Natare

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.

Because 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 that 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, click here to read our guide, (Intro to Filtration), you know that water is circulated through a media in order to relieve it of its impurities (kind of like money-laundering for swimming pools).

Back in the day, a lot of people believed that diatomaceous earth filtration 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.

Moreover, 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, denim (just kidding). 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. It’s 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 life cycle
• 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. 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.

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.

Now, what questions do you have?