Filter loads

Swimming Pool Filter Charges: Superior Quality for Perfect Water Every Time

what is the best pool filter filler?. We tell you all about it.

Choosing the right filter media is key to keeping your pool clean, safe and crystal clear. Today we explain the differences between the different types of filter loads and how to improve the performance of your system with variable speed pumps.

what are filter charges?

They are the materials that are placed inside the filter of your pool and are responsible for retaining the dirt in the water (sand, bacteria, oils, pollen ...). Their choice directly influences the quality of the water, the consumption of chemicals and the necessary maintenance.

Types of filtering loads

Silica sand: Economic and classic, it filters particles between 20 and 40 microns. It requires changes every 3-5 years and frequent washings.

Basic glass: Made from recycled glass, it does not clump like sand. Its performance improves with time, and its durability is superior (up to 8 years). Filters between 10 and 20 microns.

AFM (Activated Filter Media) glass: The premium version. Filters up to 1 micron, prevents the formation of bacteria (biofilm) and can last the lifetime of the filter. Requires much less maintenance

Diatomaceous: Ultra-fine filtration (1-3 microns), ideal for public or high-demand installations, but more complex to maintain.

Quick comparison

TABLE

Upgrade your system: Variable speed pumps

A traditional pump consumes a lot of energy. Variable speed pumps adjust their power according to the cycle:

• Filtration: They run at low speed, which improves efficiency and reduces consumption.
• Washing: They increase the speed to clean the filter well.
• Automation: Some of them detect the position of the valve and regulate themselves. You can even use frequency variators to program everything.

Recommendations Quimipool

• Small or residential pools: Silica sand or basic glass.
• Medium or frequently used pools: Basic glass or AFM.
• Large or public pools: AFM or diatomaceous.

and if you want it ALL?

Combine AFM glass with a variable speed pump to achieve:

• Clearer water
• Less maintenance
• Energy and chemical savings

a more efficient, environmentally friendly and healthier pool!

Results of independent studies: Why is AFM® superior?

A study conducted by the IFTS Institute (France, 2014), one of the world's most recognized centers for filtration techniques, compared the performance of AFM®, silica sand and other crushed glass media. The results were conclusive:

Test 1: Washing efficiency

• AFM® grade 0 achieved 100% cleanliness in washing.
• Sand achieved 97%.
• Other crushed glass left between 8% and 20% retained residues, which means more washings and higher water and chemical consumption.

Test 2: Stability and pressure

• AFM® offered stable and constant filtration behavior.
• Other media showed instability and even released retained particles back into the water.

Conclusion of the study

• AFM® is more than twice as efficient as sand and other crushed glass.
• It does not form biofilm, thus preventing bacterial growth.
• It requires less maintenance and improves water quality even without the use of flocculants.

Key technical concepts explained

• Micron: Unit of measurement to indicate the size of particles a filter can hold; the smaller the number, the better the filtration quality.
• Silica sand: Sand specially treated to trap contaminating particles, traditionally used in filters.
• Filter glass: Environmentally friendly filter media made from recycled glass, heat-treated to improve efficiency and durability.
• Active filter glass: Glass filter media treated by an activation process that modifies its surface structure, increasing its area, electrical charge and catalytic properties. This activation gives it self-sterilizing capacity, greater efficiency in particle retention and resistance to biofilm formation.
• Biofilm: is a thin layer of microorganisms (such as bacteria) that forms on wet surfaces, especially on traditional filter media such as sand or non-activated glass. This biofilm
  • Can reduce filtration efficiency by creating preferential channels where water passes through without being filtered properly.
  • It is difficult to remove, requiring more frequent backwashing and the use of more chemicals.
  • It represents a sanitary risk, since it can harbor pathogens.

• Diatoms: Microscopic fossil remains used as filter media, known for their exceptional capacity to retain very fine particles.