how often should i clean my cartridge pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Cartridge pool filters are a popular choice for pool owners because they are effective at removing small particles from the water. However, many people are unsure of how often they should clean their cartridge pool filter. In this article, we will answer that question and provide you with tips for keeping your filter in good condition.

Why You Need to Clean Your Cartridge Pool Filter

Over time, your cartridge pool filter will become clogged with debris that it has filtered out of your pool water. When this happens, the filter's ability to remove particles from the water is reduced. Not only does this make your pool water less clear and sparkling, but it also puts added strain on your pool's circulation system.

The filter itself can also become damaged if it becomes too clogged. When the water can't flow through the filter properly, it can cause unnecessary pressure on the filter housing, leading to cracks or leaks.

How Often Should You Clean Your Cartridge Pool Filter?

The frequency of cleaning your cartridge pool filter will depend on how often you use your pool, how often it is exposed to debris, and the size of your filter. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to clean your filter at least once every four to six weeks.

If you use your pool more frequently or have trees and other debris around your pool, you may need to clean your filter more often. On the other hand, if you use your pool less frequently or have a smaller filter, you may be able to push the cleaning interval to eight weeks.

Signs That Your Cartridge Pool Filter Needs Cleaning

Even if you have a recommended cleaning schedule, it's important to keep an eye out for signs that your filter needs to be cleaned before the scheduled timeline. Here are some signs that your cartridge pool filter needs cleaning:

• Poor water quality – If your pool water is cloudy or has a green tinge, it could be an indication that your filter is not working properly.

• Increased pressure – If your pool circulation system is struggling to keep the pressure up, it could be due to a clogged filter.

• Decreased flow rate – If your pool's water flow is decreased, it could be due to a clogged filter.

• Higher energy bills – If your pool's circulation system is working harder than usual, you may see an increase in your energy bills.

How to Clean Your Cartridge Pool Filter

Now that you know how often you should clean your cartridge pool filter and the signs that it needs cleaning, let's go through the steps to clean it.

1. Turn off the pool pump – Before you start cleaning your filter, turn off the pool pump to avoid any accidents.

2. Remove the filter – You will need to remove the filter from the filter housing. Refer to your manufacturer's instructions for your specific filter.

3. Rinse the filter – Using a garden hose, spray the filter with water to remove any loose debris.

4. Soak the filter – Place the filter into a bucket of filter cleaning solution or create your own by diluting a filter-friendly detergent with water. Soak the filter for the recommended amount of time on the cleaning solution's instructions.

5. Rinse the filter again – Once the filter has soaked, rinse it again with a garden hose to remove any remaining debris and cleaning solution residue.

6. Reinstall the filter – After the filter has been rinsed, replace it back into the filter housing according to the manufacturer's instructions.

By following these steps, you can ensure your cartridge pool filter is working correctly and keeping your pool water clean and sparkling all season long.