Swimming Pool Filter Balls: Common Misunderstandings and Correct Usage

Swimming pool filter balls serve as the main filtration media and play a crucial role in maintaining water quality. However, in practical applications, there are several common misunderstandings that not only affect the water purification effect but also can cause harm to the swimming pool. This article will detail several common mistakes with swimming pool filter balls and teach you how to use them correctly to make the water in your swimming pool clearer and safer.

pool filter

Common Misunderstandings and Analysis

1、Replace the Filter Sphere From Time to Time

Misunderstanding: The core of the swimming pool filter ball is its filter media, such as sand, fiberglass, or ceramic particles. Over time, these media will slowly age due to the filtration of particles and chemicals in the water. Filter materials that have been used for a long time will lose their ability to effectively filter impurities, causing water quality to deteriorate. Additionally, the aging of the filter material will increase the operating load and reduce the efficiency of the filter material.

Correct Solution: Depend on the material and design life of the filter element. Always refer to the instruction manual or product manual provided by the manufacturer to get correct replacement advice. Generally speaking, the replacement cycle ranges from half a year to two years, depending on the number of uses, water quality, and ball type. Exceeding the recommended cycles by the manufacturer can deteriorate the effect and affect the quality of the swimming pool. Properly following the manufacturer’s recommended replacement cycles is crucial to ensure that the filter balls are always filtering effectively.

2、Ignore the Cleaning of the Filter Sphere

Misunderstanding: In daily use, some pool managers may neglect cleaning the filter sphere, thinking that it can maintain itself without requiring additional attention. However, if cleaning is ignored, a large amount of impurities and dirt will accumulate on the surface of the filter ball, affecting the flow of the effluent and reducing filtration efficiency. Such misunderstandings will cause the water quality of the swimming pool to deteriorate, increase maintenance costs, and, in severe cases, have a negative impact on the operation of the entire swimming pool.

Correct Usage: Establish a regular cleaning program based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally speaking, it is appropriate to clean once a month, but the frequency depends on water quality, usage, and the type of filter. Depending on the filter type, choose the appropriate cleaning method, which can be water flushing, backwashing, or using a specific filter cleaner.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines during cleaning to prevent damage to the filter media or other components. Check the surface of the filter sphere regularly, paying special attention to any condensation of dirt. Dirt can cause water flow to be blocked, slowing down filtration. Once discovered, clean immediately to keep water flowing.

3、Use a Filter Ball That Is Not Suitable for the Type of Swimming Pool

Misunderstanding: It can be misleading to think that all pool filter balls are one-size-fits-all, without taking into account the specific type and needs of your pool. If an inappropriate filter ball is used, it will result in unsatisfactory filtration and thus cannot meet the needs of the swimming pool. For example, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, large and small swimming pools, require different types of filter balls due to different water quality and frequency of use.

Correct Explanation of Swimming Pool Filter Ball Size and Its Application Environment

Small Diameter Spheres (Less Than 2 Inches): Suitable for a small swimming pool, indoor swimming pool, or when the water flow is not strong. It is suitable for small water treatment and can perform efficient filtration in a small space. Due to the small diameter of the pipe, its flow resistance is very small, making it suitable for use in weak flow situations.

Medium Diameter Spheres (2 to 4 Inches): Ideal for a medium-sized or outdoor swimming pool with adequate flow. They have a large filtration surface, suitable for medium-sized swimming pools. They exhibit medium flow resistance and are suitable for swimming pools with high requirements on various water quality.

Large Diameter Spheres (Larger Than 4 Inches): Designed for a large swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, or a place with strong current. They have a larger filtration surface area, suitable for processing large volumes of water. The device has a large pipe diameter and can adapt to strong currents, making it suitable for swimming pools with high loads and high flow rates.

Special Environmental Spheres (Such as Anti-Pollution Spheres): Tailored for swimming pools with a high-pollution environment and water quality easily disturbed by external factors. With special materials or designs, they can resist pollutants more effectively, suitable for environments with poor water quality, and provide high-efficiency filtration for a longer period.

5、When Replacing the Filter Sphere, Other System Components Are Not Checked

Misunderstanding: When replacing the filter ball, some maintenance personnel will focus on the ball surface and ignore other system components, such as pumps and pipelines. Such a misunderstanding is likely to cause other problems not to be discovered after replacing the new filter ball, affecting the operation of the entire swimming pool.

Correct Usage:

During the replacement of the filter ball, the following correct usage methods should be adopted:

Before replacing the filter ball, carefully check the entire filtration system, including pumps, pipes, valves, etc. Make sure there are no leaks, clogs, or other visible problems.

Start the pump system and observe its operation. Ensure the pump can absorb water normally, operate smoothly, and have no abnormal noise or vibration.

Check the piping system for water circulation in the swimming pool to ensure there are no cracks, leaks, or other damage. Check all connections to ensure they are tight.

Check the switching status of the valve to ensure its normal operation. If the system is equipped with an automatic control system, ensure that the control panel and sensors are functioning properly.

After replacing the filter ball, conduct a water quality test to ensure that the water quality is within the ideal range. This helps test whether the system is effectively treating contaminants in the water.

Proper use of filter balls is essential for maintaining water quality. Through correct understanding, we can make the filter ball perform its function better and provide us with a fresh and healthy swimming environment. Remember, routine maintenance and inspections are essential to keep your pool system operating smoothly. Only by realizing this can we better appreciate the joy that swimming brings and make the swimming pool a good place to relax.