How the Aquabag Filter Bags Work and FAQ
Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
How do the Aquabags work?
To remove a contaminant from a liquid, it must pass through a filter with smaller holes that the contaminant particle. Our specially designed, commercial grade filters use different materials to focus on the specific target particle sizes for the most efficient and complete removal process possible. No chemicals are needed to remove iron or copper and cloudy water can in many case be cleared in a couple of days.
What can Aquabags do?
Inadequate filtration is the number one cause of cloudy and discolored swimming pool water. Aquabags can improve the filtration of your pool water without altering your current filtration system and installs in minutes, without a need for complicated tools.
Aquabag filtration levels are up to 30x better than standard pool filters.
Cartridge: 10X-20X Better
Sand: 20X-30X Better
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): 2X-3X Better
How do I connect my Aquabag Pool Filter Bag?
A connection must be made to the return/inlet from your pool filter. This can be via one of our adapters or by disconnecting your return inlet hose and inserting it in the bag neck (above ground pools). Your main filter collects what it can and the Aquabag will then filter what your main filter cannot.
ADAPTERS
Our new adapters make connecting a breeze!
- Intex
- Summer Waves - Funsicle
- Bestway - Coleman
- Doughboy - Embassy - Lomart
- Directional Eyeball Fittings
- 1 1/2" Threaded Ports
Connecting an Aquabag has never been easier. In ground, above ground soft side, or inflatable (like Intex, Coleman and Bestway) will connect in minutes. If you have a threaded return outlet, we offer an adapter that threads into standard, (1.5") threaded pool outlet fittings. If you have a non-standard eyeball fitting, in may cases, removing an eyeball fitting (and seat) from the outlet will expose a threaded connection.
Can I connect more than one Aquabag?
Yes. If you have multiple returns, clearing will occur at a faster rate.
Connect to the Return/Inlet Hose (above ground pools)
If we do not offer an adapter compatible with your pool, a connection to the water return hose can be made. Plug the water return port and remove the hose from its connection outside of the pool. Insert the hose into the neck of the bag about 5 inches and either tie it tightly or use the supplied, removable zipper tie to secure it as pictured below. The hose and bag should be weighted or secured to prevent it for accidentally exiting the pool.
How long does it take to clear a pool?
It depends on the concentration of the target contaminant, but most pools are cleared within 24 hours. Higher concentrations may require that the bag be rinsed a number of times during the clearing process and may require a number of days to fully clear. For cloudy pools, the Aquabag Pure should be connected for a few days and then once or twice weekly. The FE and CU should be connected until clear (multiple rinses may be required) and then as needed (adding water).
Should I use chemicals with an Aquabag?
You should not need to use any special chemicals with an Aquabag. Be sure to closely monitor/maintain chlorine levels, especially when clearing metals. If you have previously added a sequestrant to "hide" metals, you may have to reconnect the Aquabag as it wears off and discoloration returns. Algaecides can contain copper. If you have added an algaecide, your copper levels may rise. If they get to a point of being visible (green), the Aquabag CU should return them to non-visible levels.
How much will my levels of metal go down?
.03 PPM (parts per million) on a metals test is an acceptable range that will not show color since the saturation point has not been reached and the metals will remain invisible. Aquabags remove metals to reach those "invisible" levels.Trace amounts may remain and show on water tests. Levels should not be expected to go below .03 PPM or reach zero.
What about Algae?
An Aquabag can handle algae, but algae is difficult due to its ability to block up filters. The bags should be monitored (at least initially) for firmness. If the bag begins to allow algae to pass through, pressure has increased due to blockage, allowing the algae to breakthrough the filter. The increase pressure can also cause the bag to burst. An Aquabag Pure should be installed on every inlet. The suspended algae that passes through your filter will be captured. Once clear, vacuum.
Dead algae that has broken down and settled to the pool bottom can be traditionally vacuumed if there isn't a lot of volume. It is extremely fine and can coat the filter surface in minutes. Depending on the volume, this can be a tedious process with the only alternative being to vacuum to waste. Once the majority has been removed, an Aquabag can be then used to gather the remainder. Due to the many variables involved (the concentration, size of the pool and how fine the material is) we cannot guarantee the performance of the Aquabag on this task.
Installing the Aquabag on a clear pool once or twice a week will help keep algae in check. It can capture algae spores and some of the contaminants that algae feeds on.
How do I know when I need to clean the Filter bag?
When clearing iron or copper, The bag should be fairly soft when it starts filtering, but will become firm as the filtering material collects contaminants, begins to restrict the water flow and builds pressure. If it begins to feel firm or becomes very dark, remove it and rinse it out. Rinses, early in the clearing process, are the most important. If the bag blows off of the connection, there is no need to worry. Just wash it out and reattach it.
What size should I buy?
In the case of the Aquabag-CU filters, the standard size should be sufficient for all residential pools. In the case of the Aquabag-FE and PURE bags, the small size (14" x 24") should be sufficient for up to a 16' round pool. The large (12" x 34") should be used for anything larger. If you have a pool with multiple returns, it is OK to connect more than one.
How large is the neck opening?
On the small Aquabag-FE, the 2 inch opening will fit both 1.5 inch and 2 inch connections. The VariNeck on the other bag models feature a 1.5" and 2" neck section. For 2" connections, simply trim off the smaller diameter neck section.
Are the bags washable?
The bags can be rinsed with a hose by spraying from the outside. Slipping it over a pole of some sort (like a net handle) will allow the accumulated debris to exit the bag neck more easily. If you have a circular hose nozzle, the hose can be slipped into the neck of the bag. It isn't recommended to place it in a washing machine.
How do I get the settled iron-rust out of the pool?
If you have a pole vacuum, just vacuum the pool as you normally would. If not, simply get into the pool and stir up the debris. You can also use a broom or other item that won't damage the pool. If the sediment is extreme, slowly vacuuming and frequent bag rinses will be required.
Can I use the Aquabag filters when I fill the pool to prevent the iron or copper from getting in the pool in the first place?
No. When metals are in solution, it is very difficult to remove without an expensive, specialized filter. Our filters will only remove metals that have oxidized. They will, however, remove sediment and debris during filling - just attach it to the end of your garden hose.
If I add more water to the pool, will it turn brown or green again?
It might, but if it does, just reconnect the bag and clear it up with ease.
Will an Aquabag work in a Spa or Hot tub?
We don't presently have an adapter for this application, but filtration is possible by connecting a short piece of garden hose to a utility pump.
Are there any other steps?
If your problem is iron, the iron in the pool is steadily reacting with the chlorine and oxidizing. Be sure to monitor your chlorine levels so the iron keeps oxidizing and can be removed.
Be sure to clean your filter before and after using the Aquabag. If you have enough accumulation that the bag requires a rinse during the cleaning process, be sure to clean your filter as well after your pool clears.
What is a Micron?
A Micron is simply a system of measurement and one micron equals one millionth of a meter or 1/26,000 of an inch. To give you an idea, a human hair is about 100 microns in diameter, a red blood cell, 7-8 microns. Rust particles are larger than 5 microns, copper, 2-3 microns. The human eye cannot see things smaller than about 50 microns unless there is a concentration.
Aquabags are rated to collect particles at 1- 5 microns, depending on the target particle. The "PURE" can filter to as low as 1 micron.