how to close pool filter

Author: PoolKing - Pool Sand Filter Manufacturers

Article Subtitles:

1. Understanding Pool Filters

2. Why Close Your Pool Filter?

3. Steps to Close Your Pool Filter

4. Reopening Your Pool Filter

5. Conclusion

Pool filters are essential to the maintenance and upkeep of a swimming pool. They help in keeping the pool water clean and clear by filtering out unwanted particles and debris. Officially closing your pool filter at the end of the swimming season is a crucial task that requires attention to detail. In this article, we’ll offer you a guide on how to close your pool filter and ensure you have a trouble-free reopening in the next swimming season.

Understanding Pool Filters

Pool filters are the key element in ensuring your swimming pool is well-maintained all through the season. They work in partnership with other pool maintenance equipment like pumps, heaters, and chlorinators to keep your pool water sparkling clean at all times.

Pool filters come in three main types, cartridge, DE (diatomaceous earth), and sand. All have their unique method of operating, but they are all designed to trap dirt and particle debris as water passes through them.

Why Close Your Pool Filter?

The need to close your filter towards the end of the season arises from the changes in temperature and weather. Extremely low temperatures could cause damage to pool filters that contain water, and so it is necessary to drain water from the filter to prevent damage that can be caused by freezing weather.

Also, by closing your pool filter properly, you ensure that no debris, dirt or other objects can find their way in during the offseason. If the pool filter remains open, it is possible for rodents or insects to make use of the filter as a nesting ground, which could lead to damage to the filter system.

Steps to Close Your Pool Filter

Closing your pool filter requires a step-by-step approach to ensure that no damages are incurred. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the pool pump: Switch off the pump motor and stop all water circulation through the filter.

2. Clean the pool filter: The first thing to do is to backwash your sand or DE filter gently. It helps to clear the debris inside the filter tank. In the case of a cartridge filter, you’ll have to disassemble it and clean it thoroughly using high-pressure water from a hose.

3. Drain the water: After cleaning, you’ll have to drain all the water from the filter tank. For sand filters, there is a dedicated valve that you can open to help drain the water. For DE filters, find the drain plug and take it off to allow for the water to drain.

4. Disconnect and Store: Disconnect the filter’s components that link it to the pool system. If you have a cartridge filter, you should disassemble it and keep each part in separate bags, taking note of the structure. A sand or DE filter can be disconnected using a multiport valve.

5. Seal the filter: Finally close the filter openings, this will prevent insects or rodents from slipping into your filter or pipes. Use a plug or gasket to cap the intake and outtake ports.

Reopening Your Pool Filter

Reopening your pool filter requires that you follow the reverse steps you took when closing it. Firstly, after disassembling the filter and getting all the components and parts ready, perform a thorough cleaning, and assemble the filter. Be sure to replace any worn-out parts during the reassembly process. Once you complete the assembly, reconnect the filter to the pool system, and open the pool valves to let water into the filter system. Don't forget to do a pressure test to ensure the filter is working correctly.

Conclusion

Closing your pool filter is an essential task that you should undertake at the end of each swim season. By following the steps outlined, you'll reduce the likelihood of future malfunctions and ensure that the filter components remain in great condition for years to come. Besides, closing your filter reduces the chances of sustaining damage from weather contaminants and is a requirement to keep your pool water crystal clear.