History of spa filters
Encyclopedia
Traditionally, the filter in a pool or spa is the hardest piece of equipment in the water care system. They work continuously to keep debris and sediments from the water. So when selecting a system – you want to have all the facts to ensure that your selection is durable and not fraught with flaws that can keep you from enjoying your spa. So here are the current technologies that dominate the market today with a narrative that walks you through how they work. Then we walk through a simple guide on how to take care of your system to ensure its longevity.
As for sand filters, one would easily derive, these filters use sand as the filtering medium. Sand filters look like large balls and they hold hundred of pounds of sterile sand. Basically, water flows into the top of the filter housing and makes its way down through the sand bed where the sharp edges of the sand catch the particulates
. On a comparison by filter size, sand filters remove the least amount of dirt – particles as small as 20 to 25 micrometres. But again for a time, the dirt left behind contributes to the filtering process. However, sand filters certainly are efficient enough to keep just about any pool clean.
To keep a sand filter working, depending on the size of the filter you must clean it as often as once a week during swimming season. Maintenance means backwashing where the flow of clean water is reversed back into the filter. The problem with this, however, is that backwashed water is simply wasted. A typical backwashing session can waste a few hundred gallons of water – water that must be replaced in the pool.
First appearing in oil filter configurations, Cartridge filters have larger surface areas compared to sand filters. This enables cartridge filters to operate for longer periods, as obstructions occur less with bigger filter surfaces. Cartridge filter systems also permit better water flow – thus, placing less strain on the filter pump. These types of filters are also easiest to clean by using a flow of high-pressure water from a hose. Cartridge filters require cleaning around four to eight times a year. The filter will primarily catch larger debris while the cartridge is clean. Once the filter’s pores become clogged with larger particles, the buildup will allow the filter to trap smaller debris.
The filters are actually made of polyester
or some other material that can provide a superfine filtering surface. The pleats are the key to the filter's operation. The tight pleats, or folds, allow for a large amount of material to be used in a small container. The more material used, the larger the surface area available to capture unwanted dirt or debris in the water. The fabric catches and holds the impurities until you clean or replace the filter.
The cartridge can filter out anything down to about 5 to 10 micrometres in size. A grain of table salt is about 90 micrometres; anything below about 35 micrometres is invisible to the naked eye. It is important to remember that with any filter a small amount of dirt actually aids the filtering process. In most areas cartridge filters are less expensive than diatomaceous earth
filters but cost more than sand filters. However cartridge filters are more popular because of the minimal maintenance involved. Some families will find it sufficient to simply hose off the cartridge filter a few times during swimming season to keep them working properly. Others may need to soak the filters in detergent or replace them. In any case, maintenance takes only a few minutes to the filtration system in top shape.
( D.E. ) they made by dying in the sea areas of their world. These remains of minuscule plants are called diatoms, and together they create a white, unscented powder which has become quite helpful to mankind.
DE Filters, these products can filter out dirt as small as 3 to 5 micrometres. If you opened the tank of a DE filter it would look somewhat similar to a cartridge filter.
DE Filters are usually the most expensive type, and they get your pool water cleaner than the other filters. But the necessary maintenance can be a drawback for some homeowners. Most manufactures call for backwashing to clean the filter. In backwashing, the system reverses the flow of water. The clean water cleanses the filter. The dirty water is drained from the system.
founded his first pottery in 1815 at Lambeth, England on the banks of the Thames river. The main products of the original company were ceramic busts, figurines
, canning jars and tableware. Influenced by the unrelenting progress of the Industrial Revolution
, Doulton placed equal emphasis on industrial applications for ceramic technology. As early as 1827, this fine china manufacturer was in the water treatment business, using various earth and clay materials in the first Doulton water filters.
In 1835, Queen Victoria recognized the present health dangers in her drinking water and commissioned Doulton to produce a water filter for the Royal household. Doulton created a gravity fed stoneware filter that combined the technology of a ceramic filter with the artistry of a hand crafted pottery water container. In consideration of her pleasure with the new device, Queen Victoria bestowed upon Doulton the right to embellish each of its units with the ROYAL CREST.
