Pool Nation Podcast
Pool Nation Podcast
Pool Nation
E-311 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Filtration Explained: The Truth About Cartridge Filters Every Pool Pro Needs to Know
1 hour 30 minutes Posted Jul 27, 2026 at 3:02 pm.
Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
Meet Rich Medina from OnCore Filtration
Rich's engineering background and military experience
How Rich entered the swimming pool industry
Building filtration technology through engineering
Why filtration is the foundation of water quality
How cartridge filtration actually works
Filter media explained: point bonded vs. flat bonded
Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores
Why filter bands matter
The correct way to clean cartridge filters
When should pool filters be replaced?
Creating a maintenance schedule that saves customers money
Why turnover rate matters more than pressure
Final thoughts and takeaways
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1:30:25
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Show notes
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.
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• OnCore Filtration
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