DIY swimming pool circulation pump. How to make a sand filter for a pool with your own hands: step-by-step instructions. What is needed for assembly

How wonderful it is to swim in the hot summer in your own pool in a country area. But as you know, water sooner or later begins to become polluted and bloom, so it is necessary to start thinking about its purification in advance. Today, there are a large number of devices and filters for purifying pool water, which help effectively get rid of bottom sediment, silt and other contaminants. How to purify water in a country pool with your own hands, and what methods of filtering it currently exist.

Types of filters for outdoor pools, their types and purpose: advantages and disadvantages

Country pools are cleaned using various filters that purify the water using different methods. The principle of their operation is that, by passing a large volume of water through their protective barriers, they purify it from various types of natural and mechanical types of contaminants.

There are several types of classifications of water filtration devices in swimming pools, but we will consider those that are based on design features and the types of materials from which they are made.

• Sand.
• Diatoms (earthy).
• Cartridge.
• Vacuum cleaners.

Sand pumping stations

Today they are one of the most famous water purification devices that can be found in many swimming pools. But they are not the most effective among all existing ones. Such a filter consists of a plastic or metal tank filled with sand, through which a large amount of water passes and is cleaned over a certain period of time. In these devices, special quartz or glass sand is used as a cleaning material, selected in such a way that it can trap even the most microscopic particles of no more than 20–25 microns.

Particles of 35 microns cannot be seen without a microscope.

Thanks to this technology sand filters, they allow you to keep the water in outdoor pools relatively clean.

Since the water that passes through the sand gradually contaminates it, you have to clean it periodically (at least once a week). To do this, experts offer the “reverse cleaning method,” which consists of water passing through the filter in reverse order, due to which the sand is washed and cleaned itself.

Sand filters are usually installed in small pools where the water changes very often.

Cartridge disposable

Cartridge filters are containers with a certain number of disposable cartridges, inside of which a special cleaning substance or material is located. Typically, such filters are equipped with 3 - 4 polypropylene or polyester cartridges and allow you to more thoroughly purify the water in an outdoor pool. Thanks to the special design of the cartridges, they are able to capture even the most microscopic particles of 5–10 microns. Such filters are much more expensive than sand filters. Also, the cartridges are designed to be used only once and then simply thrown away. But there are also modern, expensive cartridge filters that can be washed using reverse cleaning, just like sand filters.

Diatoms (earth)

Such filters for ponds are among the most expensive, but also the most effective. Inside such a device is crushed powder, which is made from natural plankton (diatom shells). It is one of the most effective and the best means, since it can retain the smallest particles of 3–5 microns.

Such a filter is cleaned in the same way as a sand filter using the “reverse cleaning method” or chemical, which is produced for dissolving organic trace elements in bulk materials. Such filters have to be changed frequently even despite their cleaning (up to 4 pieces per year), which is very expensive. Also, the earthen cleaning mixture of cartridges is very toxic, so replacing them will require the involvement of specialists.

Types of underwater vacuum cleaners for cleaning pools

Even when using ultra-modern filtering devices with pumps, they are only able to purify water, and not the entire surface of the reservoir and its bottom. Therefore, for more effective pool cleaning, experts also suggest using different kinds special underwater vacuum cleaners: manual or automatic. Such vacuum cleaners differ in the method of control, design, operation and price.

• Handheld vacuum cleaners are the cheapest cleaning devices today. Their design includes a rod handle with a long corrugated hose and a brush. The entire electrical part of the device is located at the top of the reservoir and is not intended to be submerged in water. Work in combination with various filters. Vacuum cleaner sucking in a large volume dirty water, feeds it to the cleaning element, and then sends it back to the pool.
• Semi-automatic underwater vacuum cleaners are more expensive equipment that moves along the bottom of a reservoir, sucks up dirty water and purifies it. They can move in a spiral, or they can move chaotically depending on their design features or programs. The brush of a semi-automatic vacuum cleaner has a more complex structure than that of a manual one.
• Automatic vacuum cleaners or robotic vacuum cleaners are completely autonomous equipment that is completely immersed in water along with its entire electrical system and moves along the bottom of the reservoir, thoroughly cleaning it in its entirety. The most modern models of such vacuum cleaners are equipped with a remote control that allows a person near a pond to control the operation of the robot and direct it to the dirtiest areas of the surface.

Choosing a material to create your own filter: tips

If you wish, you can make your own filter for a small country pool from simple materials and improvised means. We will make the simplest sand filter with a pump, which will help to effectively purify water in a small inflatable or plastic country pool.

For the filter medium we need quartz or glass sand. The structure of the sand should be loose, slightly whitish in color with polished edges, so that the sand grains do not stick together and allow for high-quality water filtration.

The diameter of the particles is from 0.04 to 1.8 mm. According to standards, the presence of clay particles up to 0.12 mm may be allowed in sand. We recommend using quartz sand (if possible), as it is quite resistant to alkaline substances and all types of active acids, except hydrofluoric.

Before using sand, it must undergo certain processing:

• It is necessary to remove from it all particles that do not correspond the right size. To do this, you can use a sieve with cells of the required diameter. For a small filter, you need to remove all grains of sand from 1 to 1.5 mm.
• Then it must be thoroughly rinsed with water until it becomes completely transparent.
• After this, you need to boil the sand for about 60 minutes. This will be enough to kill all bacteria. You can boil sand in a large container (for example, a 20 or 40 liter can) on the site simply over a fire. You can also use chemical disinfectants, but then you will have to rinse the sand well for several hours and do a subsequent water analysis yourself.

It is necessary to pour sand into the filter under high water pressure. It is also recommended to add some activated carbon to the sand or use graphite.