John Doulton's son, Henry Doulton
, introduced the Doulton Manganous Carbon water filter in 1862, the same year that Louis Pasteur
's experiments with bacteria conclusively exploded the myth of Spontaneous Generation
. This more advanced understanding of bacteria made it possible to direct Research and Development efforts to the creation of a porous ceramic capable of filtering our these tiny organisms.
By 1901, King Edward
knighted Henry Doulton and honored the company by authorizing it to use the word ROYAL in reference to its products. In 1906, Doulton introduced a filter that proved to be equal to the one Louis Pasteur had developed in France. It was rapidly adopted by hospitals, laboratories and for use in domestic water filtration throughout the world. The popularity and effectiveness of even the early 20th century designs has resulted in their continued use in Africa and the Middle East. The range and efficiency of Doulton domestic water filters has been widely extended over the years to meet the demands of increasingly sophisticated uses.
Ceramic filters have been used for water treatment for several centuries. While they are being marketed for centralized water treatment systems, most ceramic filters are now being manufactured for point of use applications. In developing countries, they are manufactured locally—sometimes as a self-financed micro-enterprise. These devices are typically shaped like a flowerpot or a bowl and are impregnated with tiny, colloidal silver particles as a disinfectant and to prevent bacterial growth in the filter. The filter sits inside a 20- to 30-liter plastic or ceramic receptacle with a spigot.
Laboratory testing has shown that, if designed and produced correctly, these devices can remove or inactivate almost all bacteria and protozoan parasites. Its effectiveness against viruses is unknown.
Cleaning and maintenance of the filter is critical; so like other low-cost point of use systems, it is best combined with an educational program about safe storage, filter cleaning, and other recommended practices.
The advantages of ceramic filters are their ease of use, long life (if not broken), and fairly low cost. Disadvantages include possible recontamination of stored water since there is no chlorine residual and a relatively low flow rate-typically one to two liters per hour.
As of June 2009, CAWST estimates that over 200,000 biosand filters have been implemented in more than 70 countries around the world.
Slow sand systems have recently been adapted for point-of-use systems, especially in developing countries. In this context they are generally known as “biosand” filters. Most commonly, a biosand filter takes the form of a container a little less than a meter tall and perhaps 30 cm in width and depth, filled with sand. The biologically active layer, which takes a week or two to fully develop, is maintained by keeping the water level above the top of the sand. As with slow sand filters, this bioactive layer helps to filter, adsorb, destroy, or inactivate pathogens. A porous plate is usually located above the sand to prevent disturbance to the bioactive layer when water is added. Users simply pour water into the top of the apparatus, and collect treated water from the outlet.
In laboratory and field testing, biosand filters have removed nearly all protozoa, and most bacteria. Their performance with viruses is not well established. The apparatus can be built using concrete—a commonly available and relatively inexpensive material. Maintenance is fairly simple, usually consisting of agitating the upper surface of the sand once a month or so and manually collecting the suspended material. The cost of upkeep is quite low, since there are few or no parts to replace.
Make sure that the spa runs for at least one hour each day to ensure good water circulation and turnover of the spa water (even if no one is using the spa that day). This provides sufficient filtering time for most spas. Also make sure you add Spa Bright Bright and Clear (water clarifier) to the spa once per week, as this assists in filtering. (Note...do not use a water clarifier if you're using pH Balance).
How often your filter cartridge needs replacing is dependant on a number of factors; the size of the filter, how often it's cleaned, how much the spa is used and how much debris gets into the water. Generally a filter needs to be replaced every one or two years, or if you notice any of the following; either of the plastic ends are cracked, fabric pleats separating from the plastic ends or cleaning it doesn't appear to get it any cleaner.
How often the filter needs to be cleaned also depends on the size of the filter, how much the spa is used and how much debris gets into the water. Generally portable or self contained spas should have their filters cleaned once a month. The best way to clean them is to blast them with a hose fitted with a high pressure nozzle (some people clean their filters at a local self serve car wash). Don't use any cleaning products not especially designed for cleaning filter cartridges. If your filter is very dirty, it can be soaked over night using a cartridge cleaning solution.
