How to purify water for bathing: a review of methods of filtering the outdoor pool
When installing the outdoor pool the first step is to solve the problem of clean and safe water. The aquatic environment is the habitat of thousands of organisms, to get rid of which is possible only with the help of special installations. Closed stationary pools in the construction process, provide a powerful filter system, round the clock support circulation and purification of liquids and for domestic open design provides filters for pools less power, but easy to install and maintain.
The contents
Why do you need a filtration system?
Natural water rarely has the qualities that are ideal for healthy bathing, so there are many ways for its treatment, among which chemical disinfection, mechanical cleaning, ozonation and filtration, the most popular method for country of use.
It is impossible to enjoy a pleasant holiday in full, if the water is dirty and dangerous for health, so with the purchase of a frame or inflatable structures, as well as during the construction of a permanent tank in the backyard of a home take care of the installation of the filtration system
Clean water is necessary regardless of its source of supply. Do not assume that tap water is full of lime and ferrous particles and fluid from the wells or from the surface of the lake is impeccable in its characteristics. In «live» the water increased the rate of reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, as completely lacking chemical processing. In addition, the water quality is drastically reduced due to the ingress of large particles of dirt and dust on the water surface of open pools.
The bathing water according to its characteristics, should be close to the drinking equivalent, as during the adoption of water treatments it gets in the eyes, ears, mouth, nose and in constant contact with the skin. The liquid can be determined even without special equipment: it is transparent (you can see pictures or cracks in the bottom of the pool), has no odor caused by the decomposition of microorganisms, and brown or green tint.
To determine the pH level or the presence of active chlorine using a set of tablets, strips, or more expensive and accurate device is an advanced electronic tester
However, some properties define «the eye» extremely difficult – this refers to content in its composition of salts or to the level of the acidity. To achieve maximum cleanliness, use of such treatments as:
- multistage mineral purification;
- disinfection;
- defending;
- air conditioning;
- the softening composition.
Filters are used at various stages of cleaning, starting with the manual collection of leaves from the water surface by special devices, ending with distillation and neutralization of the acidity at the stage finish.
Types of filters for outdoor pools
Despite various fillers and distinctive characteristics, all filters have the same purpose – to purify water from harmful substances, to hold a maximum of contaminations and unnecessary particles. As the filtering layer use loose granular materials: sand, anthracite, crushed pieces of gravel or diatomite.
View #1 — sand device
Due to the availability of sand filter it can be purchased by anyone, the minimum cost of current models – 4800 rubles. Of course, such devices are designed for a relatively small volume of filtered water and suitable for cleaning compact, inflatable and frame structures. For tanks larger volume provided powerful units costing up to 1 million rubles, but for home use expensive production models do not need.
Sand filters have a compact streamlined shape, their body is protected from environmental factors. Such devices are installed right next to the pool additional facilities or protective covers is they do not require
When choosing a sand filter pay attention to the filler. It may be only sand, sand with particles of gravel and inclusions of anthracite or carbon. The more diverse the filler, the higher the level of treatment. Quartz sand must be completely replaced every 3 years, but with a more rare replacement, for example, glass sand pour only once in 5 or 6 years.
In the simplest designs go to sleep only one layer of sand (0,5-0,8 mm), in more complex devices – 3-5 layers of different factions. First, the water passes through large crystals, completes the purification of fine sand in the pillow. Expensive models can present an additional layer of absorbent.
Each material has its own characteristics. For example, granular anthracite, almost 90% composed of carbon, has a rather large and pointed pellets. Unlike sand, they do not form a dense pillow, so the filtering process occurs a minimum loss of load, but the cleaning rate increases.
The principle of operation of the sand filter can be seen in this diagram: water enters the device, passes through a layer of mineral particles and it is already purified
What to do if the filter is clogged? It will happen in 1-2 weeks the active pool. Each device has a function of reverse cleaning, the performance of which will require additional water. Owners of private wells do not worry, and users of centralized water supply system, there will be additional spending of budget funds.
Sand and other fillers are sold in specialized stores, 25-pound bag of quartz material costs about 400 rubles, the glass is about 2 times more expensive. Such a filter can even build your own! See how to do it on video:
Type #2 — diatomite system
Manufacturers of diatomite filtration plants argue that the use of fine powder (diatomaceous earth) allows to achieve maximum purity of water. Try to understand the technical characteristics of this type of filter and understand whether to buy for holiday pool the most expensive equipment.
Diatomite, which has another common name – diatomaceous earth, is a sedimentary rock. At its core, is compacted fossilized diatoms, 95% composed of silica
The small fraction of the purification of the particles retains impurities up to 1 micron, which is a huge advantage over sand counterparts, while the rest of the working principle of diatomite devices is no different. The filler layer is in a self-cleaning stainless steel elements, covered with polypropylene. The water passes through diatomaceous «pillow», cleared and excreted back into the pool, enriched with silicon.