Drawing and work diagram

To assemble the filter with your own hands, you need to make your own drawing with the correct calculations or use ready-made diagrams available on the Internet. We offer two do-it-yourself drawings for assembling a sand filter from scrap materials.

Drawing No. 1

Drawing No. 2

Principle of operation

Tools

For a simple sand-based filter design we will need:

• A container with a wide “neck” (plastic or milk can);
• Quartz or glass special sand;
• Pump with screw-on valve and switching modes;
• Thick corrugated hoses;
• Squeegees with rubber or plastic gaskets;
• Metal or plastic clamps;
• Coarse filter;
• Fixing pressure gauge;
• Water intake with the smallest mesh.

The pump power must correspond to the volume of the pool. The water in it must pass through the filter at least 3 times every 24 hours. So, for example, for a reservoir of 8 cubic meters. (24 cubic meters per day) you will need a pump with a capacity of 40 l/min. The device must also provide additional power reserve.

Stages of manufacturing and assembling a sand filter with your own hands

1. In the barrel (metal or plastic) we need to make two holes with a diameter that will correspond to the drives. If the barrel is metal, then the holes can be made with a special tool or an 80-watt soldering iron. We coat the inserted pipes with insulating sealant. Since there will be a collection of purified water at the bottom, the distribution of the discharges is not important. Water will flow from the container with the filter up through the installed hose, and through the second outlet it will flow back into the pool.
2. If there is no water intake, then instead we can take an ordinary round plastic bowl, make small holes in it, and wrap it in two or three layers of nylon tights. The mesh should be much finer than the sand fraction.
3. Pour sand into the can and close it.
4. We take the purchased pump and connect everything into a common system: the hose will go from the reservoir to the filter, and then to the pump. After that, he falls into a can of clean sand and back into the pool.
5. Before installing the filter, you need to collect all the sediment from the bottom of the pool using a pump and a hose, onto which you need to attach a regular brush from a household vacuum cleaner.
6. We attach the pressure gauge. If the pressure level in the system increases by 30% more than what was indicated at startup, this means that it is necessary to clean the sand using the backwash method.
7. We attach the hoses to hot melt adhesive. We install a mesh inside the barrel for injection, which will break up the large stream, so that the water will evenly fall onto the sand.
8. To wash the sand, we just need to swap the hoses. Thus, water from the pump will go to the “output” of the filter, and all contamination will be removed through the “input”.
9. If the lid on the barrel is loosely secured, it may simply rip off under high pressure. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to strengthen the factory fastening of the lid, and also rearrange the hoses so that the pump does not pump water into the barrel, but, on the contrary, removes it.

The nuances of operating a sand filter

After we have assembled a reliable filter, we need to install it correctly and start using it.

• The most important thing is to ensure good water circulation in the pool. If there are a large number of “dead zones” in a reservoir, then a large amount of dirt and microorganisms will accumulate there. Then the entire work of the filter will simply be ineffective.
• The filter should draw water to a greater extent from the very top of the water in the pool, since this is where a lot of dirt, microorganisms and large debris accumulate. We can place the drainage system anywhere in the reservoir and at any depth.
• A person must have free access to the cleaning filter, not blocked by other devices, otherwise we will not be able to replace the sand in a timely manner.

Video: how to make a regular sand filter

Video: homemade sand cleaner

Video: homemade sand cleaner from a barrel

How to chlorinate pool water yourself: basic principles and features

Water chlorination is the most well-known and frequently used method of water disinfection in large bodies of water. Bleach almost instantly destroys almost all pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi, and in addition retains all the properties of clean water for a long time, so the chlorination process is rarely performed. Performed manually or automatically.

Water is purified by chlorine itself or its chemical compounds. On the modern market you can find chloride substances in various substances: in the form of powder, large tablets, granules or liquid. Since chlorine is aggressive chemical agent, then it must be used in the exact dosage specified by the manufacturer, since if the dose is exaggerated, the water will have to be dechlorinated.

The chlorination process consists of several stages:

1. Shock chlorination is performed first. To do this, you can take chlorine tablets. Add the drug to the pool at the rate of 1 tablet (20 grams) per 1 cubic meter of water. In order for the chemical reaction of chlorine and water to complete, it is necessary to wait about 10 hours. That is why shock chlorination is best done in the evening, so that by morning the water is already normal.
2. The second stage is adding two to three grams of liquid chlorine per 1 cubic meter. meter of water or 1-2 tablets per 10 cubic meters. meters. This procedure is carried out once every three days. The level of chlorine content can be checked with special testers, which are sold in special stores. You need to dip one test strip in water, and then compare its color with the color scale on the box. Depending on this, you can further regulate the degree of chlorine content in the water. The pH level in the water should be between 7.2 and 7.6.
3. Third stage. After you make sure that the level of chlorine in the water is stable, you need to check its content with a tester once a week and, if necessary, add chlorine-containing preparations.

It is also necessary to take into account when chlorinating that the solubility of chlorine in water decreases with increasing temperature. So, for example, at a temperature of 0°C of water, 14.8 g of chlorine will dissolve in 1 liter, at 20°C 9.6 g of chlorine will dissolve in 1 liter, and at 25°C - 6.5 g. Thus, the higher the temperature of the pool water, the less chlorine required for disinfection.

Water purification in outdoor plastic or inflatable pool is the main guarantee of a great time in hot weather summer days. In clean, warm water, various pathogenic bacteria and harmful microorganisms that can cause the development of serious diseases will not accumulate. That is why it is necessary to approach this issue responsibly and choose the most effective and acceptable method of water purification for your reservoir. You can easily make a simple sand-based filter with your own hands.

Pool water purification is necessary to remove dirt and microorganisms and ensure cleanliness. This process can be carried out using a filter, which you can make yourself, and chlorination.

