How To Clean Your Pool's Cartridge Filter
Pool owners and pool enthusiasts! Do you want to keep your pool clean? Are you looking for information on how to clean a cartridge filter? You're in the right place. Our blog post will help teach you how to properly care for your pool's cartridge filter so that it can last longer and provide cleaner water.
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There is nothing more frustrating than a dirty pool. The dirt and debris in your filter will clog up the water flow, causing your pump to work harder, leading to higher energy costs. Cleaning out the filter on a regular basis can help reduce this problem.
When Should You Clean Your Filter?
Cleaning a pool filter is important to keep it running smoothly, but how can you know when it's time to clean your pool’s cartridge filter? There is one main warning sign that your pool’s filter needs cleaning.
The PSI (pounds per sq. inch) reading on your pool pump pressure gauge goes up 8-12 PSI higher than the “clean starting pressure”. If you are unsure what the normal “clean starting pressure” should be, The Clean Pool Company recommends consulting your manufacturer's owner’s manual. If you cannot locate your manual, a quick visit to the manufacturer’s website may provide you with a downloadable copy. For example, click HERE to be redirected to the Hayward Pools owners manuals list.
What Tools Will I Need?
Not sure what you need to get the job done? Lucky for you, we made a list of tools that will make the process of cleaning your pool filter as painless as possible. To make sure that you are always ready to maintain your pool filter, be sure to keep all necessary supplies on hand so you’re always ready to clean your cartridge filter as soon as you notice it’s not working properly.
Tools Needed Include:
Access to Water
Water Hose with Spray Nozzle
Filter Cleaning Solution
Bucket (if needed)
Replacement Filter O-Ring (if needed)
Replacement Filter Cartridges (if needed)
Owner’s Manual (if unfamiliar with pool system)
How to Clean Your Pool’s Cartridge Filter
Make sure that you have turned off your pool pump at the breaker.
Bleed the air from your pool system by slowly releasing the pressure valve. The pressure valve is usually located at the top of the filter housing.
Remove the clamp of the filter housing, separating the filter from the holding tank.
Remove the top of the pool filter from the base.
Carefully remove the filter cartridges and inspect them for extensive damage or wear. If you suspect there are leaks or cracks in your filter, it's probably time for new cartridges.
Clean the filter using the spray nozzle attached to your garden house. Make sure that you are spraying at an angle so that you are clearing the filter of all dirt and debris. Make sure you are not using a nozzle that is shooting water at too high of a pressure. If you use a pressure washer - you can damage the filter.
If the filter cartridge is abnormally filthy, it might be wise to use a filter cleaner.
If the filter cartridge is extremely dirty, you are going to want to soak it in a bucket of filter cleaner overnight.
After that, you are going to want to check the O-ring on the filter tank. If it seems to be in decent condition, lubrication could help extend the life of the O-ring. If the O-ring is deformed or worn out, it's time to replace it with a new one.
Rinse the cartridges well.
Put the cartridges back in the filter and make sure that they are secured.
Place the filter top back on the bottom, and tighten the clamp back down.
Keep the pressure valve open and turn the pool system back on. Keep the valve open until you see water spew out the top, then close the valve.
Double-check that the PSI is back in its normal recommended range. If the PSI is off, you may have put the filter back together incorrectly. If you have double-checked and the PSI is still off, you may have a bigger issue on your hands.
Hopefully, this blog has been helpful and informative for you. If you or someone you know requires pool assistance in the Central Florida area, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We have been proudly helping the communities of Orange and Seminole County for years.
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