Filter box theory

[Bran Name]

A box about 11 x 6 in deep by 9 deep. A sheet each of coarse scotch brite and foam rubber, both under and over the pump. The top sheets have holes for the pump output hose to pass up through. Then the box lid, held on by Phillips screws. The assembly is placed in the skimmer tub.

Very unsatisfactory. Requires hoisting the filter box out of the tub, as far as the hose will allow; then complete disassembly and re-assembly for cleaning, on one's kneesx.

Why is the pump not in a compartment by itself, allowing the filter sheets to be removed and re-installed without tools, without touching the pump?

There must be a sound filtration efficiency explanation, because from the standpoint of maintenance, it would be hard to imagine a more bogus arrangement.

 

[brokensword]

A box about 11 x 6 in deep by 9 deep. A sheet each of coarse scotch brite and foam rubber, both under and over the pump. The top sheets have holes for the pump output hose to pass up through. Then the box lid, held on by Phillips screws. The assembly is placed in the skimmer tub.

Very unsatisfactory. Requires hoisting the filter box out of the tub, as far as the hose will allow; then complete disassembly and re-assembly for cleaning, on one's kneesx.

Why is the pump not in a compartment by itself, allowing the filter sheets to be removed and re-installed without tools, without touching the pump?

There must be a sound filtration efficiency explanation, because from the standpoint of maintenance, it would be hard to imagine a more bogus arrangement.

ain't no screws or disassembly, nor buried/accessible filter pads with my bog filter...jus' sayin'

 

[j.w]

@Bran Name
Sounds like you would like a new set up? Start searching is all I can say. Maybe someone here can recommend an easier way to go. Brand names, cost etc. Good luck! I don't use a skimmer so can't really help.

 

[Lisak1]

What kind of filter is this? We recently purchased a Matala filter box that looks like this:

The filter pads are the only thing on the inside.

Yours sounds like a combination pump and filter? That's definitely an unusual set up and like you said, doesn't sound like it was engineered for the end user!

 

[Mmathis]

@Bran Name (what an interesting name)…..Is this a DIY filter contraption, or something you bought? Not really understanding the purpose for your post, here. Do you need help coming up with a different design?

BTW, hello and welcome.

 

[poconojoe]

A box about 11 x 6 in deep by 9 deep. A sheet each of coarse scotch brite and foam rubber, both under and over the pump. The top sheets have holes for the pump output hose to pass up through. Then the box lid, held on by Phillips screws. The assembly is placed in the skimmer tub.

Very unsatisfactory. Requires hoisting the filter box out of the tub, as far as the hose will allow; then complete disassembly and re-assembly for cleaning, on one's kneesx.

Why is the pump not in a compartment by itself, allowing the filter sheets to be removed and re-installed without tools, without touching the pump?

There must be a sound filtration efficiency explanation, because from the standpoint of maintenance, it would be hard to imagine a more bogus arrangement.

If you want maintenance free, switch to a bog. It can be any size, big or small. It can be multiple bogs to accomplish the task.

How many gallons does your pond hold?

 

[Bran Name]

Common as dirt.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/smartpond-Black-Pond-Filters/1000862948

My question is, what is the rationale of the design?

 

[mrsclem]

The info that comes with that shows bio-balls and a snap on lid. It says nothing about using in a skimmer. These filters- and I use the term loosely, are more of a prefilter to protect the pump. Any filter that has to be pulled out of the pond is just going to dump the debris back in the pond when removed. Even with the snap on lid, very poor for any size but the smallest of ponds. Might work ok in a stock tank.

 

[Lisak1]

are more of a prefilter to protect the pump

That's what I was guessing.

You paid $35 for this - I'm not sure what the expectation was. Poor design? Sure. Created by someone who has no idea what a pond even looks like, I'm sure.

 

[Stephen Noble]

The info that comes with that shows bio-balls and a snap on lid. It says nothing about using in a skimmer. These filters- and I use the term loosely, are more of a prefilter to protect the pump. Any filter that has to be pulled out of the pond is just going to dump the debris back in the pond when removed. Even with the snap on lid, very poor for any size but the smallest of ponds. Might work ok in a stock tank.

Yep. And I love the part of the instructions that say, 'Change the filter pads seasonally.'
Bran Name, I recommend you pass on this 'filter.' By the way, welcome to the forum!