How To Clean Pool Filter | Ultimate Guide
Maintaining a clean pool filter is important to keep your pool water clear and healthy. Regular maintenance, whether for Cartridge filters, sand, or DE filters, provides proper filtration and increases the longevity of your pool equipment. In this ultimate guide, we’ll teach you how to clean a pool filter, how often you should clean it, and how to keep each filter type in good working condition throughout the season.
Importance Of Pool Filter Cleaning
Regular pool filter cleaning is essential for the best performance. A dirty filter reduces usefulness by increasing pressure in the pool filtration system and pushing the pump to work harder, which may result in costly equipment damage. Ignoring regular pool filter maintenance may lead to cloudy pool water, poor circulation, and increased chemical usage. Cleaning your filter on a regular basis will improve water clarity, reduce energy costs, and, most importantly, extend the life of your filter and pool pump, and ensure proper chemical balance in your swimming pool. By cleaning your filter regularly, you’ll:
- Improve water clarity.
- Reduce energy costs.
- Extend the lifespan of your filter and pump.
- Maintain the balance of pool chemicals.
How to Clean Cartridge Pool Filters
Cartridge pool filters are popular because of their simplicity and exceptional filtration qualities. When properly maintained, they can keep your pool water crystal clear while also extending the life of your filtration system. Regular pool filter cleaning guarantees optimal water quality and also helps to avoid costly repairs and replacements. Here is Step-by-Step Guide:
Turn Off the Pump
Before beginning any maintenance work, turn off the pump to keep the water flowing through the system while you work. This protects both you and your pool equipment from repair.
Release Pressure in the System
Once the pump is turned off, open the air relief valve on top of the filter tank. This step is required to relieve any built-up pressure inside the filter. Failing to do this can cause a dangerous burst when you open the tank.
Remove the Cartridge
To access the cartridge, remove the filter tank clamp or loosen the bolts that secure the filter lid. After removing the filter cartridge, lift the lid to expose it. Depending on your system, this could mean one or more cartridges. Carefully remove them without bending or damaging the pleats.
Rinse the Cartridge
Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to thoroughly rinse the cartridge from top to bottom. Make sure to clean between the pleats, where dirt, oils, and debris may collect. Avoid using a pressure washer because the high pressure can damage the delicate filter material and reduce its efficiency.
Soak the Cartridge for a Deeper Clean
For a more thorough cleaning, soak the cartridge in a bucket filled with water and a specially formulated pool filter cleaner. Allow it to soak for at least 24 hours to remove oils, sunscreen, and calcium deposits, which can clog the filter over time. If a commercial cleaner is not available, a solution of water and muriatic acid can be used, but be careful when handling chemicals.
Rinse Again and Inspect for Damage
After soaking, thoroughly rinse the cartridge to get rid of any remaining cleaner or debris. After rinsing, check the cartridge for signs of damage, such as rips, tears, or fraying. If you notice any significant damage, hire a professional for equipment repair and upgrades.
Reassemble the Filter System
Once the cartridge is clean and dry, replace it in the filter housing, ensuring that it is properly seated. Reconnect the tank lid, tighten the clamp or bolts, and make sure the air relief valve is closed. Finally, restart the pool pump and check the system for pool leaks.
How to Clean Sand Pool Filters
Sand pool filters are one of the most common and long-lasting types of pool filtration systems. They operate by filtering water through specially graded sand and trapping debris and pollutants. Sand filters can last several years (typically 5-7 years), and regular maintenance is required to keep them functioning correctly. The most important routine task is backwashing, which reverses the flow of water through the filter to remove trapped debris and restore filter efficiency. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean a sand pool filter, step by step.
Turn Off the Pump
It’s important to make sure that your pool pump is turned off Before starting any maintenance on your pool’s filter system. This prevents water from circulating while you adjust the filter valve, assuring your safety and preventing system damage. If your pump has a power switch or circuit breaker, turn it off. Some systems have a dedicated pump timer, which should be set to “off”.
Set the Valve to Backwash.
Check the multiport valve on the top or side of your sand filter. This valve has multiple settings, each designed to perform a specific function. To begin cleaning, set the valve to “Backwash”. This process reverses the flow of water through the filter, removing accumulated debris from the sand. To avoid leaks or damage, check that the valve is securely installed.
Backwash the Filter
When the valve is set to backwash, restart the pump. The water will begin to flow in the opposite direction, forcing out the trapped dirt, oils, and debris. Allow the pump to run for about 2-3 minutes or until the water in the sight glass shows clear. The sight glass indicates when the backwash is completed, and the filter is free of substances.
Backwashing needs to be done every 1-2 weeks or whenever the filter’s pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above its normal operating range. Weekly Pool Service could be a best solution for this.