Types and features of pool filters

Pools differ in design. They can be covered, collapsible or open. Every pool needs timely and thorough water cleaning. This will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, algae and the formation of dirt on the walls of the bowl. For this purpose, special filters are used to purify the water without replacing the entire volume of liquid in the pool.

Sand filter for frame pool

A simple option is a sand device for water purification. It has a metal or plastic body, pump and containers. Sand, fine gravel or crushed stone is used as filler. The device is effective for removing large and medium-sized dirt particles. The result of using a sand filter depends on the power, size of sand grains, and operating speed of the device. The design includes a valve necessary to adjust the operating parameters.

Filter pump

The pump with filter components is a set of corrugated hoses and a cleaning tank. The device is connected to the pool and the main filter. Frame or inflatable containers have holes for mounting the device. When the pump and main filter are turned on, water passes through the skimmer and cleaning chambers. This removes large and medium-sized contaminants, depending on the filler. The liquid is then returned to the pool through another hose. Circulation, during which cleaning occurs, avoids frequent replacement of large volumes of water.

Cartridge device

The cartridge-type filter includes cylindrical elements made of polyester. There can be several of them in one device. They effectively trap small dirt particles. Water passes through the corrugated membrane, and debris is retained on the surface of the cartridge. To ensure the operation of the device, you only need to rinse it with water.

Diatom device

The diatomaceous earth filter is a mechanical device. Sedimentary siliceous rock is used to purify water. The design of the device may resemble a sand filter, in which the liquid passes through a container with diatomaceous earth powder. In other embodiments, the housing has several cartridges through which water passes sequentially. This removes contaminants as small as 1 micron. The device is suitable for large swimming pools.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of filters

The principle of operation of all filters is to pass the entire volume of pool water through a cleaning tank in which a cleaning agent or a cartridge with a membrane is located. All the dirt and small particles remain on these elements, and then the water flows back into the bowl of the artificial reservoir. Moreover, all filters differ in efficiency, operating features, power and other parameters.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of cleaning devices

The main pros and cons of the types allow you to do right choice. Moreover, any device must have characteristics that correspond to the parameters of the pool.

What material is suitable for making the device?

It’s easy to make a sand filter with your own hands, which requires a minimum number of components. The device is effective for an inflatable or collapsible pool. The following materials and elements are required for manufacturing:

• plastic or metal sealed cylindrical container;
• corrugated pipes and hoses;
• glass or quartz sand, which can be purchased at stores offering inflatable or frame pools;
• a pump, which may be an additional filter;
• clamps, fine-mesh water intake, pressure gauge;
• container with a coarse filter.

Knowing the operating principle of a filter unit makes it easy to create a sand device with your own hands. This does not require special materials or devices. All components can be purchased in the store.

When choosing a container for the filter, you need to take into account its volume, which should be at least 50 liters.

Plastic options are more affordable, although a metal barrel with a wide neck is also suitable for creating a filter.

How to calculate filtration flow and device drawings

Power homemade filter must correspond to the volume of the pool. Therefore, the pump and element for rough cleaning must have quite high power. Carefully choose the cost and sand fraction. The filler can have a size from 0.4 to 1 mm.

To determine the filtration flow, the formula Q=V/t is used. In this case, V is the volume of the artificial reservoir, and t denotes the time of water exchange (according to SANPIN, no more than 6 hours). When arranging a container that holds 60 m 3 of water, the power of the sand type filter will be 10 m 3 / hour (60 m 3 / 6 h = 10 m 3 / hour). The washing intensity of sand having a fraction of 0.5–1.0 mm is 15 l/(s m2). This volume of liquid required to process the filtration system flushes the mechanism for 5 minutes. According to the calculation, the filtration flow can be as follows:

• Q flushing = 0.192 m 2 * 15 l/s = 2.88 l/s = 10.36 m 3 ;
• Q 5 min = 10.36 * 5/60 = 0.85 m 3 / hour (per filter);
• Q 5 min =0.85*2=1.7 m 3 /hour (for two filters).

When making a filter yourself, it is not necessary to select a professional drawing for this. It is enough to use a schematic image and know the principle of operation of the device. Thanks to this, it is easy to create a device circuit with your own hands.

Tools

To make a sand filter with your own hands you will need the following tools:

• pliers;
• metal drill;
• drill;
• hacksaw for metal processing;
• spanners.

If you use a plastic container, you need high quality hot melt glue and a sharp knife. To test the finished device, a large amount of water is needed.

Making your own filter: a step-by-step guide

Before creating a filter, you need to process the sand and gravel that will be used to purify the water. To do this, rinse them thoroughly until clear water is obtained. Next, the sand must be boiled in a deep container of water for several minutes, which removes bacteria and prevents their proliferation. Sand can be supplemented with activated carbon and gravel, but there should be no more than three layers.

After preparing the filter component, installation involves the following steps:

1. Fastening the squeegees. This process requires making two holes of the appropriate diameter in the barrel. There is no need to purchase a special tool; you can get by with a regular 80-watt soldering iron. Each squeegee should be additionally insulated with sealant.
2. Installation of pressure gauge. This element is necessary to determine the pressure: if it has increased by 30% or more, then it is necessary to clean the sand by backwashing.
3. Fastening the hoses. This process is carried out using hot melt glue. On inner side barrels, on the side from which the injection will be carried out, you need to install a mesh, thanks to which water will flow evenly onto the surface of the sand. To flush, it is necessary to swap the hoses, since water from the pump must be supplied to the “outlet” of the filter, and dirt must be removed through the “input”.

Video: how to make a sand filter from a plastic container with your own hands

Rules for using the device

When using such a filter, there is no need to frequently replace components. Regular backwashing is required to remove dirt accumulated on the surface of the sand. Worn pipes or connections should also be replaced as needed. You can fill in new sand before the start of a new swimming season, depending on the frequency of use of the reservoir.

