how clean pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How to Clean Your Pool Filter: A Comprehensive Guide

As a pool owner, one of the most important tasks you have is keeping the water clean and clear of debris. A key element to achieving this is maintaining a clean pool filter. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to clean your pool filter effectively.

Why Clean Your Pool Filter?

Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s first talk about why cleaning your pool filter is so important. Simply put, a dirty pool filter cannot effectively remove debris from the water, leading to cloudy and potentially harmful pool water. Neglecting to clean your pool filter can also cause buildup, which can damage the filter itself and lead to costly repairs.

When to Clean Your Pool Filter?

The frequency with which you need to clean your pool filter will depend on a variety of factors, including pool usage, water quality, and surrounding vegetation. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you clean your pool filter every 6-8 weeks during peak swimming season. If you notice an increase in pressure on your filter gauge, this is a good indicator that it’s time for a clean.

How to Clean Your Pool Filter?

Now that you know the importance of cleaning your pool filter and when to do it, let’s talk about how to clean it. There are three main types of pool filters – cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE) – and each requires a slightly different cleaning process.

1. Cleaning a Cartridge Pool Filter

The first step in cleaning a cartridge pool filter is to turn off the power supply to your pool pump, and then turn off the pump itself. Next, remove the cartridge filter from the housing by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a garden hose, rinse the filter thoroughly to remove any loose debris.

Once the filter is rinsed, you’ll need to soak it in a pool filter cleaning solution to remove any buildup. This solution is available at most pool supply stores and is designed specifically for pool filters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the solution, and make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear.

After soaking the filter, rinse it again with clean water and carefully replace it in the housing. Finally, turn the pump and power supply back on and check that the filter pressure gauge is at a normal level.

2. Cleaning a Sand Pool Filter

Cleaning a sand pool filter is a bit different than cartridge filters. First, turn off the power supply to your pump, and then turn off the pump itself. Next, locate the multiport valve on your sand filter and select the “backwash” setting.

Turn the pump back on, and allow it to run for several minutes or until the water seen coming from the backwash hose to be crystal clear. This will help release any trapped debris in the sand.

Next, turn off the pump and select the “rinse” setting on your multiport valve. Turn the pump back on, and allow it to rinse for a minute or two.

Finally, turn off the pump, return the multiport valve to its original position, and turn the pump back on. Check that the filter pressure gauge is at a normal level.

3. Cleaning a DE Pool Filter

Cleaning a diatomaceous earth (DE) pool filter is similar to cleaning a sand filter. First, turn off the power supply to your pump, and then turn off the pump itself. Next, locate the multiport valve on your DE filter and move it to the “backwash” setting.

Turn the pump back on, and allow it to run for several minutes or until you see clear water coming out of the backwash hose. This is the result of excess DE being flushed from the filter.

Next, turn off the pump and remove the filter grid assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose, and use a specialized cleaner to remove any trapped debris. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaner, and make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear.

After cleaning the filter grid assembly, reassemble it and return it to the filter housing. Finally, turn on the pump and power supply and check that the filter pressure gauge is at a normal level.

In Conclusion

Maintaining a clean pool filter is a critical component of ensuring your pool water remains clean and clear. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your pool filter is in optimal working condition throughout the peak swimming season. Happy swimming!