DIY Pool Filter

After looking at some of the other suggestions I figured I could come up with my own version of a pool filter. and make it reusable. So I started with a filter I had washed and bleached a few times. There is a top and bottom plastic cap that the filter paper is embedded in. The center plastic core is held in place by the paper and caps. You will need the following:
Epoxy glue or a non-water soluble glue.
Wire cutters, snips or good strong scissors.
Poly batting. (used in quilting)
one used pool filter
wire mesh, Galvanized (I used 1/4" square mesh)
Needle nose pliers(helps with joining the ends together)

Step 1: Remove the Paper Filter

I used a pair of wire cutters to cut through the paper filter near one of the plastic caps. Being very fibrous and thick, it would just tear out. So cutting worked best. Try to get it as close to the plastic cap as possible. You don't want to damage the plastic cap or the center core. Since the filter is embedded into both end caps, you only need to cut off of one cap. After you have removed the filter paper epoxy the center core onto the plastic end cap.

Step 2:

Roll a piece of the mesh the same size as the diameter of your filter. I left mine a couple of inches taller to help form the top. Once you have the size, cut your wire along one side of each "square" leaving "tabs" of wire. Use those "tabs" to wrap around the opposite end to form a cylinder. Once you have the cylinder made, size the height and make cuts every 3/4" down the length of the cylinder, leaving the extra length of wire attached. Fold each piece over towards the center layering each piece over the previous. This will form the hole in the top that will fit over the socket at the bottom of the pump. This is the cage that will hold the poly batting in place.

Step 3:

Cut a strip of poly batting that is as tall as the center core of your filter. Mine was 4 inches. I then wrapped the poly batting around the core two times and trimmed of the excess. Leaving me a strip that was 4" x 18".  I later added a second strip the same length. You may have to compress and wrap the poly batting tightly around the core.

Step 4:

Then holding the plastic end cap, slide the cage over the batting until it rests against the plastic cap. Then insert your new filter into your pump. Because the wire was sharp, I stuck mine in with the plastic end up. That way when I remove it, I grab it by the plastic and not the sharp wire end. So far it works better that the paper filter. I can also wash it in my dishwasher using a sanitize setting. Just take the batting out and sandwich it between two wire cooling racks. It will keep it flat and allow it to come clean. Or you can just replace the batting. I bought a 48" x 18" chunk of batting for $4.00. I should get 6 "filters" from it. But by washing it, I don't have to buy any more. My old filters cost $10.00 for two filters.

Comments

[MillennialDIYer]

I'd say that the title picture is misleading. From it I thought you had been able to copy the original design somehow.

[artpeoples]

So how long has this been working? And between washings? I too have too many filters and they cost 60 each. Don't want to do that anymore and it's only paper. I am going to take my old one apart and see if I can't use this idea efficiently. Ever on a hot day?? Do the chemicals eats the polyester? melt it?

[jreppoh]

I have made several over time that have served me well. I really like this one and will soon make it. Looks great!

[-chase-]

It is a good idea ...

However... just to add from experience in filtration.

The type filter material you are using will not filter out down to the micron level of the paper filter material.

You can use it in conjuntion with another type cloth / filter material on the inside. whiich will filter down to the micron level of the paper filter and perhaps even more.

the material you are using - the fiberous material - usually is used to filter heaveir deatris. Which would in fact save on your paper filter.

The fiber catching the heavier stuff first and then the water passing over the finer material. Lessing the load on the finer micron filter.

They also make a Blue to White filter of the same material - of a few different filter catagories.

This can be used as well and probably with even better success as the blue catches heavy larger particles down to the white which is finer - then down to your micron filter.

You'd have some seriously clean pool water then and just as easily maintained and for about the same cost as you mention.

Nice idea for sure...

[chuckyd]

You are exactly correct. And it's that smaller stuf that can cause the most damage to people.

[pcgirl]

I never even thought to do something like this!! I have a large pool, and the filters cost over $100 a pop. Admittedly, I only need to change it once a year, but the cleaning is a hassle. All the gunk gets caught up in the filter.

Thanks for the wonderful idea. :)

[michaelnelson]

$100 a pop?! I bought a full blown sand filter off ebay for like $300!

[moris_zen]

Well done! - I will do it! great Idea....

[bobby sissom]

Very nice and pretty work,it is most pleasing to the eye,and I know from experience the money saved and the quality cleaning these filters provide. I have been very pleased with the one I built,my nieghbors have had me make them for their setups as well and they now enjoy cheaper filtering of pools,ponds,and outdoor tubs,... the pond one gets dirty fast, but the cost of replacing filters has him happier now.

[GoranUvDenRimboe]

Thank you!

It was the cost of the store bought that drove me to do it. I just couldn't keep buying and throwing away my money like that. The funny thing is that my kids are telling me that the water "feels" cleaner. Not sure if that is true or not but I'd be willing to bet that after using a paper filter that had been washed and bleached often enough that it might not have been doing as well as it could have.

As for the other folks that have also posted instructables for DIY filters, I credit them for getting me to do it. I just figured that a simpler design might appeal to more people. That and I can be lazy!

Thanks again for the kind words.