Video: sand washing

How to properly chlorinate pool water

Simple or homemade filter options do not remove chemical contaminants and are also not capable of killing bacteria. They (in particular, E. coli) multiply, leading to greening of the liquid and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Therefore, filtration is complemented by chemical cleaning using chlorine. Independent use of such a remedy requires compliance with the following rules.

Does your pool, in addition to the joy of bathing and swimming, cause you trouble in the form of quickly polluted water? Did the cost of filters for cleaning it, which are offered in specialized stores, shock you? Agree, it would be nice to get a filter device for a reasonable price.

You don't have to buy expensive devices for this. You can make an effective sand filter for your pool with your own hands, which will adequately purify the water from foreign matter. We will help you cope with this task - the article provides step-by-step instructions on how to make such a filter on your own.

We provided the construction process with visual photographs and videos of self-creation simple and effective filter devices.

Owners of small inflatables often do not think about water purification. After bathing, it is simply used for household needs and watering the garden.

If necessary, fill the container again with clean water. However, this method is justified only for very small inflatable pools.

Without proper care, the water column itself becomes polluted and microorganisms and bacteria settle in it. Algae gives the liquid an unpleasant odor and green color. Swimming in such a pool becomes dangerous

But even with them there is enough hassle - the water becomes polluted after the first bath. After draining the liquid, the surface must be washed and filled with clean water, which must still warm up. But in hot weather you want to swim more than once - children, for example, splash there all the time.

In addition to the pollution caused by humans, various natural pollutants also constantly enter stagnant water, these are:

• leaves and grass;
• dust;
• bird droppings;
• plant pollen.

Large and light debris is removed from the surface of the pool with nets, and particles settled to the bottom are removed with a water vacuum cleaner.

However, many substances dissolve or remain suspended in water. Under the influence of sunlight and atmospheric oxygen, bacteria and microorganisms begin to actively multiply in such a liquid. It begins to emit an unpleasant odor, bloom and can cause poisoning and serious illnesses.

Therefore, it is necessary to clean not only the surface and sedimentary formations, but also the water column itself. An effective way to maintain water in normal condition at all times is to include it in the water supply system.

Installing a filter for water treatment in a pool allows you to maintain proper sanitary and hygienic condition of the bowl and relieves swimmers from a number of diseases

Advantages of sand filtration device

Three types of filters are used to purify pool water:

• diatoms;
• cartridge;
• sand.

Diatomaceous. Best quality cleaning and reliable operation are ensured by the diatomaceous (also called diatomite) type of filter device. However, such a unit is expensive due to the use of an expensive product that performs ultra-fine filtration and adsorption, in addition to eliminating a number of bacteria.

The filter elements of the cartridge variety are the devices on which the name of this group of filters is based. This is the most convenient, but not very popular type of water purification device due to the price. True, they are more affordable than the previous ones.

Cartridge packages made from natural raw materials (fossil skeletal mass) provide high quality cleaning and neutralize most microbes, but have a high price

Cartridge devices They have a simple design and can be easily disassembled for cleaning and replacing the main element. The cleaning component is a cylindrical cartridge consisting of polypropylene membranes.

Such filters have low performance, so they are suitable only for small pools. The cartridges themselves have to be washed frequently (once a day) and replaced.

Cartridge-type filters are quite compact. They are installed by the pool or directly in the tank. However, due to low productivity, they are used for small-volume pools

Sand filters capable of efficiently servicing fairly large tanks. The filter layer is quartz sand. The units have a simple design and can be assembled on your own. At the same time, the cost of the finished cleaning system will be approximately 2 times lower than the purchased one.

In addition to mechanical methods for purifying pool water, they are also used to promote the precipitation of contaminants, after which they are simply collected with a net or similar device.

Making a sand filter

The sand filter for the pool has a simple and reliable device. Main components of the design:

• airtight container with a wide neck;
• supply pipe;
• sand;
• intake device;
• outlet pipe.

The sand reservoir is made of a material that is not subject to aggressive influences. Most often, plastic barrels are used for this. At the bottom there is a device for collecting purified water.

This is a small drainage chamber to which an outlet pipe is connected. Its walls are made of fine mesh, the cell sizes of which are smaller than the particles of sand used. The filter element is purified sand with fractions of 0.4-0.8 mm - quartz or glass. The first is a democratic option and needs to be replaced every 2-3 years.

The second one is more expensive, but it lasts for 5 years. There are multilayer models. The filler in this case consists of layers with different sizes fractions - from larger to smaller, or from several types of filter elements - sand, anthracite, gravel.

The main condition for the performance of a sand filter is the quality of the filler. You cannot use sand that is too fine (with fractions less than 0.4 mm) - it will clog the intake mesh and the system will stop working. Using coarse sand will reduce the quality of cleaning

Stage #1 - getting acquainted with the operation of the sand filter

The principle of operation of the filter is to mechanically sift out particles suspended in the water column (mineral and organic origin) by passing it through sand in a vertical direction - from top to bottom.

The reservoir is not completely filled with the filter element. When the container is closed, a sealed receiving chamber is formed above the surface of the filler, into which water from the pool flows.

Seeping through the layer of the filter element, the water is purified. Contaminants settle on sand particles, so it must be fairly fine. Clean water accumulates in a bottom drainage chamber, from which it flows back into the pool through the outlet pipe.

The liquid is pumped through the filter by a pump that is installed in close proximity to the tank. It can be installed on the supply line (before the filter) or on the outlet line (between the filter and the pool).

In the first case, a slight pressure is created in the receiving chamber of the filter, which forces water through the filler. In the second, the suction of liquid from the drainage chamber creates a slight vacuum in the upper part, due to which water from the pool is sucked into the system.

