how to clean swimming pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Swimming is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable activities, especially during the hot summer months. However, keeping your pool clean and healthy can be a hassle, especially if you don’t know how to clean the swimming pool filter. The pool filter plays an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness of the water, preventing dirt, debris, and bacteria from building up in your pool. In this article, we’ll take you through simple steps on how to clean swimming pool filter and keep your pool sparkling clean and your family healthy.

What you’ll need

Before you get started on cleaning your pool filter, you should have the following tools and equipment:

1. Safety goggles and gloves

2. Filter cleaner

3. Soft-bristle brush

4. Garden hose with a spray nozzle

5. A clean container

Subtitles

1. Understanding your pool filter

Before you start cleaning your pool filter, it’s vital to understand the type of filter you have. There are three types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth). Knowing the type of filter you have will help you better understand how to care for it, as each filter requires different cleaning procedures.

2. When should you clean your swimming pool filter?

Your filter is the backbone of your pool maintenance routine, and it’s essential to ensure that it’s always in tip-top shape. Knowing when to clean your swimming pool filter is critical, as it ensures your pool water remains crystal clear and hygienic. To determine when it’s time to clean your pool filter, consider factors such as the size of your pool, filter type, and the frequency of use.

3. The steps to clean a sand filter

Cleaning a sand filter is a straightforward process that requires minimal time and effort. Here are the easy-to-follow steps to clean a sand filter:

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump and close the skimmer and vacuum valves.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug and drain the water from the filter.

Step 3: Open the filter lid and carefully remove the sand from the filter.

Step 4: Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the filter tank and remove dirt and debris.

Step 5: Rinse the sand with a garden hose to get rid of any remaining dirt or debris.

Step 6: Replace the sand, ensuring that it’s at the right level.

Step 7: Reinstall the drain plug and start the pool pump.

4. The steps to clean a cartridge filter

Cleaning a cartridge filter requires a little more effort and time compared to cleaning a sand filter. The following are the easy steps to clean a cartridge filter:

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump and remove the cartridge from the filter.

Step 2: Rinse the cartridge using a garden hose or a cartridge cleaner to dissolve and remove dirt and debris.

Step 3: Soak the cartridge in a container filled with filter cleaner for a few hours, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation.

Step 4: Rinse the cartridge again with a garden hose to ensure all dirt and debris have been removed.

Step 5: Reinstall the cartridge into the filter and turn the pool pump on.

5. The steps to clean a DE filter

Cleaning a DE filter is the most complicated process of the three types of filters, but it’s essential to ensure it functions correctly. The following are the steps to clean a DE filter:

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump, close the skimmer and vacuum valves and remove the drain plug.

Step 2: Remove the filter lid and invert the grids, ensuring that they are well supported.

Step 3: Use a garden hose or a cleaner to rinse off dirt and debris from the grids.

Step 4: Perform a backwash by turning on the pool pump and allowing water to flow into the filter and out through the waste port.

Step 5: Let the pump run for several minutes until the water runs clear.

Step 6: Rinse the filter again, and after cleaning, reassemble the filter, replacing any grids, seals, or parts that need to be replaced.

Conclusion

Keeping your pool filter clean is essential for the safety and health of your family, and also ensures your pool remains crystal clear and inviting. By following these simple steps on how to clean swimming pool filter, you can be assured that your pool will remain a refreshing and enjoyable place to spend time.