how to clean pool filter cartridge with muriatic acid

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

If you are a pool owner, you know how important it is to keep your pool clean and functional. An essential way of maintaining your pool is by cleaning your pool filter cartridge. A pool filter cartridge cleans your pool water by filtering out debris, dirt, and other particles. But over time, these particles can clog up your filter cartridge and reduce its efficiency.

One way to clean your pool filter cartridge is by using muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is a potent substance that can dissolve dirt and debris without damaging your pool filter cartridge. However, muriatic acid is also a hazardous chemical that requires careful handling.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of cleaning your pool filter cartridge with muriatic acid. We will also provide you with some essential safety tips to make sure you handle this chemical properly.

#1. Safety first

Before we dive into the process of cleaning your pool filter cartridge with muriatic acid, it’s essential to know all the safety precautions. Muriatic acid is a hazardous chemical that can cause severe harm if not handled correctly. The following are some of the safety tips that you should keep in mind:

1. Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling muriatic acid. These will help protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from harmful fumes.

2. Work in a well-ventilated area: Muriatic acid releases toxic fumes that can pose a risk to your health. Therefore, you should ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

3. Keep the acid away from water: Muriatic acid can react violently with water, causing it to splatter and release fumes. Therefore, keep the acid away from water sources, such as pools or hoses.

#2. Remove the pool filter cartridge

The first step is to remove the pool filter cartridge from its housing. Turn off the pool pump and relieve the air pressure in the filter tank. Then, unscrew the filter body from the tank and remove the cartridge.

#3. Rinse the cartridge

After removing the cartridge, rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose. This will help remove any visible dirt or debris from the filter. Rinse the filter from the top down to avoid pushing dirt further into the filter.

#4. Soak the cartridge in muriatic acid

Now, it's time to soak the cartridge in muriatic acid. Mix one part muriatic acid with four parts water in a large plastic bucket or trash can. Then, place the filter cartridge in the acid solution and ensure it’s fully submerged. Let the cartridge soak for at least 2 hours, but not more than 12 hours.

#5. Rinse the cartridge again

Once the cartridge has soaked for the required amount of time, remove it from the acid solution and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose. Rinse the filter from the top down until all acid residue is gone.

#6. Neutralize the remaining acid

Muriatic acid is highly acidic and can harm your pool's pH balance. Therefore, it's crucial to neutralize the remaining acid on your cartridge. Mix one pound of baking soda in five gallons of water and soak the filter cartridge for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the cartridge again with a garden hose.

#7. Reinstall the cartridge

After neutralizing the acid on the filter cartridge, reinstall it in the pool filter tank. Turn on the pump and run the filter for a few minutes to ensure it's functioning correctly.

In conclusion, cleaning your pool filter cartridge with muriatic acid is an effective way of removing dirt and debris. However, it’s hazardous and requires careful handling. By following the above steps and safety tips, you can ensure that your filter works correctly and your pool water remains clean and clear.