How To Clean Your Pool Filter

Pool maintenance is a significant consideration whether you own a pool or are planning to own one soon. Taking good care of your pool filter is an excellent step in effective pool maintenance.

Your pool filter plays a key role in maintaining the clarity and cleanliness of your inground pool. Proper pool maintenance ensures your swimming environment remains safe and inviting.

Understanding Your Pool Filter

Your pool filter removes debris and impurities from the water, ensuring a clean and enjoyable swimming experience. 

The three most common types of pool filters are sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Each type has its own maintenance requirements, and understanding these will help you keep your filter functioning efficiently.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential for all types of pool filters. For sand filters, this means backwashing the filter to clear stubborn debris that the sand has collected. During backwash, water is reversed through the filter to flush out contaminants. Cartridge filters require periodic removal and hosing down to eliminate dirt and debris. DE filters need backwashing and recharging with fresh DE powder.

Seasonal Pool Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance ensures your pool filter remains effective throughout the year. At the start of the swimming season, inspect and clean your filter thoroughly. This preparation prevents issues during peak usage periods. At the end of the season, perform a final cleaning and inspection before winterizing your pool.

Sand Filter Care

For sand filters, regular backwashing is essential. This process should be performed every few weeks or when the pressure gauge indicates a rise in pressure.

Sand should be replaced every five to seven years to maintain optimal performance. 

Cartridge Filter Care

Cartridge filters require periodic cleaning to maintain effectiveness. Remove the cartridge and hose it down to remove debris. Depending on pool usage, this should be done when the filter pressure reaches 8-10 psi above the normal range. If your cartridge still looks clogged or dirty after spraying with a hose, soak it in a quality pool filter cleaner according to manufacturer instructions and then rinse clean. This will help remove dirt and oils that are clogged in the cartridge media.

Cartridges should be replaced when they start to wear out, fray, break, or are not releasing debris during cleaning.

DE Filter Care

DE filters need regular backwashing to remove built-up debris. This should be done every month or when the pressure gauge indicates a rise in pressure of 8-10 psi above the normal starting range, whichever comes first.

After backwashing, rinse the filter grids and reset the filter with fresh DE powder.

Winterizing Your Pool Filter

Proper winterization of your pool filter is important to prevent damage during the colder months. This process includes draining the filter of any remaining water and disconnecting pool equipment to store in a safe and dry space.