Clear water does not happen by accident. Behind a clean swimming pool, a functioning fountain or a healthy pond is a filtration system designed to move water through the right equipment and remove unwanted particles and contaminants.
The type of filtration required depends on the water feature, its size, how it is used and the quality of water that needs to be maintained. A swimming pool has different requirements from a koi pond, while a jacuzzi needs a compact system designed to work with heated water and frequent use.
Waterscapes designs and installs filtration systems for swimming pools, ponds, fountains and other water features. Filtration is considered as part of the complete water system, together with pumps, pipework, circulation, waterproofing and other equipment.
Why Water Filtration Matters
Filtration removes suspended particles and other unwanted material from the water. Depending on the type of system, filtration can also form part of a wider water treatment process.
In a pool, filtration helps remove dirt, dust, hair and other particles introduced into the water. In a pond, filtration also needs to deal with organic waste and can form part of the system responsible for maintaining suitable conditions for fish and aquatic plants.
A filtration system also needs to work with the correct pump and pipework. If the filter is too small for the volume of water or the pump is not correctly matched to the system, circulation and filtration can be affected.
Waterscapes considers pumps, filtration, water circulation and associated pipework as part of the complete water feature system rather than treating the filter as an isolated piece of equipment.
Water Filtration for Ponds and Fountains
Ponds and fountains have different filtration requirements from swimming pools. A decorative fountain may mainly need to remove suspended dirt and protect pumps and nozzles, while a pond containing fish requires a filtration system that also supports biological water management.
Mechanical Filtration: Mechanical filtration removes physical particles from the water. Depending on the installation, this can involve screens, strainers, filter chambers, cartridges or other filter media. The purpose is to capture material such as leaves, dirt, sediment and other suspended particles before they continue through the circulation system. Mechanical filtration is particularly useful in fountains because debris can block pump intakes, pipework, jets and nozzles. A dirty filter can also restrict water flow and place additional strain on the pump.
Biological Filtration: Biological filtration is particularly important in ponds containing fish. The filter provides an environment where beneficial microorganisms can process waste products produced by fish and decomposing organic material. Biological filtration is therefore not simply about making the water look clear. It forms part of the pond’s wider water management system. Biofilters need to be maintained correctly. Cleaning them too aggressively or too frequently can interfere with the biological activity within the filter, so maintenance should be suited to the particular system. Waterscapes provides seasonal biofilter treatments and cleaning as part of its pond and fountain maintenance services.
UV Filtration and Water Treatment: UV systems are also used in some pond and water feature installations as part of water treatment. Water passes through a UV unit where ultraviolet light can help control certain microorganisms and algae. UV is not a replacement for mechanical or biological filtration. It is normally used as one part of a complete system, with the appropriate combination depending on the type of pond or water feature.
For a pond containing fish, plants or other aquatic life, the complete water quality requirements need to be considered before selecting equipment.
Filtration for Fountains
Fountains generally require filtration that is suited to the volume of water, pump capacity and type of fountain effect.
A filtration system can help prevent dirt and debris from reaching the pump, pipework and fountain nozzles. This is particularly important where the fountain uses fine jets or specialised nozzles, as even relatively small blockages can affect the water pattern.
Waterscapes installs fountain pumps and filtration systems and can also maintain and repair existing systems. Fountain maintenance includes checking pumps, filters, water circulation, pipework, jets and nozzles.
Water Filtration for Swimming Pools
Swimming pool filtration systems are designed to continuously circulate pool water through a filter before returning the filtered water to the pool.
Three common types of pool filtration systems found in South Africa are sand filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth, or DE, filters.
Sand Filtration Systems: Sand filters use a tank containing specially graded filter media. Pool water is pumped through the filter, where particles become trapped in the media before the filtered water is returned to the pool. Sand filtration is widely used for swimming pools because the systems are relatively straightforward to operate and maintain. When the filter becomes dirty, it can generally be cleaned through a backwashing process. Backwashing uses water to clean the filter media and flush the collected material out of the system. This means water consumption needs to be considered when selecting and operating a sand filtration system.
Cartridge Filtration Systems: Cartridge filters use a replaceable filter element to trap particles as water passes through the cartridge. One of the main differences from a sand filter is that cartridge systems do not normally require backwashing. The cartridge is removed and cleaned periodically, and eventually replaced when it is no longer performing effectively. Cartridge filters can be a practical option where reducing backwash water is a consideration. They are also available in compact configurations, making them suitable for certain residential pool installations.
Diatomaceous Earth Filtration: Diatomaceous earth, commonly called DE, filtration uses a fine filter medium to capture very small particles. DE systems can provide finer filtration than conventional sand systems, but they also require specific maintenance procedures and handling of the filter media. The suitability of a DE system depends on the pool, available equipment and the owner’s maintenance requirements. The best filtration system is not necessarily the one that provides the finest filtration. The filter needs to be correctly sized and matched to the pool volume, pump, pipework, operating conditions and maintenance requirements.
Filtration for Jacuzzis and Spas
Jacuzzis and spas have different filtration requirements because they generally contain a smaller volume of water, operate at higher temperatures and can experience a high bather load relative to their size.
Cartridge filtration is commonly used in spa and jacuzzi systems because the filters are compact and can be removed for cleaning or replacement.
The filtration system works alongside the spa’s circulation and water treatment equipment. Maintaining the filter is important because a blocked or dirty cartridge can restrict circulation and reduce the efficiency of the system.
Filtration alone does not make spa water safe. Proper water treatment, circulation and regular testing are also required, particularly because warm water can create conditions that require careful water management.
Water Filtration Installation by Waterscapes
Waterscapes provides water filtration installation and related water system services for swimming pools, ponds, fountains and other water features.
Our work covers the integration of pumps, filtration, pipework, water circulation, waterproofing and associated equipment, with systems designed around the requirements of the individual project. We work on residential, commercial, hospitality, agricultural and landscape projects across South Africa, with the ability to undertake larger projects elsewhere in Africa.
If you are building a new water feature or pool, upgrading an existing filtration system or experiencing problems with water quality or circulation, Waterscapes can assess the installation and advise on the appropriate filtration solution.