As the product is used, the filter element gradually becomes dirty. The quality of cleaning decreases. To resume normal operation of the unit, the sand is washed.

To do this, clean water from the pool is passed through the filter in the opposite direction - from bottom to top. The washing liquid filled with suspensions is removed from the upper part of the filter into the sewer.

1. The pump is installed in front of the sand tank. In this case, water is pushed through the sand under pressure, which is created by a pump installed on the supply in a hermetically sealed filter container.
2. The pump is installed after the filter. This creates suction and vacuum in a hermetically sealed container with sand. Due to this, liquid is sucked from the pool into the tank.
3. Purified water is pumped by a pump installed after the filter. Water from the pool flows into the sand reservoir by gravity.

Industrially manufactured sand filters perform cleaning according to the first scheme. They are equipped with pressure gauges and a safety group to relieve excess pressure.

When designing with your own hands, the choice of connection option largely depends on the components already available on the farm, on the type of pool and on how the drains are organized in it.

Stage #3 - we prepare the body

If you have a sealed container of sufficient volume that can operate under pressure, then you can safely build a filtration system according to the first scheme.

The filter chamber can be a housing from a membrane-type expansion tank. In this case, it must be freed from the “pear” (membrane) and treated from the inside with paint that protects against rust formation.

An effective sand filter can be built from an old membrane expansion tank, which will work in a similar way to commercially available units. There will be no complaints about the tightness and strength of such a tank, the main thing is to ensure that the cut-in fittings are sealed

You can also use a polypropylene barrel with a volume of at least 60 liters. These are often found at dachas. This material is resistant to aggressive influences and is not subject to corrosion. But not all of them will be able to withstand the pressure. Most often, in such homemade designs, the lid is torn out, but the body itself can also burst - in a thin place.

Ideal for organizing water filtration according to the second or third scheme. However, if water is pumped by suction, then the lid is installed with additional sealing. Even a small air leak affects the operation of the system.

Stage #4 - cutting in fittings and internal elements

It is necessary to ensure that dirty water enters the filter and purified water is pumped out. To do this, fittings are cut into the walls of the housing or into the lid. The insertion areas are carefully treated on both sides with a sealing compound.

It's nice to take a dip in a pool with clean and cool water on a hot day. The quality of the aquatic environment is negatively affected by reproducing bacteria, dust, plant spores, insects, leaves, as well as cosmetical tools, sweat and hair of those swimming in an artificial pond. After a short time, even perfectly clean water becomes cloudy, acquires a greenish tint and becomes saturated with microorganisms if it is not regularly purified. It is problematic and expensive to frequently renew significant volumes of water. You can maintain cleanliness using self-made filters and chlorine-containing components.

Cleaning methods and types of pool filters

Pool filters are divided into types depending on the principle of operation and the substance used for cleaning.

Pool cleaning methods

The operation of the filter device is based on the following cleaning principles:

• chemical - disinfection of the aquatic environment is carried out using chemical reagents;
• mechanical - water purification is carried out during its circulation through a cleaning agent;
• combined - sanitary indicators of water are achieved by combining the mechanical method of purification and the use of chemicals.

Chemical cleaning method

The main advantage of filters, the operating principle of which is based on the chemical method, is the effective purification of the aquatic environment from the development of microorganisms and bacteria harmful to human health.

The main disadvantages of chemical filters:

1. Increased dimensions. The bulky design of the cleaning device requires additional space.
2. Negative effects of chemical reagents on human skin. The time people spend in the pool is limited.
3. The need to take a shower after swimming in the pool. Chemicals dissolved in the pool should be thoroughly washed off the skin.

Mechanical cleaning

The main advantages of filters that provide mechanical water purification include:

• compact dimensions;
• affordable price;
• effective purification of the aquatic environment.

The main disadvantage of mechanical filters is that they can only be used in small frame and inflatable pools.

Combined cleaning method

Filter devices that combine mechanical cleaning and chemical disinfection are an ideal option for all types of pools. In the process of circulating water through such a filter, foreign matter is simultaneously removed, as well as microorganisms and bacteria are destroyed. The increased cost of the filter limits its use for small country pools.

Types of filters

Depending on the type of filler used to filter the aquatic environment, devices are divided into types. To purify water in filters, the following is used:

• sand;
• Earth;
• special cartridges.

Sand filters

Filters in which water is purified with sand are widespread. Their main advantages:

• affordable price;
• simple design.

A sand filter is a sealed container filled with sand through which water circulates.

Screened quartz sand allows you to filter out foreign inclusions, the size of which is more than 20 microns. Considering the size of mechanical impurities settling in the sand massif, these filters are used exclusively in pools with a small area, located in summer cottages and in private mansions.

The weak side of sand filters is that when they become clogged, it becomes necessary to organize a reverse flow of water to ensure effective filtration.

When choosing a filler for a sand filter, give preference to glass sand. It provides high-quality cleaning and has a long service life (up to 5 years). You can use quartz sand, which must be changed after 3 years.

Cartridge filters

A cartridge-type filter is a reservoir that contains replaceable cartridges. They are filled with a substance that can filter small particles up to five microns in size.

Carbon, polyphosphate salt and other special substances are used as cartridge fillers. The filter is easy to use, as its design allows you to quickly replace cartridges. The reasonable price of cartridge devices compared to earthen filters makes it possible to maintain clean water in private households at low cost. outdoor swimming pools.

Ground filters

A filter with earthen filler (diatomaceous earth) provides the highest degree of water purification and is intended for use in tanks of increased volume.

The filter element of the device contains an earthen mixture based on fossil rocks. Cleaning is carried out by passing water through an earthen “cushion”. The filler saturated with silica effectively purifies water because:

• neutralizes compounds saturated with chlorine;
• prevents the development of bacteria and microorganisms;
• retains heavy metals;
• does not allow algae to develop.

