how to clean algae off pool filter

Pool Filter Maintenance: How to Clean Algae off Your Pool Filter

As a pool owner, you know that algae can be a real nightmare. You’ve got to keep an eye on your chemicals, make sure the pH is balanced and check the filter pressure regularly. But even with all these measures in place, algae can still sneak its way into your pool system. In fact, one of the most common places for algae to grow is on your pool filter. Don’t worry though, with a bit of elbow grease and the right tools, cleaning algae off your pool filter is a straightforward and simple task.

In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to maintain your pool filter and keep any algae growth under control.

1. Why Does Algae Stick to Pool Filters?

Before we dive in and explain how to clean your filter, let's first take a moment to understand why algae is prone to build up on pool filters. First off, your pool filter is a warm and wet environment where algae can thrive. Furthermore, your filter is a place where algae spores can often find a home. Once they settle on your filter media or sand, algae can root and grow significantly. If you forget to maintain your filter or if the chemicals in your pool aren’t balanced, algae can quickly amass, resulting in cloudy water.

As algae grow, they consume free chlorine, leaving fewer and fewer molecules available to sanitize your water. Furthermore, the increased weight and size of the algae can also strain your filter system and cause it to break down.

2. How to Detect Algae Buildup on Your Pool Filter

If you notice that your pool filter is becoming slower or weaker, this might be due to increased algae buildup. If your filter is clogged with algae and other debris, it won’t function efficiently. You may also notice that your pool has cloudy water even after you add chemicals.

To check if your pool filter is clogged with algae, you can monitor the filter pressure gauge. If the pressure gauge reading increases by 8-10 psi, it’s time to clean your filter. A higher pressure reading means that your filter is not providing enough flow and your water is not getting adequately filtered.

3. Clean Your Pool Filter with an Algaecide Solution

After identifying that your pool filter has algae buildup, it’s time to take action. The first step in cleaning your pool filter is to use an algaecide product. An algaecide is a swimming pool chemical that helps to prevent algae growth in the water. It’s an excellent tool for cleaning algae from pool filters.

According to EPA and CDC guidelines, it’s safe to use algaecides in swimming pools while cautioning that algaecides require careful handling to ensure compliance with safe use guidelines. Therefore, handle algaecides carefully and follow their use instructions closely.

To use your algaecide, mix the product into a bucket of water and pour it into your pool where you suspect there is a high concentration of algae. Run your pool pump for 24-48 hours after adding the algaecide to let it circulate through the water, break down and render the algae inactive.

4. Remove Debris from Pool Filter

After your algaecide has taken care of the bulk of the algae on your filter, it’s time to remove the debris physically. You’ll want to start by turning off the pool pump and isolating the filter from the rest of the system. This might require shutting off valves or removing specific components of your system.

Once isolated, it’s time to disassemble the filter and remove the filter media or sand. Be careful as it might be hot to the touch. Remove any visible debris, including algae, twigs, or other foreign elements – the finer your media, the smaller your debris will be.

Once algae and debris are cleared, soak your filter media or sand in a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water to clean the filter of any residual organic material. Be sure to rinse the media thoroughly before returning it to the filter.

5. Repeat Process If Necessary

If you notice that the algae buildup is returning, repeat the whole process from scratch, starting with the algaecide part. Catching the problem early is key, so be sure to check your pool filter pressure gauge regularly.

Conclusion

Cleaning algae growth from your pool filter may seem like a challenging task, but with an algaecide, some TSP, and a bit of elbow grease, it’s a straightforward process. If you keep on top of your filter and maintain the pH balance in your pool, you should prevent algae buildup from occurring in the first place.