how often should a cartridge pool filter be cleaned

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Introduction

Pool maintenance is an essential aspect of owning a pool, whether it is at your home or a community center. One important aspect of pool maintenance is cleaning the pool filter. There are different types of pool filters, such as sand filters and cartridge filters. In this article, we will take a closer look at cartridge filters, and discuss how often they should be cleaned.

Understanding Cartridge Pool Filters

Cartridge pool filters are a popular choice among pool owners because they are easy to maintain, affordable, and offer excellent filtration capabilities. These filters are made up of a paper-like material, with pleats that help trap debris and contaminants as water flows through them. The filter cartridge is housed inside a tank, and water is pumped through the cartridge, trapping debris along the way.

Frequency of Cleaning

One of the most common questions pool owners have is how often they should clean the cartridge pool filter. The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the size of the pool, the frequency of pool use, and the amount of debris and contaminants in the pool.

1. Pool Volume and Frequency of Use

The volume of your pool and the frequency of pool use are two important factors to consider when determining how often you need to clean your pool filter. If you have a large pool that is used frequently, you may need to clean your pool filter more often than a smaller pool that is only used occasionally.

2. Debris and Contaminants in the Pool

The amount of debris and contaminants in the pool also influences how often you need to clean the pool filter. If your pool is located near trees or in an area with high winds, you may have more debris in your pool than a pool that is located in a more protected area.

3. Filter Pressure

Another way to determine when it’s time to clean your pool filter is to monitor the filter pressure. When the filter pressure rises above the recommended range, it’s an indication that the filter is dirty and needs to be cleaned. The recommended range for filter pressure is typically around 8 to 10 PSI.

4. Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Finally, the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific pool filter should be taken into consideration. Different manufacturers may recommend cleaning the pool filter at different intervals. It’s essential to follow their guidelines to ensure that your filter works efficiently and effectively.

How to Clean a Cartridge Pool Filter

Now that we’ve discussed how often a cartridge pool filter should be cleaned, let’s take a look at how to clean the filter.

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump

The first step in cleaning a cartridge pool filter is to turn off the pool pump and electrical supply to the system.

Step 2: Remove the filter cartridge

Next, remove the filter cartridge from its housing. Be careful not to damage the cartridge during removal.

Step 3: Hose down the cartridge

Using a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle, thoroughly hose down the cartridge, removing debris and contaminants from the cartridge pleats.

Step 4: Soak the cartridge

After hosing down the cartridge, it’s recommended to soak the filter in a filter cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is designed to break down any dirt or oils that may have accumulated on the cartridge.

Step 5: Rinse the cartridge

After soaking the cartridge, rinse it off again with the garden hose to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

Step 6: Reinstall the filter cartridge

Finally, reinstall the filter cartridge back into its housing, ensuring it is correctly aligned and securely placed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning a cartridge pool filter is an essential aspect of pool maintenance. The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, such as pool volume, frequency of use, debris and contaminants in the pool, filter pressure, and manufacturer's guidelines. It's essential to clean the filter correctly to ensure it works effectively and efficiently. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to avoid damaging the pool filter.