In addition, water with a high silicon content has a positive therapeutic effect and heals the human body.

The disadvantages of filters with an earth mixture include the high price and increased toxicity of the used filler. For replacement it is necessary to involve specialists. This limits the widespread use of earthen filters.

Recommendations for choosing materials and selecting tools to create your own filter

Sand filters are widely used for cleaning small private pools. To make such a filter yourself, you will not need expensive materials or special tools.

Selection of filter materials

To make a filter with sand filler, prepare the following materials:

Tools required for work

To make a filter filled with sand, you will need the following tools:

• electric drill with drills;
• pliers;
• set of wrenches;
• hacksaw for metal.

Performing calculations and diagrams

To ensure high-quality purification of the aquatic environment, it is necessary to first develop a filter connection diagram and calculate the intensity of water circulation, which is provided by the pump. You can independently develop a connection option or use a standard diagram.

The filter capacity, equal to the pump performance, is determined by the formula Q=V/T, where V is the tank capacity, and T is the duration of the water exchange cycle (recommended up to 5 hours). If it is necessary to clean a pool with a water volume of 25 m 3, the productivity of the filter system will be 5 m 3 / hour (25 m 3:5 hour = 5 m 3 / hour). If you operate the filter unit throughout the day, the total volume of purified water will be 120 m 3 (5 m 3 / hour x 24 hours). This will provide the required five-fold water purification throughout the day.

When choosing pump performance, take into account the volume of the pool and the duration of its operation. To ensure high-quality cleaning during the day, the entire volume of water must be circulated through the filter device at least three times. With an increased number of swimmers (more than six people), it is recommended to perform up to five water exchange cycles throughout the day.

For small pools, it is not always practical to filter the water around the clock. It is enough to turn on the pump every day for 5–10 hours. To do this, you need to choose the right performance. For example, if in a small frame pool If a pump with a volume of 25 m3 will supply water to the filter for 10 hours, then for a five-fold water exchange it is necessary to pump the entire volume of water through the filter 5 times in 10 hours. Total, 25 m 3 x5 = 125 m 3. To complete the task, the pump productivity must be 12.5 m 3 /hour (125 m 3:10 hour = 12.5 m 3 /hour). This will allow the filter unit to be operated for less time, providing the necessary circulation intensity to purify water from impurities.

By increasing the pump performance in proportion to the operating time, it is possible to ensure effective water purification in less time.

Table: dependence of the time required for one water exchange cycle on the parameters and loading of the pool

Step-by-step guide to making your own pool filter

When making a sand filter, follow the device diagram.

The production of a sand filter occurs in stages:

1. Sift the sand on a sieve, ensuring a particle size of 0.5–1.4 mm.
2. Clean the sand from dust and large inclusions by rinsing it with warm water.
3. Boil sand filled with water in a large container to remove bacteria.
4. Drill holes in the plastic container to connect the inlet and outlet lines.
5. Secure the hose connections with glue.
6. Install the protective grille and filter element inside the plastic tank.
7. Fill the container with sand, adding it at the same time as water.
8. Connect the upper filter pipe to the supply line.
9. Connect the lower outlet to the hose going to the pump.
10. Install the pressure gauge, check that the connections are correct and securely fasten the cover to the top of the housing.

Video: design of a homemade sand filter

Nuances of operation

When purifying water with a self-made sand filter, you must comply with safety requirements and understand all the intricacies of its operation. The following actions must be performed periodically:

Replacing the filler

Carry out measures to replace the filler according to the following algorithm:

1. Disconnect the filter device.
2. Open the filter cover.
3. Remove the sand mass using a technical vacuum cleaner.
4. Rinse the pipes and the inside of the filter.
5. Fill the filter housing with fresh sand. Pour the coarse fraction onto the bottom and add fine sand on top.

You can combine sand with graphite powder or carbon, which will increase filtration efficiency and retain smaller particles.

How to chlorinate your pool water yourself

The choice and amount of chlorination agent depends on the temperature of the water and the environment, as well as the level of contamination of the pool.

The amount of chlorine-containing components increases with decreasing water temperature.

To ensure effective water purification using chlorine, it is necessary to control the pH value. It is advisable to dissolve chlorine (according to the recommendations of manufacturers of chlorine-containing preparations) at a pH value of more than 7 and less than 7.5.

As the pH value increases, the consumption of chlorinating compounds or tablets increases. This causes a characteristic unpleasant odor to appear.

Each time the pool is filled during the season, it is necessary to shock the water using instant preparations. A month later, repeated disinfection is carried out. Increasing the concentration of chlorine during shock treatment allows you to destroy microorganisms and neutralize the development of algae.

After chlorination, the filter must be cleaned and the pH value checked using a tester. An indicator of the quality of water containing chlorine is the concentration of the substance in the range of 0.3–0.5 mg/l and the pH level from 7 to 7.5.

Having become familiar with the methods of water purification, it is easy to independently manufacture a filter unit for an individual pool and ensure its proper operation. Using available materials, using a standard set of tools, you can create effective system filtering and ensuring compliance sanitary requirements requirements for swimming pools.

After one person swims for half an hour in the pool, about 30,000 microorganisms are added to the water, plus skin particles and hair. In outdoor pools, dust, leaves, and various small insects are also added. All this “compote” serves as excellent food for the development of microorganisms. Previously, the problem was solved either by completely replacing the water, or by introducing living creatures that fed on microorganisms.

Today, it is expensive to change water regularly, and few people want to swim with living creatures. There is only one way out - organizing water circulation and purifying it using filtration units. There are two types of pools based on the method of water collection: overflow and skimmer. In any of them, water for cleaning is taken from the top and bottom. The collection from the bottom occurs in the same way, but from the surface differently.

