do you need to backwash a cartridge pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Introduction:

Pool maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of the pool. The pool filter system plays a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness of the pool water. There are various types of pool filters like sand, diatomaceous earth, and cartridge filters. Cartridge filters are the most popular choice among pool owners due to their low maintenance and high filtration efficiency. However, a common question among pool owners is, do you need to backwash a cartridge pool filter? In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the necessity of backwashing a cartridge pool filter.

Understanding Cartridge Filters:

Cartridge filters use a pleated cartridge to trap contaminants from the pool water. The cartridge is the primary filtration medium in a cartridge filter. As the pool water passes through the cartridge, it traps dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Over time, the cartridge gets clogged up with debris, reducing the flow rate of water through the filter. Lower flow rate means the pool water takes longer to circulate through the filtration system resulting in dirty and contaminated pool water.

Necessity of Backwashing:

Backwashing is the process of reversing the flow of water through the filter, forcing the debris trapped in the filter to get dislodged and released from the filter. Backwashing enables the cartridge filter to remove more debris and increases the efficiency of the filtration system. However, cartridge filters work on a completely different mechanism than sand or diatomaceous earth filters, which require periodic backwashing. Cartridge filters, on the other hand, do not require frequent backwashing as the pleated cartridge itself works as a self-cleaning mechanism.

When to Backwash:

Although cartridge filters do not require frequent backwashing, it is essential to know when to backwash the cartridge filter. Signs that you need to backwash a cartridge filter are a decrease in water flow, increased pressure on the filter gauge, and dirty pool water. Generally, it is recommended to backwash a cartridge filter after every few cleaning cycles or when the pressure gauge reads 10 psi above the normal operating pressure.

Steps to Backwash a Cartridge Filter:

Backwashing a cartridge filter is a simple process that can be carried out without professional assistance. Here are the steps to backwash a cartridge filter:

1. Turn off the pool pump

2. Turn the filter valve to backwash mode

3. Turn on the pool pump

4. Let the water run for 2-3 minutes till the sight glass runs clear

5. Turn off the pool pump

6. Turn the filter valve to rinse mode

7. Turn on the pump

8. Let the water run for 30 seconds

9. Turn off the pool pump

10. Turn the filter valve back to filter mode

Conclusion:

In summary, do you need to backwash a cartridge pool filter? Although cartridge filters work on self-cleaning mechanisms, they do require occasional backwashing to enhance their efficiency. Backwashing frequency depends on the pool usage and the frequency of cleaning the filter cartridge. Overlooking the importance of backwashing can lead to clogged filter cartridges, dirty pool water, and pressure build-up in the filtration system. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the importance of backwashing a cartridge pool filter.