Should you put small filters on your extra pump

[reelredfish]

So I have always wondered should you place a cartridge filter say on my pump for bubblers? Or the waterfall pump?

Would it reduce the flow to much? Just thinking your paying to run these features could you get some free filtration at the same time.

Pros?

Cons?

 

[PoolStored]

Normally, waterfall pumps and bubbler pumps do not have a filter because they are high flow rate and low head (can't support a filter) so they will usually have their own suction ports below the water line (e.g. drains or wall ports) so that debris does not get into the lines.

@mas985 can likely help with these particular pumps, as they are not typical waterfall or bubbler pumps.

 

[mas985]

So I have always wondered should you place a cartridge filter say on my pump for bubblers? Or the waterfall pump?

Bubblers no but what type of waterfall is it? A rock waterfall would not need a filter but sheer descents should always have a filter because they generally have very narrow openings that debris can get clogged.

Would it reduce the flow to much? Just thinking your paying to run these features could you get some free filtration at the same time.

Yes a filter would reduce flow but there are a lot of factors to determine how much.

 

[reelredfish]

Circling back to this again now that we are starting to get things ready for the season. While I am not trying to filter the water for the water feature for say. Its more about getting more out of running those two extra pumps.


My thoughts are just that I am paying to run those two extra pumps so why not also clean the water while doing so? Maybe put a by-bass in for each so you can have it by-bass when you want. I am just throwing stuff against the wall. Would like to hear more from others.

 

[Newdude]

The main filter already handles the pool. If it needed more filters, we'd all have 2 or 3 filters. You're overthinking it.

 

[reelredfish]

I get a ton of dirt and dust in the pool so its a non stop battle.

 

[Newdude]

Most floating debris finds the skimmers and gets filtered providing the pump is running

Its a crud shoot for any suspended particles IMO if they get sucked up or continually mixed up.

No amount of filtering will pull anything from the floor once it settles.

 

[HermanTX]

Circling back to this again now that we are starting to get things ready for the season. While I am not trying to filter the water for the water feature for say. Its more about getting more out of running those two extra pumps.


My thoughts are just that I am paying to run those two extra pumps so why not also clean the water while doing so? Maybe put a by-bass in for each so you can have it by-bass when you want. I am just throwing stuff against the wall. Would like to hear more from others.

If you have separate pumps for the water features, you most likely have wall drains for suction. They put them on the wall to minimize dirt and debris from entering. Plus your pump has a filter basket to catch any big items if it would float by the wall suction.
Thinking that these pumps will filter your water is really not needed or their purpose.

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

What kind of pool cleaner are you now using??

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[reelredfish]

If you have separate pumps for the water features, you most likely have wall drains for suction. They put them on the wall to minimize dirt and debris from entering. Plus your pump has a filter basket to catch any big items if it would float by the wall suction.
Thinking that these pumps will filter your water is really not needed or their purpose.

all 3 pumps run off of two skimmers and a large channel drain in the deep end.

 

[reelredfish]

R,

What kind of pool cleaner are you now using??

Thanks,

Jim R.

have a robot cleaner that does a good job.....honestly think my issue is no stone was sealed and its noon stop dirt or sand from the flag stone and the waterfall.

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

I had a pool resurfaced and had Flagstone coping installed..

Not a really good decision on my part.. Almost immediately, very thin layers of the flagstone would flake off and turn into brown sand..... At that time the pool was a chlorine tablet pool. After about two years we switched over the saltwater. The flagstone flaking continued for about 7 or 8 more years.. The saltwater did not make it any worse, or any better. Then, about a year ago, it just quit flaking..

No clue why it quit flaking... The coping looks about the same today as it did when new.. It does not appear to be any thinner than it was when installed..

It was never sealed, and I doubt sealing it will work. But it can't hurt either.

Good luck,

Jim R.

 

[HermanTX]

all 3 pumps run off of two skimmers and a large channel drain in the deep end.

Interesting!!!! Is each pump dedicated to 1 of the 3 suction areas you noted? It is not good practice to have multiple pumps with suction from same drain or skimmer. That could starve a pump if the other one is set at different speed.

If you are able, I be interested in seeing a photo of your suction plumbing for each pump. Thanks.