In overflow pools, the water splashed out of the bowl enters specially constructed drains, which direct it to the tank, and from there it is supplied for filtration. This is their peculiarity: the water mirror is on the same level with the side. Since most of the pollution is in the upper layer, the most polluted part of it ends up in the drain. But if there is no movement in the pool, there is no flow of water, and therefore it cannot be cleaned. This scheme is suitable for stationary pools. For it is not applicable.

In skimmer pools, special suction holes are located in the upper part of the walls. If the structure is not stationary, then the screamers are hung on the side, immersed to a shallow depth. With this type of intake, the water mirror is located 20-30 cm below the upper edge of the side. This type of water intake for purification also has its drawbacks: contaminants are poorly removed from the surface, since the suction nozzles are located lower.

In any case, some of the pollution settles, precipitating at the bottom. To remove this sediment, you need to take water from below and then feed it to the filter. To do this, at least one water intake hole is installed at the bottom. The number of holes depends on the amount of water in the pool, the level of contamination and the intensity of use. In this case, the rule must be observed: 75% of the water is supplied to the filter from the upper layers, and 25% through the bottom water intake.

An additional function of the bottom holes is to drain water from the pool. This procedure is necessary if it is preserved for the winter and requires major cleaning and disinfection.

Water from the pool enters the coarse pre-filter, then the circulation pump supplies it to the filter station, where it is more finely purified. Further, a device for heating water, as well as a bacterial purification device (chlorine generator or ozonizer), can be installed in the system. After all the manipulations, clean and warm, it falls into the bowl.

The location of the input zones depends on the type of pool. When drawing through skimmers, purified water is supplied through holes located on the wall opposite the skimmers, and in overflow holes - at the bottom. This arrangement of water injection zones ensures that water circulates evenly throughout the entire volume, which means it is better purified.

Pump power calculation

The efficiency of the cleaning system is ensured by the pump: it drives water in a circle. Their parameters are selected based on the volume of the pool, the number of swimmers and the time during which it will be connected to the network.

In a small artificial reservoir for home use, liquid should be pumped through filters 3-5 times per day. Based on these parameters, you determine the required pump performance. Just keep in mind that the equipment will not work for 24 hours (this is not a public swimming pool), but not more than 5-12 hours. So its power should be enough for the water to be purified as many times as possible during this time.

For example, in a pool there is 10 m 3 of water. The equipment will operate for 4 hours. 10m3 will be pumped four times during operation. It turns out that 40 cubic meters must be “pumped” in 4 hours. 40 m 3 / 4 hours = 10 m 3 / hour. It turns out that to solve the problem, you need a pump and filter that can process at least 10 cubic meters per hour. This is the required pump performance for a given pool with this operating mode.

Types of Pool Filters

Filters are used to purify the water in the pool. They are distinguished by the material used for filtration. They happen:

• mechanical,
• chemical,
• combined,
• electrophysical.

Mechanical filters

Sand, a special membrane (woven or not), and activated carbon are usually used as a filter element. Their principle of operation is simple: passing through a layer of sand, a membrane or a layer of coal, most of the contaminants settle on them. At the output we have water without most of the impurities, which returns to the pool. This is an option for water purification without chemicals, but it is acceptable only for small volumes of water: no more than 10 m3.

Depending on the filtration material used, mechanical filters are:

Electrophysical filters for swimming pools

Electrophysical filters for swimming pools appeared not so long ago. They use ozone, ultraviolet radiation, copper and silver ions for purification.

Pool water purification with ozone- one of the most harmless and environmentally friendly methods. The process uses the powerful oxidative properties of ozone, which, passing through water, destroys all bacteria without changing the composition of the water. During the reaction, ozone is released back into the atmosphere.

Advantages of this method:

• The high oxidative activity of ozone destroys almost all harmful organisms.
• When processed in water, the amount of oxygen increases, which leads to the absence of odors.

Not bad, but there are also significant drawbacks:

• To carry out ozonation, a special installation is required. It's expensive.
• An overdose of ozone is harmful to the body. For the concentration to be safe, it should be no more than 0.03 mg/m3, that is, three and a half times less than chlorine. The situation is complicated by the fact that the effect of this substance on the body has not yet been fully studied, and what is known does not inspire optimism. In Germany, for example, the use of new installations is prohibited.

Way purifying pool water with silver and copper based on the process of electrolysis. As a result, non-ferrous metal ions are released into the water, destroying bacteria and algae. The water does not change its composition, nor does it change color or smell. This cleaning method has one drawback - it cannot neutralize fungi.

The scheme for cleaning and disinfecting the pool in this case is simple: after the filter, a container with electrodes made of the appropriate metal is installed, to which direct current is supplied. The ions it knocks out disinfect the water.

Usage ultraviolet radiation– another way to purify pool water without chemicals. The effectiveness of ultraviolet light is known to everyone, but this method will not work in cloudy or heavily polluted water. This processing method saves everything beneficial features water, but the effect does not last long: microorganisms that enter the water after treatment successfully multiply. Therefore, this method is recommended to be combined with some type of reagents.

Chemical treatment of pool water

Chemical filtration systems purify water using reagents and can carry out one or more operations simultaneously (depending on the model). To ensure high-quality cleaning of the pool, it is recommended to carry out a whole range of measures:

For primary water purification when using chemical filters, nets, nets, and vacuum cleaners are used, which do a good job of removing large particles. Reagents handle the rest.

Combined filtration systems

Combined filtration systems contain both mechanical and chemical filters. Since this pleasure is expensive (both the equipment itself and filters/reagents), such systems are installed in large and public swimming pools. If you install a sand filter, and after it, for example, an ultraviolet installation, this will be a combined system. Since there are many devices, there can be many combinations. Below is a drawing of a water filtration and disinfection system in a large stationary pool. In addition to the sand or cartridge filter, there is:

• heat exchanger, with which for;
• circulation pump providing the required pressure;
• ozonation systems (3), ultraviolet treatment (2) and chlorination (4).

