Pool Filters - UV Pools

Is Your Pool Filter Leaking?

Pool filters can last many years in Winnipeg. However, like any other plastic pool components, they can get brittle with time.

The top head of your pool filter can begin to leak internally or externally, and you may notice that your water is not crystal clear like it should be. Swimming in murky, dirty water takes all of the fun out of summer days in the pool.

A pool filter is necessary for keeping your pool water pure, healthy, and attractive.

How Much do Pool Filters Cost in Winnipeg?

Depending on their type and size, a pool filter can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000, including the installation process.

What Type of Filter Do You Need?

There are two options when it comes to pool filters:

Sand Filters: Sand filters use a sand medium to trap particles from your pool water as it passes through the filter. Sand filters have a low initial cost, and a simple cleaning process.

Sand filters are found on most older pools in Winnipeg, but are less likely to be installed in new pools today.

Cartridge Filters: These filters contain a pleated filament cartridge that works to trap particles suspended in your pool. Although cartridge filters have a higher upfront cost, they require fewer cleanings, and can trap much finer particles. This increases the overall clarity of your pool water.

Cartridge filters have a higher efficiency rating, don’t waste treated pool water during cleanings, and require less water pressure to filter the pool water.

How To Decide

A cartridge filter costs about twice that of a sand filter. However, cartridge filters are over 4 times as efficient at filtering pool water, meaning that a pool pump will have to work less, and use less power, than with sand filters.

We are happy to discuss price differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each type of filter with you, so that you can make the most cost-effective decision for your pool and needs.

What Size of Pool Filter Do You Need?

There are many factors necessary to determine the size of filter you need, including:

Water volume in the pool
Pump size
Bather load
Amount of organics (leaves and greenery) around the pool area

With this information, we can help you decide on a size of pool filter appropriate for your pool.

As a general rule, the largest filter that you can afford will work best. Larger filters are more efficient, use less electricity, need to be cleaned less, and improve the clarity of the water overall.

We Can Help

For assistance or information on cleaning your pool filter, or if you want to know more about choosing the right pool filter for you, don’t hesitate to call UV Pools in Winnipeg today!

FAQs

There is algae in my pool, and my filter is not cleaning it. Why?

Your sand filter will not clean live algae. The pool water will need to be shocked or flocked to bring algae to the pool bottom to be vacuumed up. Ensure that you follow the flock chemical manufacturer’s directions on the container.

How often should I backwash my pool sand filter?

Your sand filter should be backwashed once the pressure reaches above 20-25 psi. Pressure is different for every pool, filter, pipe size, plumbing arrangement, and heating combination, and depends on your particular combination.

The psi can range from 15-30 before it requires backwashing. Start with a baseline pressure, which is the pressure your filter runs at right after it has been backwashed. Once that pressure increases 7-10 psi, it is best to backwash it for 2 minutes, or until the clear sight glass bulb is clean. Then, rinse for 1 minute.

Backwashing sand filters too frequently is counter-productive, as the accumulated dirt trapped in the sand actually aids in trapping the finer particles in the pool water.

How do I clean my pool filter?

Sand Filter: To clean a sand filter, use a sand filter cleaning solution. This solution can be poured into your pump basket when it is turned off. The valve on the front of the pump must be closed before you can start the pump again, for about 10 seconds. Then, you can open the lid of the pump basket, and dilute the remnants of the solution with water.

This process will pump the solution into the filter, where it should sit overnight to cleanse the sane. After 12 hours, turn on the pump with the filter handle in the backwash position for 2 minutes, then switch the handle to rinse for 1 minute.

Always remember to turn the pump off in between filter handle position changes.

Cartridge Filter: Remove the filter cartridges, and soak in a cleaning solution. Hose or off the filters, using low pressure so that the filter pleats do not tear. The goal is to clean between the pleats of the cartridge filter paper elements.

Before you clean either type of filter, ensure that you shut off the heater and pump, drain the water, and close all valves before removing the filter head.

How often should I change the sand in my pool filter?

This depends on how much dirt is going through your filter. Sand filters can work for a few years, up to 20 years with the same sand.
This usually depends on maintaining a balanced pool chemistry, and opening up the waste valve when vacuuming up debris and algae.
Some say that the sands sharp edges wear down over time, and cease to work as effectively, meaning that it should be replaced sooner rather than later.
Ensure that you use filter cleanser to make sure the sand is not clumped together. Clumped sand causes the water to channel through the sand, and not actually be filtered.

Why is my pool sand filter pressure so high?

There are various reasons that a sand filter pressure is high, such as:

Your filter may need to be backwashed.
The drains in your filter could be heat damaged from turning off the pump while the gas heater is running.
The gauge might be frost damaged from not being removed during Winnipeg winters. This frost damage may cause the gauge to max out and be permanently damaged. Luckily, new gauges are under $10, and can be replaced in less than 5 minutes.

What do the handle positions on my pool sand filter do?

Your sand filter dial head has the following positions:

Filter position: Used when you are running your pool, and need the pool water to be filtered. This is the most commonly used position.

