Not all filter cartridges are of the same quality, that is why we only use original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) and Unicel brand high-quality filters.
When was the last time you replaced your filter? The filtration experts at Unicel recommend replacing your filter when it exceeds 10 PSI from the initial “new filter” starting point. This typically results in replacing your filter every 12 months. The climate here in Florida is exceptionally different. Sand, dirt, dust, suntan lotion and especially pollen contribute to clogging the small cells. Once your filter is clogged it significantly reduces water flow and can aid in the blooming of algae. That is why we clean your filter monthly and recommend replacement of your filter yearly.
One of the first things a filter expert will look for when examining a pool or spa element is the pleat fold or “knuckle radius” of the pleat. Why is this important? If you look carefully, you will notice that some manufacturers’ pleats are very sharp while others are rounded and even appear puffy. With Reemay or other spunbonded polyester medias it is much easier to make a rounded fold than a sharp pleat. Moreover, a rounded fold can mask the filter manufacturer’s inability to make straight pleats or maintain proper pleat spacing.
The cloth used on Unicel’s D.E. grids is 100% Polypropylene unlike other filter manufactures. This fiber, a member of the Polyolefin family, has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and abrasion, in addition to being both rot and mildew resistant. The use of polypropylene cloth for swimming pool filtration was originally developed by Meissner Mfg. Co. (Unicel’s parent company) during the 1950s. Throughout the forty-year span that polypropylene cloth has been used in this application, this fabric has gone through several modifications. Improvements to critical properties such as yarn construction, weave pattern, and fabric finishing have allowed us to better control the fabric’s “permeability” in order to optimize the D.E. cake handling characteristics. Permeability is the cloth’s flow resistance, expressed in “cubic feet per minute” of airflow as measured with a Frazier permeability machine.
Unicel filters have sharp folds increase the spacing between pleats making it easier to flush out loose debris. Eliminates bridging allows particles to get down into the pleat instead of laying across the top of two or more pleats. This assures maximum dirt holding. Full utilization of the pleat surface allows debris to build up from the inside out, critical to obtaining the maximum cycle life between cleanings. Maximizes flow, minimizes pressure loss – by decreasing the surface contact between the inner pleat knuckle and center tube.