FAQ: Does the Biological Filter Ever Get Clogged Or Need to Be Cleaned?
The built-in biological filtration system in our Natural Swimming Pool/Ponds filters microscopic organisms in the water, not chunks of debris. Floating debris in the NSP, like leaves or bits of algae is instead sucked up and filtered by a mechanical skimmer (just like in a traditional pool). Because our biological filter tubing is covered with several inches of our special filter gravel and topped with decorative rock and water plants, this living debris simply cannot get down to the tubes to clog them. We have NSP's that are 15+ years old that are functioning better than ever and have no suction loss from the filter!
Though you don't have to worry about your bio-filter tubes clogging, there are some things you can do to keep your Natural Swimming Pool/Pond functioning at its best: Over time, a healthy NSP will develop a bio-film or "living patina" on surfaces underwater. To keep this bio-film in check, we recommend an annual Spring Cleaning, where you net out debris that has sunk to the bottom and vacuum the surface of the planted filter area with a pond vac. During this Spring Cleaning is a great time to turn your variable speed pumps back up to the summer setting and add more beneficial bacteria to your biological filter. This is also a good time to add a bit of pond dye to help prevent string algae issues as the water warms back up.
Though you don't have to worry about your bio-filter tubes clogging, there are some things you can do to keep your Natural Swimming Pool/Pond functioning at its best: Over time, a healthy NSP will develop a bio-film or "living patina" on surfaces underwater. To keep this bio-film in check, we recommend an annual Spring Cleaning, where you net out debris that has sunk to the bottom and vacuum the surface of the planted filter area with a pond vac. During this Spring Cleaning is a great time to turn your variable speed pumps back up to the summer setting and add more beneficial bacteria to your biological filter. This is also a good time to add a bit of pond dye to help prevent string algae issues as the water warms back up.