Make sure to use some type of floating oil absorbing sponge (like the " floating duck”) in your spa, as these will greatly reduce the amount of oils that get into your filter. Remember also clean and replace them when they deteriorate.
Do not use any soap based cleaners on your spa or the filter, and don't use car wax on your spa. Cleaners designed for spas, like "Spa Gloss " work the best.
Make sure you maintain proper water chemistry at all times. Filters are good, but they're not miracle workers and cannot actually kill off algae or bacteria! Use a reliable test kit.
It is not a bad idea to have two filters and use them on an alternating basis. Switching them so that they may be cleaned thoroughly without losing the use of your spa.
Try to shower before using your spa. The worst enemies of filters are hair spray, mousse or styling gel, deodorant or anti-perspirant, sun tan lotion, excess sweat and skin creams of any sort.
Conclusively, it's most important to keep oils or soaps of any kind out of your spa! Remember, a spa is not a bath!
Sand filters
Now if you followed your history, these filters have been around since the 17th century. In fact, around 1627, Sir Francis Bacon compiled 10 experiments in "A Natural History of Ten Centuries". Where he hypothesized that water could be filtered through sand purifying seawater. Of course, this was incorrect, but did spur a wave of interest in the discipline.As for sand filters, one would easily derive, these filters use sand as the filtering medium. Sand filters look like large balls and they hold hundred of pounds of sterile sand. Basically, water flows into the top of the filter housing and makes its way down through the sand bed where the sharp edges of the sand catch the particulates
Particulates
Particulates – also known as particulate matter , suspended particulate matter , fine particles, and soot – are tiny subdivisions of solid matter suspended in a gas or liquid. In contrast, aerosol refers to particles and/or liquid droplets and the gas together. Sources of particulate matter can be...
. On a comparison by filter size, sand filters remove the least amount of dirt – particles as small as 20 to 25 micrometres. But again for a time, the dirt left behind contributes to the filtering process. However, sand filters certainly are efficient enough to keep just about any pool clean.
To keep a sand filter working, depending on the size of the filter you must clean it as often as once a week during swimming season. Maintenance means backwashing where the flow of clean water is reversed back into the filter. The problem with this, however, is that backwashed water is simply wasted. A typical backwashing session can waste a few hundred gallons of water – water that must be replaced in the pool.
Cartridge filters
Cartridge filter technology was invented in the mid 1960’s. Despite the system’s availability for around half a decade, it has only taken precedence over the other filtration technologies relatively recently.First appearing in oil filter configurations, Cartridge filters have larger surface areas compared to sand filters. This enables cartridge filters to operate for longer periods, as obstructions occur less with bigger filter surfaces. Cartridge filter systems also permit better water flow – thus, placing less strain on the filter pump. These types of filters are also easiest to clean by using a flow of high-pressure water from a hose. Cartridge filters require cleaning around four to eight times a year. The filter will primarily catch larger debris while the cartridge is clean. Once the filter’s pores become clogged with larger particles, the buildup will allow the filter to trap smaller debris.
The filters are actually made of polyester
Polyester
Polyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. Although there are many polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific material most commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate...
or some other material that can provide a superfine filtering surface. The pleats are the key to the filter's operation. The tight pleats, or folds, allow for a large amount of material to be used in a small container. The more material used, the larger the surface area available to capture unwanted dirt or debris in the water. The fabric catches and holds the impurities until you clean or replace the filter.
The cartridge can filter out anything down to about 5 to 10 micrometres in size. A grain of table salt is about 90 micrometres; anything below about 35 micrometres is invisible to the naked eye. It is important to remember that with any filter a small amount of dirt actually aids the filtering process. In most areas cartridge filters are less expensive than diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth also known as diatomite or kieselgur/kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micrometre to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to...
filters but cost more than sand filters. However cartridge filters are more popular because of the minimal maintenance involved. Some families will find it sufficient to simply hose off the cartridge filter a few times during swimming season to keep them working properly. Others may need to soak the filters in detergent or replace them. In any case, maintenance takes only a few minutes to the filtration system in top shape.
