E-311 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Filtration Explained: The Truth About Cartridge Filters Every Pool Pro Needs to Know

Episode #311 Pool Nation Podcast What really makes one pool filter better than another? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sit down with Rich Medina, Engineering Leader at OnCore Filtration, to take one of the deepest dives we've ever done into pool filtration. Rich brings over 34 years of engineering and pool industry experience, sharing how cartridge filters are designed, how filtration media actually works, why point-bonded media outperforms traditional materials, and how proper filtration directly impacts water chemistry, customer satisfaction, equipment longevity, and profitability. Whether you're a pool service company, builder, retailer, manufacturer, or simply want to better understand what separates premium filters from inexpensive alternatives, this episode is packed with practical knowledge that will immediately improve the way you think about water quality. In this episode you'll learn: • Why filtration is the foundation of crystal-clear water • How cartridge filters actually work • What "point bonded" filter media means • Why cheap cartridge filters often fail • Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores • Why filter bands matter more than you think • Proper cartridge cleaning techniques • Common mistakes pool professionals make • When filters should actually be replaced • Why turnover rate may be more important than PSI • How engineering decisions impact your customer's pool If you've ever wondered why some pools stay crystal clear while others constantly struggle, this episode explains the science behind it. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Meet Rich Medina from OnCore Filtration 05:45 Rich's engineering background and military experience 12:00 How Rich entered the swimming pool industry 27:00 Building filtration technology through engineering 36:30 Why filtration is the foundation of water quality 44:00 How cartridge filtration actually works 50:00 Filter media explained: point bonded vs. flat bonded 59:45 Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores 1:07:00 Why filter bands matter 1:12:30 The correct way to clean cartridge filters 1:17:00 When should pool filters be replaced? 1:20:00 Creating a maintenance schedule that saves customers money 1:22:00 Why turnover rate matters more than pressure 1:25:00 Final thoughts and takeaways Thank You to Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to the incredible companies helping us educate and elevate the swimming pool industry. • SPPA • Blue Ray XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Encore Brands • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / U.S. Motors • OnCore Filtration Your continued support allows Pool Nation to bring free education to pool professionals across the world.