how do you clean pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How to Clean a Pool Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have a pool, you know how important it is to keep it clean and well-maintained. One of the key components of pool maintenance is cleaning the filter. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, debris, and other unwanted materials. Cleaning your pool filter is essential to maintaining clear and clean water in your pool. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a pool filter.

Understanding the Different Types of Pool Filters

Before we dive into how to clean a pool filter, it’s important to understand the different types of pool filters that are available. There are three main types of filters: sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. Each type of filter requires different maintenance techniques, so it’s important to know what type of filter your pool has.

- Sand Filters: Sand filters are the most common type of pool filter. They use a special grade of sand to trap dirt and debris from the pool water. Sand filters require backwashing (flushing the filter with clean water in reverse) to remove trapped dirt and debris.

- Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters use a pleated material to trap dirt and debris from the pool water. These filters need to be removed and hosed down periodically to remove trapped debris.

- DE Filters: DE filters use a powder made from fossilized plankton to trap dirt and debris from the pool water. These filters require backwashing and additional cleaning with a DE filter cleaner.

Cleaning a Sand Filter

To clean a sand filter, you will need to backwash the filter. Here are the steps to do so:

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump.

Step 2: Locate the backwash valve on the filter.

Step 3: Turn the valve to the “backwash” position.

Step 4: Turn the pool pump back on and let it run for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Turn off the pool pump and turn the backwash valve to the “rinse” position.

Step 6: Turn the pool pump back on and let it run for 30 seconds.

Step 7: Turn off the pool pump and turn the backwash valve back to the “filter” position.

Cleaning a Cartridge Filter

To clean a cartridge filter, you will need to remove and hose down the filter. Here are the steps to do so:

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump.

Step 2: Locate the cartridge filter.

Step 3: Remove the filter from the filter housing.

Step 4: Rinse the filter with a garden hose, removing as much debris as possible.

Step 5: Use a filter cleaning solution to clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 6: Rinse the filter thoroughly with a garden hose.

Step 7: Reinsert the filter into the filter housing.

Cleaning a DE Filter

Cleaning a DE filter requires a bit more effort than the other types of filters, but it’s still a fairly simple process. Here are the steps to do so:

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump.

Step 2: Locate the DE filter.

Step 3: Remove the filter grids from the housing.

Step 4: Hose down the grids to remove debris.

Step 5: Soak the grids in a DE filter cleaner solution for 24 hours.

Step 6: Remove the grids from the solution and rinse them with a garden hose.

Step 7: Reinsert the grids into the filter housing.

Conclusion

Cleaning your pool filter is an essential part of maintaining clear and clean water in your pool. Depending on the type of filter you have, there are different steps to follow to clean it properly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your pool filter running smoothly and help ensure that your pool stays clean and refreshing all season long.