Backwash position: This position is only used when your filter is dirty and you want to clean the sand in the filter. Water is reversed through the sand, and lifts out any dirt. It is then discharged out of the waste pipe.

Rinse Position: Used only after backwashing. Does same thing as the "filter" position, only water goes out of the waste pipe instead of back into pool.

Winterize position: Used in winter to relieve pressure off the seals, so they don't flatten and leak over time. This position also lets air into the filter, to help drain the water out of your filter during winterizing.

Whirlpool position: Used when you want the water to bypass your filter. It is most handy when you’re diagnosing pressure problems, or checking how dirty your sand is.

Drain position: Use this position when you want the water from your pool to not get filtered, but go directly out your backwash waste hose. This position is also handy if you are vacuuming up debris that you don't want in your pool or filter.

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Testimonials

I was very pleased with the workers, owner as well as all the completed work. Very professional, friendly group that completed the job in record time including working in the rain. Have recommended UV Pools to a friend who is in the process of getting a quote. You won't be disappointed!

Paulette Richardson

Allan & Deb Rosky

It was a pleasure dealing with Dale Kreviazuk. Dale and his crew were courteous and in a good frame of mind during the installation of my new pool liner. The complete process went smoothly and the crew did an excellent job. Dale also went out of his way to locate a very hard to find vinyl snap cap cover for my 30 year old aluminum coping.

Joseph Krutish

Pool Renovation Sept 2013 – Called 5 companies, all came out. Received quotes from 3, nothing from other 2. Out of the 3 that gave quotes, which were all pretty close in price, I felt Dale from UV pools explained exactly what needed to be done, how he was going to do it and when the job would be done. Well, no surprises, the crew showed up when Dale said they would, they were professional and very knowledgeable, cleaned up everything when they were done. My wife and are completely satisfied with the renovation, our 28 year old pool looks like brand new. I have also given UV Pools permission for customers with questions, to feel free to give me a call in regards to my renovation and or UV Pools workmanship. Thanks to the crew & Dale for a job well done.

Jeff & Marilyn Sippel

Frank was just here installing the necessary pieces for our UV light. He did a great job, and was pleasant, as always 🙂

Kelly Moore

Your guys just left, cheque in hand, and I just wanted to mention what a pleasant guy Brandon is. He went over the operation, took his time, very professional. I have recommended your company several times, based on the work you guys did on my pool 2 years ago, and now this cover, and I will not hesitate to use and recommend your crew in future as well. Cheers,

Scott & Susan Lougheed

We highly recommend Dale and his team at UV Pools if you need your in-ground professionally refurbished! Having sought a few estimates, we felt Dale was the only one we could trust to deliver on his promises and he did! He is a total pro whose hands-on, personalized service was very much appreciated!

Reg & Barbara Giesbrecht

Dale Kreviazuk is very credible and the company's workmanship is excellent. I felt very comfortable and trusting dealing with such a nice personable young man. No question was too many and his answers were always honest.

Allan & Deb Rosky

What a great job by Dale and his crew. From his suggestion as to the type and style of liner right down to the clean up....a fantastic job. Great value for the cost. We needed our liner replaced and some work done on the obsolete beauty strip. From the time Frank and his son showed up to remove the liner and Dale turning the pump on when the pool was full...watching them work was a pleasure, knowing that the end product would be well worth the cost and future enjoyment. The grandkids could hardly wait to splash around in the new pool.

Henry & Susan Sobczak

UVPools did a liner replacement for me two years ago after it tore during the previous winter. Of the four companies I called for quotes on the repair job, two didn't show. Dale came the next day and his quote was half the only other one I got. I found Dale and his team great to deal with, and I can't say enough good things about the quality and speed of their work. My pool was back up and running a couple of weeks later and it looks better than it did when I bought the house. I would hire UV Pools again and highly recommend them to anyone needing pool repair work done.

Anonymous

The work was done quickly, cleanly and with no surprises. We love the UV filter and have found it has significantly improved our water quality and reduced the amount of labour and almost completely eliminated our need for chemicals. Very happy with Dale and the crews.

Wanda Bretecher

We realized this spring that our pool liner had a serious leak and, since it was old, would need to be replaced. We were planning to list our house for sale and so, we were dismayed when we learned that it would take four weeks to order a new pool liner. Dale committed to try to expedite the time-line and he really came through for us. The liner was installed in three weeks and the job was done professionally and efficiently. Based on our experience, we highly recommend this company to anyone who needs a pool liner replaced.

Ernie Boschmann

Dale & his team installed our pool liner summer 2015 . Very professional and knowledgeable. Unfortunately our liner had a manufacturers defect . Dale had a diver out right away to patch the rip. The liner needed to be replace and UV Pools replaced it after the swimming season at no extra cost to us . Great job and I would recommend them for any pool job needed.

Bryan Malo

Winnipeg

As soon as Dale got the call to go ahead with the pool liner replacement he had the whole crew get it done in record time. There were some special considerations with repairs and moving skimmers . The pool is so much better to manage with the suggestions and changes. Thanks all around to Dale , his family and everyone for getting this extra big job done pronto and it looks Fantastic!! Thankfully last summer 2015 was a long hot one and we really enjoyed a lot of swim time late into fall! 5 Stars!!!!!