Rinse The Filter
After completing backwashing, rinse the filter to reset the sand and prevent dirt from flowing back into the pool. Switch the multiport valve to “Rinse” mode. Turn on the pump and let it run for about one minute. This process removes any remaining dirt and levels the sand bed, preparing the filter for regular operation. Remember that rinsing is an important step that can’t be skipped after backwashing because it helps to prevent cloudy water from entering the pool.
Return to “Filter” Mode
Once the rinsing process is done, turn off the pump and return the valve to “Filter” mode. Once the valve is back in place, turn on the pump, and your filter will resume its normal operation, circulating clean water throughout the pool. Make sure the filter pressure gauge has returned to its normal range.
How To Clean DE Pool Filters
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters are known to provide the best filtration among all pool filter types. They can capture particles as small as 2-5 microns, which makes them ideal for maintaining crystal-clear water. However, they require more maintenance than other filter types, requiring regular backwashing and recharging with DE powder to maintain performance. Also, a deep filter cleaning process needs to be performed once a year to keep the system in optimal condition and ensure maximum efficiency. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean a DE pool filter, step by step:
Backwash The Pool Filter
Backwashing is crucial for removing debris and used DE powder that has accumulated on the grid. Turn off the pool pump to prevent water flow during the process. Turn the multiport valve to the “Backwash” position and restart the pump. Allow the pump to run for about 2-3 minutes or until the water in the sight glass is clear, indicating that the backwash is complete and all debris has been flushed out.
Rinse the Filter
Once backwashing is complete, rinse the system to remove any remaining debris and prepare the grids for fresh DE powder. Turn off the pump and set the multiport valve to “Rinse”. Run the pump for about 1 minute to settle the DE grids back into place and remove any remaining particles. This step is essential for preventing dirty water from returning to the pool after the cleaning process.
Add New DE Powder
After backwashing and rinsing, recharge the filter with new DE powder. While the pump is running, slowly pour the required amount of DE powder into the pool’s skimmer, allowing it to be drawn into the filter. The DE powder will coat the grids and restore the filter’s ability to capture small particles. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct quantity of DE powder, which typically ranges between 1-2 pounds per 10 square feet of filter area.
Deep Clean Annually
Besides regular backwashing, a deep pool filter cleaning must be done at least once a year to ensure peak performance. This includes separating the filter, removing the DE grids, and thoroughly cleaning them to remove any stubborn oils, dirt, or mineral buildup. To remove pollutants that are not removed by regular rinsing, soak the grids in a filter-cleaning solution. This process ensures that the filter functions perfectly throughout the year.
How To Backwash Pool Filter
Backwashing is an important process for sand and DE filters because it removes trapped particles by reversing the flow of water through the filter. Here is a quick guide about How To Backwash a Pool Filter:
Turn off the pump.
Set the multiport valve to “Backwash”.
Start the pump and backwash until the sight glass is clear (2-3 minutes).
Turn on “Rinse” mode for 1-2 minutes.
Return the valve to “Filter” mode and turn the pump back on.
How To Maintain A Pool Filter
Check the Pressure Gauge:
Regularly check the filter pressure, especially when it rises 8-10 PSI above normal. High pressure indicates that debris is obstructing water flow, indicating the need for cleaning.
Schedule Routine Cleanings:
Clean your filter on a regular basis—4-6 weeks for cartridges, 4-8 weeks for sand, and monthly for DE pool filters. This helps to maintain proper filtration while reducing pump strain.
Annual Deep Clean:
Perform a yearly deep filter cleaning and inspection of filter grids to detect and prevent hidden damage, which can extend the filter’s life.
Use a Filter Cleaner:
Use specialized pool filter cleaners to remove oils, lotions, and minerals that accumulate and clog filter pores, improving performance and water quality.
Frequently Asked Question
For cartridge filters, clean every 4-6 weeks. Sand and DE pool filters need to be backwashed every 4-8 weeks or whenever the pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above normal.
Pool filter cartridges typically last between 2 and 5 years, depending on pool usage, water quality, and regular cleaning. High pool traffic, debris, and infrequent cleaning can shorten a cartridge’s life, but proper maintenance and routine cleaning can extend it.
Backwashing allows you to clean sand and DE filters without removing them. But cartridge filters must be removed and rinsed manually.
The quantity of sand needed for a pool filter ranges from 100 to 200 pounds, depending on the size and model. Always follow your manufacturer’s instructions for exact recommendations that ensure optimal filtration and performance.
Cartridge pool filters typically last 2–5 years, while sand and DE pool filters can last 5–10 years with proper maintenance.