FAQs for Defender®

Defender® regenerative media filters from Evoqua deliver superior water quality along with significant operational savings

What kind of media does defender® regenerative media filters use?

Defender® media filters will work with perlite or diatomaceous earth (DE). Evoqua prefers the use of perlite based on its superior particle removal, lower cost, lower turbidity levels and safer handling and disposal.

How does the cost of defender regenerative media filters compare to sand filters?

The initial capital cost of a Defender media filter is more than a sand system but is quickly offset in operational costs savings – often in less than a year. The smaller Defender system saves on construction costs, water and waste costs, energy and chemical costs as well as power costs.

Is there a pool size limit in order to use defender filters?

No, there is no pool size limit. Defender filters may be installed on 70 – 2500 GPM (single filter) pools and spas. Multi tanks can be installed in tandem to accommodate higher flow rates.

How long does the "media regeneration" cycle take?

Defender filters are programmed to complete the automated regeneration cycle daily and it will take no longer than 10 minutes. This includes the “bumping” step and agitating the media. (See also “Bumping”)

What is "bumping" and how long does it take?

“Bumping” is the mechanical movement of the tube sheet which forces water into the tubes, evacuating the media from the surface of the tubes, sending it into suspension. It is accomplished by mechanical movement of the septum up and down within the water in the filter housing. This motion expels the media and dirt particles from the septum and into suspension. This allows the filter elements to receive a fresh coating of perlite once it re-attaches itself to the tube elements. Defender filters are programmed to bump daily and will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Is the defender filter system fully automatic?

Every Defender system is designed to be fully automatic but is operable in semi-automatic mode which requires the push of a button to initiate the automatic filtration and bump cycle.

What happens to peripheral systems (heat, chemicals, UV) when the defender system shuts down for bumping?

The Defender system's programmer includes auxiliary contacts to control all peripheral devices.

How often should I change the media?

The complete filter cycle using the same charge of perlite usually averages 4 weeks depending on bather load. Some pools may go months in the off-season.

How long does it take to change the media?

Eliminating used media and recharging with new media in a single Defender system takes 15 – 25 minutes.