how do i clean a pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

A swimming pool is a relaxing and refreshing oasis in your backyard, but it requires proper maintenance to remain clean and clear. A well-maintained pool filter is crucial to the health and functionality of your pool. Proper cleaning of your pool filter is essential for removing dirt, debris, and contaminants from your pool water. In this article, we will take you through the steps to clean your pool filter.

Why Do You Need to Clean Your Pool Filter?

A pool filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in maintaining a healthy swimming pool. Its primary function is to filter out dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the water. Over time, the filter becomes clogged, reducing its effectiveness and making it harder for water to pass through it. If a filter is not cleaned regularly, it will cause your pool water to become cloudy and less safe to swim in.

When Should You Clean Your Pool Filter?

The frequency of cleaning your pool filter depends on the type of filter, the size of your pool, the environment, and the pool usage. An average-sized swimming pool filter should be cleaned every two weeks during peak swimming season. However, if your pool receives a lot of traffic or if you have a lot of trees or plants near your pool, you may need to clean your pool filter more regularly.

What Type of Pool Filter Do You Have?

There are three types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Each type requires a different cleaning method, so it's essential to know what type of filter you have before you begin cleaning.

Sand filters are the most common type of pool filters. They use sand to trap dirt and debris. To clean a sand filter, you need to backwash it. Cartridge filters are made of a fibrous material that traps dirt and debris. To clean a cartridge filter, you need to remove the cartridge and rinse it. DE filters use a special type of powder called diatomaceous earth to trap dirt and debris. To clean a DE filter, you need to backwash it and recharge it with new DE powder.

How to Clean a Pool Filter?

1. Turn off the pool pump: Before removing the pool filter, turn off the pool pump to prevent any water from flowing into the filter.

2. Backwash or remove the cartridge: If you have a sand or DE filter, you need to backwash it. If you have a cartridge filter, you need to remove the cartridge.

3. Clean the filter: Use a high-pressure water hose to clean the filter. Make sure to clean each pleat or fold in the cartridge or diatomaceous earth grid.

4. Soak: For a deeper clean, soak the cartridge or diatomaceous earth grid in a filter cleaner solution for several hours.

5. Rinse: Rinse the sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth grid with water until the water runs clear.

6. Reassemble: Reassemble the filter and restart the pump.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning of your pool filter is essential to keeping your pool water clean and clear. A clogged pool filter reduces the effectiveness of your filtration system and makes swimming unsafe. Make sure to clean your pool filter according to the manufacturer's instructions and don't forget to get your pool professionally serviced by a technician annually.