what can i use to clean pool filter

Author: PoolKing - Pool Sand Filter Manufacturers

Introduction

Maintaining your swimming pool’s filter is essential for keeping the water clean and sparkling. A dirty pool filter can compromise the efficiency of your pool’s circulation system, leading to problems such as algae growth and cloudy water. In this article, we will discuss what you can use to clean a pool filter effectively.

Types of Pool Filters

Before cleaning your pool filter, it’s crucial to identify the type of filter in your pool system. The three most common types of pool filters are sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. Each type of filter requires a specific cleaning method and supplies for effective maintenance.

Cleaning a Sand Filter

Sand filters use a bed of sand to trap dirt and debris from pool water. Over time, the accumulated debris can reduce the filter’s efficacy, and sand filters require regular backwashing. Backwashing involves reversing the water flow through the filter to flush out trapped debris.

To backwash your sand filter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the filter and close the skimmer valve.

2. Set the filter valve to the “backwash” position.

3. Turn on the pump and let it run for about two minutes or until the water in the sight glass is clear.

4. Turn off the pump and set the valve to the “rinse” position.

5. Turn on the pump and flush the filter for about 30 seconds.

6. Turn off the pump and set the valve back to the “filter” position.

7. Turn on the pump and let it run for several minutes.

Cleaning a Cartridge Filter

Cartridge filters use removable fabric cartridges to trap dirt and debris from pool water. Dirty cartridges can be cleaned with a garden hose or soaking them in cleaning solution containing trisodium phosphate or a cartridge filter cleaner.

To clean a cartridge filter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pump and remove the cartridge from the filter housing.

2. Spray the cartridge with a garden hose, starting from the top to bottom, to remove larger debris.

3. Fill a bucket or large container with water and add the cleaning solution.

4. Soak the cartridge in the solution for at least 8 hours or overnight, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Rinse the cartridge thoroughly with water and reinsert it into the filter housing.

Cleaning a DE Filter

Diatomaceous earth filters use diatomaceous earth, a fine powder-like material, to trap debris from pool water. Cleaning this type of filter involves removing and rinsing the DE filter grids and re-coating them with a fresh layer of DE powder.

To clean a DE filter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pump and open the filter air relief valve.

2. Remove the bolts holding the filter housing together and lift off the top half of the housing.

3. Remove the DE grids and rinse them with a garden hose.

4. Soak the grids in a cleaning solution or a mixture of water and muriatic acid to break up any residual debris.

5. Rinse the grids thoroughly with water and let them dry.

6. Reassemble the filter housing and add a fresh layer of DE powder, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion

Cleaning your pool filter regularly is an essential part of pool maintenance. Proper cleaning ensures the filter can effectively trap dirt and debris from the pool water, keeping it clean and clear. Depending on the type of pool filter, you may need specific cleaning solutions or tools. By following the instructions provided in this article, you can ensure you maintain a clean and healthy swimming pool throughout the season.