material, the purchase cost of pool filter balls is significantly reduced. This is because plastic raw materials are cheaper, the production process is relatively easier, and they offer good filtration performance. Therefore, the long-term maintenance and replacement costs are lower, saving long-term maintenance expenses.

Through a detailed comparison of different materials, it is found that each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass filter material has good filtration effects and environmental friendliness, while pool filter balls offer higher cost-effectiveness and ease of use. In the end, the choice should be based on the pool’s conditions, budget, and personal preferences. Regardless of the material chosen, regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to the quality of the pool. It is hoped that the above analysis can provide some guidance in the selection of pool water treatment equipment.