Diatomaceous earth filters
It's hard to comprehend that the fossilized remains of single-celled plants that lived 15,000 years back may be of use to us in today's modern world, but scientists have come up with a method to utilize the Diatomaceous EarthDiatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth also known as diatomite or kieselgur/kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micrometre to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to...
( D.E. ) they made by dying in the sea areas of their world. These remains of minuscule plants are called diatoms, and together they create a white, unscented powder which has become quite helpful to mankind.
DE Filters, these products can filter out dirt as small as 3 to 5 micrometres. If you opened the tank of a DE filter it would look somewhat similar to a cartridge filter.
DE Filters are usually the most expensive type, and they get your pool water cleaner than the other filters. But the necessary maintenance can be a drawback for some homeowners. Most manufactures call for backwashing to clean the filter. In backwashing, the system reverses the flow of water. The clean water cleanses the filter. The dirty water is drained from the system.
Ceramic filtration
John DoultonJohn Doulton
John Doulton was an English businessman and manufacturer of pottery, a founder of the firm that later became known as Royal Doulton. John Doulton married Jane Duneau, a widow from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, who died April 9, 1841...
founded his first pottery in 1815 at Lambeth, England on the banks of the Thames river. The main products of the original company were ceramic busts, figurines
Figurines
Figurines is an indie rock band from Denmark, formed in the mid-1990s. The band released their first EP, The Detour, in 2001 and their first full-length album, Shake a Mountain, in 2004. The band began to receive national attention in Denmark around the time of the full-length release, and began...
, canning jars and tableware. Influenced by the unrelenting progress of the Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times...
, Doulton placed equal emphasis on industrial applications for ceramic technology. As early as 1827, this fine china manufacturer was in the water treatment business, using various earth and clay materials in the first Doulton water filters.
In 1835, Queen Victoria recognized the present health dangers in her drinking water and commissioned Doulton to produce a water filter for the Royal household. Doulton created a gravity fed stoneware filter that combined the technology of a ceramic filter with the artistry of a hand crafted pottery water container. In consideration of her pleasure with the new device, Queen Victoria bestowed upon Doulton the right to embellish each of its units with the ROYAL CREST.
John Doulton's son, Henry Doulton
Henry Doulton
Sir Henry Doulton was an English businessman, inventor and manufacturer of pottery, instrumental in developing the firm of Royal Doulton....
, introduced the Doulton Manganous Carbon water filter in 1862, the same year that Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur was a French chemist and microbiologist born in Dole. He is remembered for his remarkable breakthroughs in the causes and preventions of diseases. His discoveries reduced mortality from puerperal fever, and he created the first vaccine for rabies and anthrax. His experiments...
's experiments with bacteria conclusively exploded the myth of Spontaneous Generation
Spontaneous generation
Spontaneous generation or Equivocal generation is an obsolete principle regarding the origin of life from inanimate matter, which held that this process was a commonplace and everyday occurrence, as distinguished from univocal generation, or reproduction from parent...
. This more advanced understanding of bacteria made it possible to direct Research and Development efforts to the creation of a porous ceramic capable of filtering our these tiny organisms.
By 1901, King Edward
Edward VII of the United Kingdom
Edward VII was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910...
knighted Henry Doulton and honored the company by authorizing it to use the word ROYAL in reference to its products. In 1906, Doulton introduced a filter that proved to be equal to the one Louis Pasteur had developed in France. It was rapidly adopted by hospitals, laboratories and for use in domestic water filtration throughout the world. The popularity and effectiveness of even the early 20th century designs has resulted in their continued use in Africa and the Middle East. The range and efficiency of Doulton domestic water filters has been widely extended over the years to meet the demands of increasingly sophisticated uses.
Ceramic filters have been used for water treatment for several centuries. While they are being marketed for centralized water treatment systems, most ceramic filters are now being manufactured for point of use applications. In developing countries, they are manufactured locally—sometimes as a self-financed micro-enterprise. These devices are typically shaped like a flowerpot or a bowl and are impregnated with tiny, colloidal silver particles as a disinfectant and to prevent bacterial growth in the filter. The filter sits inside a 20- to 30-liter plastic or ceramic receptacle with a spigot.
