how often should i clean my pool filter cartridges

How Often Should I Clean My Pool Filter Cartridges?

Pool filter cartridges play a vital role in keeping your swimming pool clean and clear of debris, such as dirt, leaves, bugs, and other particles. A clean pool filter cartridge ensures that your pool water stays healthy and safe for swimming. But the question is, how often should you clean your pool filter cartridges?

In this article, we will provide you with the information you need to know about pool filter cartridges, including how often you should clean them, signs that your cartridges need cleaning, and tips on how to clean your pool filter cartridges.

What Are Pool Filter Cartridges?

Pool filter cartridges are cylindrical-shaped filters that remove impurities from the water in your swimming pool. They are made of a pleated, porous material capable of trapping debris and particles as small as 5-10 microns.

There are different types of pool filter cartridges, such as:

- Cartridge filters: These are the most common type of pool filter cartridges and are found in many swimming pools. They work by trapping debris inside a pleated polyester material. When the filter becomes filled with debris, it is removed and replaced with a clean one.

- Sand filters: This type of pool filter uses sand to filter out debris from the water.

- Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters: DE filters use a powder made from fossilized diatoms to coat the filter element, creating a highly effective filter media. However, DE filters require more maintenance than other types of pool filter cartridges.

How Often Should You Clean Pool Filter Cartridges?

The frequency of cleaning your pool filter cartridges depends on several factors, such as the size of your pool, the frequency of use, and the type of filter cartridges you use.

As a general rule of thumb, pool filter cartridges should be cleaned at least once every two weeks during the swimming season. If you have a heavy bather load or if your pool is located in an area with heavy tree cover, you may need to clean your pool filter cartridges more frequently.

Signs That Your Cartridges Need Cleaning

There are several signs that your pool filter cartridges need cleaning:

1. The water is cloudy or hazy: If your pool water looks cloudy, it may mean that your pool filter cartridges are dirty and need cleaning.

2. Decreased water flow: If you notice that the water flow from your pool jets has decreased, it could be due to dirty pool filter cartridges.

3. Pressure gauge reading: Most pool filter cartridges come with a pressure gauge that measures the pressure inside the filter. If the pressure gauge reading is higher than normal, it may mean that your pool filter cartridges need cleaning.

4. Increased chemical use: If you find that you need to use more chemicals than usual to maintain your pool water chemistry, it may be a sign that your pool filter cartridges are dirty and need cleaning.

5. Visible debris: If you can see debris on the surface of your pool or floating in the water, it may mean that your pool filter cartridges are not doing their job properly.

Tips on How to Clean Pool Filter Cartridges

Now that you know how often you should clean your pool filter cartridges and the signs that they need cleaning, here are some tips on how to clean your pool filter cartridges:

1. Turn off your pool pump: Before you start cleaning your pool filter cartridges, turn off your pool pump to prevent any damage to the system.

2. Remove the cartridges: Depending on the type of filter cartridges you have, you may need to unscrew a top mount or loosen a clamp to remove the cartridges.

3. Rinse the cartridges: Use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to spray the cartridges clean. Start at the top and work your way down, making sure to clean between the pleats.

4. Soak the cartridges: Fill a large bucket with water and add a pool filter cartridge cleaner. Follow the instructions on the cleaner bottle and let the cartridges soak for several hours.

5. Rinse again: After soaking, rinse the cartridges thoroughly with a hose.

6. Reinstall the cartridges: Once the cartridges are clean and rinsed, reinstall them into the filter housing. Make sure they are seated properly and that all clamps or screws are tightened.

Conclusion

Pool filter cartridges are essential for keeping your swimming pool water clean and clear. Cleaning these filters once per season is not enough for the average pool owner. Depending on your pool size, usage, and other factors, you may need to clean your pool filter cartridges every two weeks or more frequently. By following the tips we provided above, you can keep your pool filter cartridges clean and prolong their lifespan.