One of the options diatomite filter for the outdoor pool – model Hayward Pro Grid: working pressure up to 3.5 bar, filter diameter 660 mm, capacity of 11 m?/hour, cost of 60 thousand roubles
About the benefits of silicon water speak. Experts say that she has a bunch of useful properties:
- neutralizes chloride compounds;
- destroys pathogens;
- precipitate heavy metals;
- prevents the growth of algae;
- has a firming effect on the human body.
Thanks to a careful cleaning and «magic» the properties of silicon water eliminates the need for additional chemical disinfection. Thus, overpaying for diatomite device other than a perfectly purified water, you get an additional bonus in the form of therapeutic effect.
View #3 — compact cartridge installation
If you are not able to carry out continuous backwash filters, and the water in the pool relatively clean and does not require a thorough disinfection, buy cheap cartridge filter. It is a small oblong installation in the form of a bulb with very simple internal structure. Under the lid is a compartment for a replaceable cartridge and a plastic garbage bag. The water percolates through the filtering material of the cartridge, and the large impurities and small particles settle at the bottom, going in the bag.
When you purchase a cartridge filter, pay attention to such factors as the density and thickness of the filter inserts, capacity or filtration rate, type of collector (bag for garbage collection)
There are many types of cartridges differing in appearance and characteristics. For example, elements of coal well odour, and insert with ion-exchange resin kill bacteria. But for pools it is preferable to use a special consumable material with a polyphosphate salt.
One of the main advantages of a cartridge filter – easy maintenance. Replacement takes a minimum of time, and when flushing the strong porous material to clean very quickly
Sooner or later, the cartridge will be ruined, and the bag is completely clogged with debris. Cleaning is easy: rinse the plate of the cartridge under running water, and a bag to clean the dirt and return to the place. After several cleaning procedures, replacement element must be replaced. It can be purchased in a specialty store at a price of 125 rubles. Manufacturers recommend to change the cartridges as they wear, meaning replacement could happen in a week, or a month. For reasons of hygiene it is better not to delay the purchase of a new item.
How to choose the filter pump?
All kinds of filters can be an integral part of the filter pump device for circulation and purification of the pool water. The equipment is equipped with a powerful engine with a waterproof insulation, which provides the movement of the water. Filters for primary or deep cleaning are included in the set and some sold separately. It is important to consider indicators of power and speed, so by mistake not to equip a weak pump too effective filter or Vice versa.
In rare cases, the filter pump is not lowered into the ground, and set above the water level. Maximum lifting height – 2 meters
A large part of the self-priming pumps have built-in filters intended for cleaning slightly contaminated water, more thorough treatment requires the purchase of additional equipment or chemical disinfection. The equipment is placed in a special container and buried in the ground near the pool halfway or all the way so to allow for unobstructed access.
Filter pumps are supplied with a primary strainer – plastic mesh-basket with small cells, check large debris: leaves, twigs, grass
When buying, pay attention to the restrictions. Most of the models performs functions under the following indicators:
- t? air – up to 60?C;
- t? water up to 40?C;
- pressure – up to 2.5 in (3.5) bar.
A preferable model for continuous duty operation.
A well-known firm Intex produces ready-made kits – inflatable or frame pools + filter system pumps salt water which provides safe bathing without the use of chlorine
Normal circulating and centrifugal pumps are pumping water without the possibility of its purification, so the filter must be purchased separately, and it is better if their is two. First serve for pre-filtration and protection of the equipment, it produces screening abrasive or long-fibre fragments. The second is more thoroughly cleans the water of suspended solids and small particles and provides safe bathing.
What is a skimmer and if he needs you?
A simple but useful device – the skimmer – is able to clean away coarse dirt and up to 8% of the pool water, so it is often used together with filtering equipment. In appearance it resembles a plastic or steel tank with a drain in the lower part, the upper part is provided with a hole for water intake.
Some models of skimmers have advanced features:
- make the collection of garbage from water surface;
- are a kind of «beacons» to determine the depth and water level;
- serve as the equipment for chemical purification.
There are two types of skimmers: hanging and embedded. For pools of open type fit both types, but the choice depends on the design of the pool. For a stationary tank it is better to use the built-in system with a water intake located along the boards, and for inflatable and frame models are preferable to hinged devices that have a special attachment. There are exceptions, when a monolithic pool already installed without the clean – rough filtering can be done also with the help of attachments.
Built-in skimmer water purification system in a pool does not interfere with the bathing and water games: the holes for water intake are located at the edges, and the reverse issue is happening at the bottom, under water
A simple device for a pool skimmer trap. Collects large and small debris floating on the surface of the water: dry grass and twigs, leaves, hair
Installation hinged skimmer for inflatable pools and frame structures is very simple: adjustable clamp attached directly on the rim, and the filter is lowered into the water, positioning it on the surface of the water or slightly below. When installing any kind of devices it is necessary to consider the prevailing wind direction, not to create stagnant areas and skimmers covered the entire area of the accumulation of debris.
Thus, when choosing a filtration system look for the type of pool, its size and volume of water. For compact designs is fairly inexpensive sand or cartridge filter with pump for the large outdoor pool in the yard need equipment, including multiple filters, a powerful pump, heating system and control unit.