How to Clean Pool Filters Effectively

Maintaining your pool’s filtration system is essential for clean, safe, and sparkling water. Whether your pool uses a cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth (DE) filter, cleaning these systems is a fundamental task to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean each type of pool filter to keep your pool healthy and inviting.

Types of Pool Filters

1. Cartridge Filter: Uses a replaceable cylindrical cartridge made from pleated polyester fabric. It’s known for effective filtration of fine debris.
2. Sand Filter: This filter utilizes graded sand to trap impurities. Water flows through the sand bed, capturing contaminants.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter: A grid coated with DE powder provides superior filtration.

Cleaning a Cartridge Filter

Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks or when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi higher than normal.

Steps:

1. Turn Off the Pump: Ensure the pump is off and relieve any air pressure in the system.
2. Remove the Filter Cartridge: Open the filter housing and carefully lift out the cartridge.
3. Rinse with a Hose: Rinse the pleats using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Work from the top down, thoroughly cleaning each pleat to remove debris.
4. Soak in Cleaning Solution: For stubborn dirt or oil buildup, soak the cartridge overnight in a filter cleaner and water solution.
5. Reassemble and Restart: Rinse the cartridge well, reassemble the housing, and restart the pump.

Cleaning a Sand Filter

Frequency: Backwash every 2-3 weeks or when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above baseline.

Steps:

1. Turn Off the Pump: Shut off the pump and switch the multiport valve to the “Backwash” position.
2. Backwash the Filter: Turn on the pump to reverse the water flow through the sand bed. Let the water run until the backwash port shows clear water (typically 2-3 minutes).
3. Rinse and Reposition Valve: Switch the multiport valve to “Rinse” to flush out any remaining debris. Run for 30-60 seconds, then turn off the pump.
4. Restart in Filter Mode: Return the valve to “Filter” mode, restart the pump, and check for any leaks.
5. Deep Cleaning (Annual): If the sand becomes compacted over time, perform a deep cleaning by removing the sand and soaking the filter in a cleaning solution.

Cleaning a DE Filter

Frequency: Backwash every 4-6 weeks or when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above baseline. Complete disassembly is recommended twice a year.

Steps:

1. Turn Off the Pump: Ensure the pump is off and release air pressure.
2. Backwash: Backwash the DE filter for 2-3 minutes, similar to a sand filter. Repeat if necessary.
3. Disassemble and Clean the Grids: Open the filter housing and carefully remove the grids. Rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove all DE powder and debris.
4. Soak in Cleaning Solution: Soak the grids in a filter cleaning solution for several hours to dissolve oils and buildup.
5. Reapply DE Powder: Once rinsed and reassembled, coat the grids with fresh DE powder by adding it through the skimmer while the pump is running.

Table: Cleaning Schedule Summary

Regular cleaning of your pool filters is crucial for maintaining water clarity and extending the life of your filtration system. Following these cleaning schedules and instructions will ensure your pool filter operates at peak performance, providing you with a sparkling and inviting pool.

FAQs 

Q: How do I know when to replace a cartridge filter?
A: Replace the cartridge if it remains dirty after cleaning or if the fabric appears frayed.

Q: What type of sand should I use in my sand filter?
A: Use #20-grade silica sand specifically designed for pool filters.

Q: How do I determine when to add DE powder?
A: After backwashing, always add fresh DE powder to the skimmer while the pump runs.

Q: Is it necessary to disassemble a sand filter for deep cleaning?
A: No, deep cleaning usually involves removing and replacing the sand, which requires partially disassembling the filter.