Natare Blog

Before buzz words like “green” and “eco-friendly” were being used, misused and over-used, we were helping facilities save water, save energy, and save money by increasing efficiency and eliminating waste.

What energy efficiency really boils down to is saving, and when you’re flushing excess backwash, chemicals and water down the drain, you’re flushing away money. So it’s in our best interest (not to mention Mother Earth’s) to minimize waste as much as we can.

The efficiency and the environmental impact of a pool filtration system relies not only on the physical characteristics and the media employed; it also depends on the proficiency of your designers and installers.

Seemingly minute details like elevation during the construction process can actually diminish and limit the system’s capacity.

Here are some criteria you should consider when selecting a filtration system for your swimming pool:

MEDIA:

Assuming you already know a little something about filtration (if not, visit our Resource Center), you know that water is circulated through a media in order to relieve it of its impurities.

Back in the day, a lot of people believed that diatomaceous earth filtration (DE Filters) was the only way you could get the very smallest impurities out of your swimming pool water.

Today, we’re more sensible and we understand the concept of electrostatic attraction between sand grains and contaminant particles. This is what allows us to use the much cleaner (or greener, if you like) method of sand filtration while still maintaining a very high turnover rate.

Diatomaceous earth cannot be recycled, and requires copious amounts of mining and milling in order to be processed for use as a filter media (not to mention the fact that it’s toxic to animals and humans). Sand, on the other hand, is clean, readily available and reusable.

FABRICATION:

In addition to media, the industry has also tinkered around with different types of filter construction throughout the years; aluminum, galvanized steel, polyester etc… But we’ve found nothing beats the durability and strength of stainless steel—and we use only the highest grades; type 304 or 316 low-carbon stainless.

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable; in fact, most of our stainless steel comes from scrap. So we’re not only using a sustainable resource, we’re helping to cut down on the waste that’s already out there.

PROPER SIZE:

Proper sizing for a filtration system isn’t just based on the size of the pool. Sizing is based on the recommended flow rate per square foot, which depends on frequency of use and the number of people using it at any given time.

Consider the following tank selection criteria:

• Cost of filter
• Load bearing strength of the substrate
• Access to the filter location/area
• Water quality
• Shipping weight/freight cost
• Square footage of the filter location/area
• Disposal of the backwash water and spent media
• Degree of operator training
• Filter lifecycle
• Energy consumption

COATING AND LINING:

Filter lining systems can be tailored to fit particular needs. Specifying an inadequate coating can lead to premature tank failure; whereas selecting a more complex coating than required is simply a waste of money.

All Natare coating/linings come with at least a 10-year warranty.

PROPER INSTALLATION:

In addition to the many physical characteristics that make a vacuum sand filter environmentally friendly and energy efficient, your installers play an important role in making sure the filtration system functions properly.

Working with a qualified professional who is experienced in commercial swimming pool operation and filter installation will ensure your pool’s mechanical system will function properly for years to come.

Each Natare filtration systems is custom-designed by Natare engineers to meet the unique needs of that particular application and put in place by expert installers.

Physical space, location and budget constraints often compel facility managers and operators to scale back the quality and capacity of the pool mechanical system. However, small deviations in pipe size and routing, equipment location and elevation during the construction process can further diminish and limit the system’s capacity.

Now, what questions do you have?

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