Laboratory testing has shown that, if designed and produced correctly, these devices can remove or inactivate almost all bacteria and protozoan parasites. Its effectiveness against viruses is unknown.
Cleaning and maintenance of the filter is critical; so like other low-cost point of use systems, it is best combined with an educational program about safe storage, filter cleaning, and other recommended practices.
The advantages of ceramic filters are their ease of use, long life (if not broken), and fairly low cost. Disadvantages include possible recontamination of stored water since there is no chlorine residual and a relatively low flow rate-typically one to two liters per hour.
Biosand filtration
Dr. David Manz developed the household biosand filter in the 1990s at the University of Calgary, Canada. Dr Manz has trained many organizations on the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of the biosand filter. He also co-founded CAWST in 2001 to provide the professional services needed for the humanitarian distribution of the filter in developing countries.As of June 2009, CAWST estimates that over 200,000 biosand filters have been implemented in more than 70 countries around the world.
Slow sand systems have recently been adapted for point-of-use systems, especially in developing countries. In this context they are generally known as “biosand” filters. Most commonly, a biosand filter takes the form of a container a little less than a meter tall and perhaps 30 cm in width and depth, filled with sand. The biologically active layer, which takes a week or two to fully develop, is maintained by keeping the water level above the top of the sand. As with slow sand filters, this bioactive layer helps to filter, adsorb, destroy, or inactivate pathogens. A porous plate is usually located above the sand to prevent disturbance to the bioactive layer when water is added. Users simply pour water into the top of the apparatus, and collect treated water from the outlet.
In laboratory and field testing, biosand filters have removed nearly all protozoa, and most bacteria. Their performance with viruses is not well established. The apparatus can be built using concrete—a commonly available and relatively inexpensive material. Maintenance is fairly simple, usually consisting of agitating the upper surface of the sand once a month or so and manually collecting the suspended material. The cost of upkeep is quite low, since there are few or no parts to replace.
Spa filter maintenance
Since the life of a filter is a tough and important one, it is best to prepare your filter by following a few simple maintenance rules;Make sure that the spa runs for at least one hour each day to ensure good water circulation and turnover of the spa water (even if no one is using the spa that day). This provides sufficient filtering time for most spas. Also make sure you add Spa Bright Bright and Clear (water clarifier) to the spa once per week, as this assists in filtering. (Note...do not use a water clarifier if you're using pH Balance).
How often your filter cartridge needs replacing is dependant on a number of factors; the size of the filter, how often it's cleaned, how much the spa is used and how much debris gets into the water. Generally a filter needs to be replaced every one or two years, or if you notice any of the following; either of the plastic ends are cracked, fabric pleats separating from the plastic ends or cleaning it doesn't appear to get it any cleaner.
How often the filter needs to be cleaned also depends on the size of the filter, how much the spa is used and how much debris gets into the water. Generally portable or self contained spas should have their filters cleaned once a month. The best way to clean them is to blast them with a hose fitted with a high pressure nozzle (some people clean their filters at a local self serve car wash). Don't use any cleaning products not especially designed for cleaning filter cartridges. If your filter is very dirty, it can be soaked over night using a cartridge cleaning solution.
Make sure to use some type of floating oil absorbing sponge (like the " floating duck”) in your spa, as these will greatly reduce the amount of oils that get into your filter. Remember also clean and replace them when they deteriorate.
Do not use any soap based cleaners on your spa or the filter, and don't use car wax on your spa. Cleaners designed for spas, like "Spa Gloss " work the best.
Make sure you maintain proper water chemistry at all times. Filters are good, but they're not miracle workers and cannot actually kill off algae or bacteria! Use a reliable test kit.
It is not a bad idea to have two filters and use them on an alternating basis. Switching them so that they may be cleaned thoroughly without losing the use of your spa.
Try to shower before using your spa. The worst enemies of filters are hair spray, mousse or styling gel, deodorant or anti-perspirant, sun tan lotion, excess sweat and skin creams of any sort.
Conclusively, it's most important to keep oils or soaps of any kind out of your spa! Remember, a spa is not a bath!