Choosing the right size pool filter is crucial to ensure pool safety. The size is also vital if you consider using pool filter balls for better filtration. Follow this blog to know how to select a filter size that fits your pool.
How to measure the right filter for your pool
First thing first –
Before purchasing a filter, know the details of your pool. The filtering system usually functions based on the water flow and water volume. So, begin the procedure by measuring the pool.
Step 1 – Measurement of your pool
There may be arguments about whether you should purchase the filter first or measure the pool water. To be on the safe side, measuring the pool is preferable.
You need to understand pool shape and depth to calculate water flow. Based on the pool layout, the water-holding ability also varies. On a layout basis, 4 types of pools are there – round, rectangular, oval, and kidney.
Let’s see the calculation method of pool size in the following part.
- Rectangular pools measurement
To measure the rectangular shape pools, multiply the length by the width. Eventually, that will bring the size of the surface area.
The formula is A (surface area) = L x W
- Round shape/smaller pools measurement
Measuring the round shape pool is slightly more complex than rectangular pools.
Follow the formula (SA = 3.14 x r2) to measure the round shape pool.
Here SA means the surface area, the pi value is (3.14), and the r2 is the radius squared of the pool.
- Oval pool measurement
Generally, oval pools are slightly thicker than regular pools. Therefore, measure the long-sided diameter X shortest diameter X average depth to find the volume.
The simple formula is (overall diameter = volume) of oval pool measurement.
- Kidney-shaped pool measurement
Measuring the Kidney shape pool is the most complex of all other shapes.
The formula is Volume = (longest width + shortest width) x length x average depth.
To complete the calculation, know the width of both longer and shorter sides first with the overall length.
Step 2 – Understand the water flow of your pool
After calculating the volume of the pool, it’s time to measure the water flow. The maximum volume of the pool water is known as the water flow.
Understanding the water flow will help you know the water-holding ability or how much water your filter can pass in a minute.
Divide the maximum volume of your pool by 360 to find the gallons of water your pool is currently holding. Then move forward to purchase the filter for your pool.
Here, the proper selection of the right size filter combines multiple factors. The water flow rate, pool volume, size of the pool pump, and filter size are all co-related. After measuring the pool water volume and flow rate, it’s time to pick up the right pump.
As the pump maintains water flow on the filter, picking the right pump for the filter comes first.
Step 3 – Pick the right size of pool pump
The pool pump usually keeps the water flowing consistently on a filter. Usually, the pump controls the water pressure at a specific rate to help the filtering process. Hence, any bigger-sized pump will add extra pressure to your filter. As a result, the filtering system becomes overpowered.
Moreover, extra-large filters are costly and increase the electricity bill. On the other hand, picking out too small will not work effectively due to its lack of power. To keep the correct flow of water, choose the proper pool pump first.
Step 4 – Pick the right filter
The pump and filter size must be similar to keep the water flow consistent. Even if you have the correct size pump, picking out too small and too large filters will not work correctly. Eventually, it causes extensive pressure on the filtering system that may lead to explosions or severe damage.
To be more specific, the right size filter will be around the size of the water pump. It largely depends on the size of the pool. The calculation begins from the pool’s water volume. Which eventually becomes the determining factor in purchasing the pump.
Additional key factors
Generally, picking up a similar filter and water pump size requires better adjustment. The turnover rate of the filtering system is also a vital factor.
- According to the municipal health code rates, the complete process of filtering the pool water must be at least 4 times every 24 hours.
- Check the filtering system monthly to ensure adjustment, safety, and cleanness.
- Change the filtering system as soon as possible when the water looks cloudy. To save cost, change the pool filter ball rather than altering the whole filtering system.
Last thoughts
Selecting the correct filter for your pool is a systematic and calculative approach. Ensure proper filtering system to keep pool water safe and bacteria-free. To clear all confusion regarding the filter system, you can use the suggestions of this blog.
