how often do i change pool filter

How Often Do I Change Pool Filter?

When owning your own swimming pool, maintaining a clean and safe water environment is crucial to being able to enjoy it to the fullest. One of the most important components to keeping your pool water clean is the pool filter. It removes dirt, debris, and other pollutants, helping to keep the water crystal clear. It is also a critical component for balanced water chemistry. In this article, we will discuss how often you should change your pool filter to keep it working efficiently.

What is a Pool Filter?

Before understanding the frequency of changing a pool filter, it is necessary to understand how it works. A pool filter is a device that strains and filters debris out of your pool water. It's part of your pool's circulation system and is connected to your pool pump. As water gets pushed through the filter, small particles are caught and trapped in the filter media. Clean water then flows back into your pool.

Types of Pool Filters

There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE).

- Sand Filters: These filters use sand as their filter media. Water is pushed through the sand, and debris is trapped as it passes through.

- Cartridge Filters: These filters use paper-like cartridge elements to filter out dirt and debris.

- DE Filters: These filters use a powder called diatomaceous earth as their filter media. The powder is coated onto grids inside the filter and traps dirt and debris as water passes through.

Each type of filter has advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to know which one your pool has to maintain it correctly.

How Often Should You Change Your Pool Filter?

Generally, it's a good idea to clean or replace your filter when the pressure gauge on your filter rises 8-10 pounds higher than the pressure when the filter was last cleaned.

- Sand Filters: Sand filters should be replaced every 5-7 years.

- Cartridge Filters: It is recommended to clean or replace these filters once a year, depending on how often the pool is used.

- DE Filters: These filters require the most maintenance due to their intricate design. They should be cleaned or replaced every six months.

Other Factors Influencing Filter Change Timeline

The above recommendations are for a pool that is used regularly as recommended (depending on gallons of the pool). Suppose your pool gets extended periods of heavy usage or has a high bather load. In that case, the frequency of filter change may need to be increased to maintain water quality.

Additionally, environmental factors such as high pollen, winds, storms, or nearby construction can also affect the filter's life expectancy. It's recommended to keep an eye on your filter's pressure gauge to catch any unexpected changes and to adjust cleaning cycles accordingly.

Conclusion

Knowing how often to change your pool filter is vital to maintaining crystal clear water and a healthy pool environment. Make sure to adhere to your pool manufacturer's recommendations on filter type and replacement, account for the number of swimmers and pool use, and adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly. Adequate and timely maintenance of your filter can save you money on chemicals, prolong your pool's life, and reduce energy costs.