how to clean type d pool filter

How to Clean Type D Pool Filter

Pool filter is one of the essential equipment that helps keep your pool clean and clear. It helps filter out dirt, debris, and other unwanted particles floating in the water. But over time, it can become clogged, reducing its efficiency and causing problems with water circulation. This is where regular maintenance and cleaning come in. In this article, we'll discuss how to clean your type D pool filter to keep it working optimally.

What is a Type D Pool Filter?

Before we dive into the cleaning process, it's essential to understand what type D pool filters are. Type D pool filters are diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. They contain grids coated with DE, which is a fine powder made from fossilized diatoms. These filters can trap particles as small as five microns, making them one of the most effective pool filters available.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Type D Pool Filter

Cleaning your type D pool filter regularly offers several benefits. It can increase water flow and circulation, reduce stress on the pool's pump, eliminate the risk of clogging, and provide clean and clear water. It also prolongs the life of your pool filter, saving you money in the long run.

When to Clean Your Type D Pool Filter

It's recommended to clean your type D pool filter every six months. However, this may vary depending on factors such as pool usage, location, and weather conditions. You should also clean your pool filter after any surge in usage, such as having a pool party or during times of high pollen count.

How to Clean Your Type D Pool Filter

Cleaning your type D pool filter involves three main steps: backwashing, disassembling and cleaning, and reassembling. Let's look at each step in detail.

1. Backwashing

Backwashing is the first step in cleaning your type D pool filter. It removes any larger particles from the filter's grids, making the disassembling and cleaning process more manageable. To backwash, follow these steps:

- Turn off the pump

- Change the valve to the "backwash" setting

- Turn on the pump

- Wait until the water in the sight glass is clear

- Turn off the pump

- Change the valve to the "rinse" setting

- Turn on the pump

- Wait until the water in the sight glass is clear again

- Turn off the pump

2. Disassembling and Cleaning

Disassembling and cleaning your type D pool filter involves removing the grids, cleaning them with a hose or pressure washer, and soaking them in a DE cleaning solution. To disassemble and clean, follow these steps:

- Turn off the pump

- Open the filter

- Remove the grids

- Hose them off, removing any larger particles

- Inspect each grid, ensuring there are no tears or cracks

- Soak them in a DE cleaning solution overnight

- Rinse the grids with a hose or pressure washer

- Reassemble the grids

3. Reassembling

Reassembling your type D pool filter involves putting the grids back in place, ensuring all the O-rings, gaskets, and hardware are in good condition, and tightening the bolts, so they are snug but not over-tightened. To reassemble, follow these steps:

- Replace the gaskets and O-rings as needed

- Put the grids back into the filter

- Tighten the bolts, ensuring they are snug but not over-tightened

- Replace the filter lid

- Turn on the pump

Conclusion

Cleaning your type D pool filter is an essential part of pool maintenance. It ensures optimal performance, prolongs the life of your pool filter, and provides clean and clear water. By following the three steps outlined in this article, you can keep your pool filter working efficiently and save money in the long run. Remember to clean your type D pool filter every six months or more frequently, depending on your pool usage and conditions.