Marian Krezanski

Highly pleased with the caliber and details of the workmanship. the sanding of the steel liner removing any rust, preparation(levelling) of the sand bed for the liner, placement of the coping and installation of the liner all which required special skills. I appreciated their advice and recommendations for thedeck around the pool. Elevating it by using foam rather than removing it and replacing with new concrete, as one pool firm had suggested. The cost of the elevation technique was about half that of the removal and replacement procedure... The costs for the coping and liner from other pool stores was significantly higher than from UV Pools -in one quote almost double

Semeon Hrushovetz

Dale and his crew did an exceptional job of re-doing our pool. It looks like a brand new pool. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, as well as very meticulous and precise in their workmanship. Price wise, UV Pools came in more reasonable than other estimates, of which Dale was the only one who did a personal free estimate, unlike the others who either wanted a commitment or deposit before coming out and only gave us a "phone" estimate. UV Pools is a Class A operation and highly recommended. Dale and his crew are #1 in our book.

Gerhard & Darlene Nickel

We were very happy to find UV Pools and even more impressed after our first encounter with Dale. He was quick to come out and speak with us, listen to our needs & wants, offer his professional opinions and was quick to respond with detailed quote we could understand. Dale & his crew were equally as professional when it came to getting down to the task at hand with the tear out and re-build of our space. The team was respectful, courteous and available thru the entire project. Quality workmanship and commitment to a quality product was evident. Our pool is amazing! UV Pools were exceptional and we would highly recommend them to anyone.

Trevor & Keri Joss

We would like to thank-you and your team for the professional and efficient work completed to replace our pool liner, install stairs and get our pool back in operation just in time for Canada Day. We appreciate the extra care taken to minimize any impact to our yard by ensuring that concrete, mud and debris did not damage our lawn (plus saving the perennials that needed to be removed so we could re-locate them!) and cleaning up after the job was done. It was also an extra bonus that they replaced our neighbour's sandbox with the clean sand that was leftover. You have a great team who work very efficiently together and get the work completed as quickly as possible without compromising on quality workmanship. Please pass this message on to everyone involved. We are enjoying our pool again and love the new stairs! Thanks so much,

Scott & Michelle Rivard

Our whole experience was absolutely wonderful! Dale answered all of our questions during our pool renovation project and even touched base with us after installation was complete. We appreciate how patient he was and how quickly he returned our calls, texts and emails! We had our liner replaced, new skimmer system, brand-new stair, pool wall repair, pool sump well installation and new ruba-roc patio installed! We were so impressed how quick everything took and how it completely transformed our backyard into an oasis! Dale's team was friendly, patient, hard-working and overall just fantastic! They efficiently cleaned up when they were done and we couldn't be happier with our new backyard! We would recommend anyone who is looking for an amazing pool-reno company to go with UV pools, hands down! Thanks Dale and your team for all your hard work this summer!

Mike & Nadia Cantafio

UV Pools was introduced to us by our insurance underwriter. She explained UV Pools had done work for her before, and her customers reported they were always pleased with the work. As a result of her recommendation, and Dale's prompt reply to providing a quote, it didn't take long for the work to begin. As we learned, Dale's Dad (Sam) remembered building our rather unique pool 18 years ago, and worked well with his son in making sure other recommended repairs, over and above the claim, were promptly attended to. Dale, Sam, and the rest of their expert team did a beautiful job of restoring our pool, on budget, on time, and in a very clean, efficient and friendly manner. I recommend them to pool owners who are looking for nothing but the "best of the best".

Rita Bergen

We've used UV Pools twice now. The first was for a liner, jets, light, filter and chlorinator replacement. The old liner disintegrated in the spring and Dale's team had us swimming in mid-June. Very professional crew who did a fabulous job and we are thrilled with the results. The second time was when I detected a leak in a return line which was fixed in two days, again very fast professional service. We would absolutely recommend UV Pools!

Mark & Ann Poole

I am in the service industry myself, and I told Dale that the professionalism, response time to any inquiries, and the cleaning after the job was 110% to our satisfaction. I will definitely recommend UVPools to anyone I talk to who needs a new liner (I have already told one prospective client about your great service!).

Sean & Shannon Kavitch

We highly recommend Dale and his team at UV Pools if you need your in-ground professionally refurbished! Having sought a few estimates, we felt Dale was the only one we could trust to deliver onhis promises and he did! He is a total pro whose hands-on, personalized service was very much appreciated!

Reg & Barbara Giesbrecht

St. Adolph

Advantages of a Cartridge Filter

This video lists a few advantages of a cartridge filter.

When should I Backwash my Pool Filter?

As little as possible! You should only backwash your filter if the pressure gauge indicates increased pressure.

My Pool Filter isn't Cleaning

If your filter is not cleaning properly, it is most likely one of two issues. The first issue could be this you are back washing too often which is not a good thing.

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