Only such multi-component purification can guarantee the safety of water in public swimming pools, and even then not 100%. But for a small swimming pool in a bathhouse, it is quite enough to use mechanical filters and periodically drain the water, carry out mechanical and perhaps chemical cleaning of the bottom and walls of the pool.

Types and manufacturers of water filtration pumps

No pool water filtration system will work without a pump. In most cases, filters are already supplied with pumps, since their operating parameters must be coordinated: if the filter cannot cope with the water flow supplied by the pump, it will work with overloads and will soon fail.

Pool pumps can be divided by type of action into:

• Circulating. Installed in front of the filter. This is the option when you buy a filter separately and a pump separately.
• Self-priming or submersible. This type of pump is lowered into the pool and from there through a hose supplies water to the filter. This type is good for collecting dirt from the bottom. It can be used for temporary pools - frame and inflatable, since cleaning the bottom is difficult.
• Filtering. This is a filter station - a set of filter and pump.

For swimming pools in saunas, it is advisable to use pumps with built-in filters. They carry out the initial rough purification of water from the largest impurities. The latest generations of filter pumps are small in size and quite powerful devices. For example, one of the market leaders, Intex, offers filter pumps that can pump from 2 m 3 to 9.5 m 3 in an hour.

Bestway produces filter pumps that pump from 2 to 3 cubic meters of water per hour. For a small pool in a bathhouse, only such equipment may be sufficient. But you need to take into account that they cannot pump water out of the pool and remove contaminants from the bottom. But two devices - a filter + a pump - will cost several times less than a pair - a pump and a filter station, and dirt and sludge from the bottom can be removed with a vacuum cleaner, the drainage system can be designed so that it works without a pump. There is also another way - to use a more powerful pump so that the dirt does not have time to settle, but is picked up in the upper layers.

But for those who like all auxiliary work to be carried out automatically, a filter station is an excellent option. Dear, really. A filter station is a set of filter and pump, which can have several additional functions:

There are two types of filter stations for swimming pools: mounted and ground-mounted. Mounted ones are simply hung on the side and connected to a 220 V network; they are suitable for stationary and frame ones. Only land-based options can work with inflatable ones.

Hanging filters for stationary pools are good because there is no need to make holes in the walls for nozzles. This is an excellent solution if you forgot to install the embedded parts and failed to install the water supply and drainage pipes. In this case, there is no need to break the bowl and install the necessary fittings.

Pool pumps with a steel body are almost never produced. This is due to the peculiarities of their use: steel actively comes into contact with oxygen, chlorine and many other cleaning substances. Therefore, they are mostly produced from plastic, if the models are made of copper. Steel housings can be seen in filter stations that purify water only using ultraviolet light without the use of any reagents.

DIY pool water filter

The filter itself is a simple device and there are several homemade options, which will maintain the normal state of water in a small pool.

Floating filter for a small pool in a bathhouse

For such a device you will need a piece of polypropylene pipe about 2.5-3 meters with a diameter of 50 mm, an angle of the same diameter, one or more cartridges that are used for water purification (their diameter is 50 mm, therefore the diameter of the pipe is such), a pump and a pin M12 with thread of the required length. How does this filter work? At the bottom of the pipe, a pump pumps water, it passes through the filters and pours out through the corner back into the pool.

We drill a hole in the cartridges and the corner, string them onto a pin, and insert them into the pipe. We take the pin out through the hole in the corner and fix it with a nut. The pump is quite suitable from those used for aquariums. It is connected to the lower end of the pipe. DIY pool filter assembled. To make it “float”, several pieces of high-density foam can be attached at the top and bottom.

Not the most productive unit, but it is very simple, inexpensive and does not require connecting a bunch of hoses.

Do-it-yourself sand filter for a pool

The design of the sand filter is simple and straightforward: a plastic or metal container is filled with various fractions of sand, on which polluting particles settle.

It is problematic to use metal for the filter housing: it is susceptible to corrosion and if you at least periodically use water purification products, it will certainly react with them. So it is better to choose a plastic container. If you find one with an airtight closing lid, you will solve many problems. Sand for a pool filter can be purchased in specialized stores. You can, of course, try to use river sand, but definitely not quarry sand: it can clog the pump.

The photo next to it shows a cross-section of a sand filter. This is one of the options. Water is supplied to top part, passing through the sand, it is cleaned, and below, through a system of thin tubes in which small holes are drilled, it is collected and discharged through the second pipe.

The design can be made even simpler. Then the supply pipe or hose is connected through the cover. Water can also be withdrawn only using a hose connected at the bottom of the tank. To prevent sand from being sucked in with the water, it can be covered with several layers of filter fabric. But such a system is not very effective: this piece of fabric will clog quickly. The problem can be solved if microscopic holes are made in the bottom, and another container is installed below, into which already filtered water will flow. In this case, the outlet pipe is connected not at the very bottom, but a little higher, so that any grains of sand that end up in the container settle, and clean water is supplied to the pool.

The pump can be used to pump water from a pool or pump it out of a barrel. Both schemes work. Whichever one you think is more effective, use it. You will need to connect two strong hoses to the barrel: through one, contaminated water will be supplied to the barrel, through the other, purified water will be discharged. To ensure maximum cleaning, it is advisable to separate them as far as possible. Ideally - in opposite corners of the pool. This will ensure good circulation.

Conclusions. Large pools are not only expensive to build, but also expensive to maintain. For small pools in or near a bathhouse, it is enough to purchase a filter pump, a filter station with quartz sand (a more expensive option), or make a sand filter yourself.