(filter, pre-filter, cleaner, DIY)
(filter, pre-filter, cleaner, professional plumber and electrician)
Cost to install a swimming pool water filter varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from swimming pool builders in your city.
Pool filters are used to clean debris from the water and help maintain a clean pool. For the purpose of this discussion, we will use the average swimming pool size of 19’ for an above ground swimming pool and 32’x16’ for an in-ground swimming pool.
There are three types of swimming pool water filters: sand filter, cartridge filter, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filter. Each filter uses a similar process in that the water is pumped from the pool through the filter. The filter then captures debris and sends cleaned water back into the pool. Using a water filter system is crucial; without it, the water will become contaminated quite quickly. The chemicals you use in the pool basically sanitize the pool to eliminate bacteria and algae and the filter takes care of larger debris particles. Some filters catch smaller particles than others; but all filters are quite capable of filtering your pool water and keeping it clean:
The following table provides an average cost for each type of filter. In addition, you will note the pros and cons, which will help you in deciding which filter to use:
Types of Filters | Pros | Cons | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Sand Filter | Most economical Easy to mantain | Least efficient | $248-$1,135 |
Cartridge Filter | Requires less water to clean Environmentally friendly | Need to disassemble the filter to clean it | $199-$1,164 |
Diatomaceous Earth Filter | Most efficient Catch the smallest particles Provide the cleanest water | Expensive to purchase and maintain | $490-$1,500 |
Deciding which filter to use with your pool is important. Size is the first thing to figure out. To determine the size of filter you require is simple mathematical calculations:
Example: Average pool = 32’(L) x 16’(W) x 5’(D) x 7.5 = 19,200/12 (1 turnover in 12 hours) = 1600/60 = 26.66 gal/minute. You need a filter that filters about 27 gal/minute.
Many above ground pools come as a complete system which includes the water filtration system too. As you are buying the above ground pool, it would be best to inquire as to what type of filter comes with the system to make sure you are getting sufficient flow and cleaning power. For an above ground pool, there are two types to choose from, sand and cartridge. The cartridge is the most popular. For the averaged-sized above ground pool, it is suggested to use a filter system with a pump 2 of 1 HP (horse power); any stronger than that may push sand into your pool if you choose the sand filter or damage the vinyl 3 of your pool.
For your in-ground pool, any type of filter is okay, so the decision is basically done by you. The most efficient is the DE filter, but it is also the most expensive. The next system is the cartridge system which is more reasonable but may take more time and manual labor to clean the filters. The sand filter system is also very popular, but it is the least efficient. Overall, the DE filter is considered the best and can save you problems down the road.
The same principals apply to salt water pools: you can use any of the three types of filters. A sand filter will last 3-5 years depending on the amount of use. The cost to maintain it will be approximately $100 in this 3-5 year period. Clearly, it is very economical to use. The cartridge filter can also be used; expenses with this type of filter are somewhat higher because you need to change the filter regularly. Some filters are very inexpensive ($5) and other can be quite high ($250+). The DE filter is still the best at removing even the smallest particles for salt water pools.
Typically, setting up your above ground pool and water filtering system is straightforward. However, if you have trouble, you may need to hire a plumber. Keep in mind that the typical hourly rate for a plumber is $45-$65/hour. It should take about 1-3 hours depending whether you are working from scratch or with a package deal.
For in-ground pools, the water filter system may be more complicated. There will be both plumbing and electrical requirements. These requirements may be included in the contract you have with the business installing your pool. However, if you have to hire a separate plumber and electrician, plan on spending $45-$65 per hour for the plumber and $65-$85 per hour for an electrician. This project should take 1-3 hours.
A pre-filter or skimmer basket is a net or basket of sorts that catches large debris before it gets to the water filter system. The pre-filter means a longer life for your water filtration system, and less maintenance and cleaning of the filtration system. Pre-filters are very inexpensive ($3-$30) depending on the size and type of skimmer you have.
Automated pool cleaners can greatly help with keeping your pool free of debris. They are used in conjunction with the filter. There are several kinds of cleaners: suction, pressure and robotic.
Some brands are more suitable for vinyl 3 and gunite 4, so check with your supplier to make sure you get the right cleaner.
Maintenance and cleaning your water filtering system is important to preserve the life of the system. All filters use a pressure gauge to indicate when it needs cleaning or backwashing. A reading of 7-10 lbs. over the clean reading indicates that it is time to clean or backwash the filter. Each system has its own process for cleaning:
There are a variety of things you can do to keep your water crystal clear and inviting such as skimming the pool by hand a couple of times per week, vacuuming the pool at least once a week and brushing the sides of the pool. Depending on your budget, you can always hire a pool maintenance professional. Average cost for these services is about $100/month on the low end and $150/month on the high end.
There are a variety of chemicals used to sanitize pools and keep the bacteria and algae count at its lowest. These chemicals work independently of the filter system. There are several chemical options. The most popular is chlorine 1 ($80/35 lbs.), which is a strong chemical and can also cause skin irritations. Salt chlorine 1 ($30/40 lbs.) is the next type of chemical and seems to be less of an irritant to swimmers but it is more corrosive to the pool. Bromine ($119/25 lbs.) is a more stable chemical, but it too is expensive and is weak in oxidation. Ozone generator ($175-$1745) is much stronger than chlorine 1 but short lived. Keep in mind that chemicals are independent of the filter; however, you cannot interchange them. Mixing chemicals can be dangerous. If you want to change from one chemical to another, you will have to go through a conversion, cleaning out the old filter housing and adding new sand, cartridges or DE.
Cost to install a swimming pool water filter varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.