End caps
Strong end caps, which are specially formulated to withstand chlorine degradation, provide structural support and increase cartridge durability. If an end cap degrades over time, it can break into pieces and damage a pool’s pump. Today, anti-microbial end caps, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, are becoming more common.
The future
As the pool and spa industry continues to grow, many companies are working to revolutionize pool and spa filtration. These companies understand that people love their pools and spas, even through tough economic times. Regardless of the strength of the world’s economy, existing pools and spas need to be maintained. This gives rise to an increasingly competitive filtration market.
Cartridge filtration is evolving. New media are being developed and tested to increase water cleanliness without sacrificing ease of maintenance. Innovative designs are being developed, in which several different types of media are being used at the same time (e.g. one filter traps larger particles leaving smaller particles to another more expensive filter using a more advanced media).
Unfortunately, despite these technological advances, any filtration system will fail without proper maintenance or unbalanced water. In the end, pool and spa professionals must educate homeowners about the health and cost benefits associated with small incremental investments needed to properly maintain their pool or spa.
John Antretter is the chief operating officer (COO) of Pleatco LLC, a manufacturer of filter cartridges and grids for diatomaceious earth (DE) filters in Glen Cove, N.Y. He has lead the development of innovative products for over 20 years. His most notable success came as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Plasmaco, a leader in Plasma TV technology, which he sold to Panasonic. Antretter has been an adjunct professor of finance at Fordham University’s business school since 1991 and is a retired army captain. He can be reached at jantretter@pleatco.com.
