How to Clean Your Pool Filter

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Pool Filter

Keeping your pool filter clean is essential to maintaining clear, healthy water. Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, each requires specific cleaning procedures. Below, you’ll find instructions on how to properly clean each type of pool filter to ensure it operates at its best.

1. How to Clean a Cartridge Filter

Cartridge filters are relatively simple to clean and maintain, but they still need regular care to perform efficiently. Here’s how to clean them:

What You’ll Need:

• Garden hose with spray nozzle

• Large bucket (optional)

• Filter cleaner solution (optional, for deep cleaning)

Instructions:

1. Turn Off the Pump and Release Pressure: Begin by turning off the pool pump and opening the air relief valve to release any built-up pressure in the system.

2. Remove the Filter Cartridges: Open the filter housing, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and carefully remove the cartridge filters.

3. Rinse the Cartridges with a Hose: Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the filter, starting at the top and working your way down. Rinse between each pleat to remove dirt and debris thoroughly. Avoid using a high-pressure washer, as this can damage the cartridge material.

4. Soak for Deep Cleaning (Optional): For a more thorough clean, soak the cartridges in a filter cleaning solution or a mixture of water and a small amount of muriatic acid (follow manufacturer instructions for dilution). Let the cartridges soak for several hours or overnight if heavily soiled.

5. Rinse and Reassemble: After soaking, rinse the cartridges again to remove any remaining residue, then place them back into the filter housing.

6. Reassemble and Test the System: Close the housing, ensure the O-rings are properly lubricated and sealed, turn the pump back on, and check for leaks. Close the air relief valve once the filter system is pressurized.

Frequency: Clean cartridge filters every 4-6 weeks, or more often if the pool is heavily used or if the water appears cloudy.

2. How to Clean a Sand Filter

Sand filters typically require a process called backwashing, which flushes out contaminants by reversing the water flow through the filter.

What You’ll Need:

• Access to a multiport valve (on your filter)

Instructions:

1. Turn Off the Pump: Ensure the pool pump is off before adjusting the multiport valve.

2. Set the Multiport Valve to "Backwash": Rotate the valve to the "Backwash" position. Avoid moving the valve while the pump is running, as this can damage the system.

3. Backwash the Filter: Turn the pump back on and let it run for 2-3 minutes or until the water in the sight glass (a small window on the valve) runs clear. This indicates that most of the dirt and debris have been flushed out.

4. Rinse the Filter: Turn off the pump, set the valve to "Rinse," and run the pump for another minute. This helps resettle the sand and prevents debris from entering the pool when the filter is switched back to the “Filter” position.

5. Return to the "Filter" Position: Turn off the pump once more, set the valve back to "Filter," and restart the system.

Frequency: Backwash sand filters once a month, or when the pressure gauge shows a 10 psi increase over the normal operating pressure.

3. How to Clean a DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter

DE filters require regular backwashing like sand filters, but they also need to be recharged with fresh DE powder each time they are backwashed.

What You’ll Need:

• DE powder

• DE scoop (for measuring)

• Garden hose

• Bucket (for waste DE if needed)

Instructions:

1. Turn Off the Pump: Begin by turning off the pump and releasing any air pressure by opening the relief valve.

2. Backwash the Filter: Move the multiport valve to "Backwash" and turn the pump on. Run the pump for 2-3 minutes, or until the sight glass water runs clear.

3. Rinse (Optional): Some DE filters have a “Rinse” setting. If yours does, switch to this setting after backwashing, run the pump for about 30 seconds, then turn it off.

4. Recharge with DE Powder: After backwashing, add fresh DE powder to the skimmer. Follow your filter’s manufacturer instructions for the exact amount, as using too much or too little DE can affect the filter’s performance.

   • Pro Tip: Mix the DE powder with water in a bucket to make a slurry before adding it to the skimmer, which helps it distribute more evenly.

5. Test the System: Once the DE powder has been added, check the pressure gauge and ensure the system is running smoothly.

Frequency: Backwash and recharge DE filters every 4-6 weeks, or whenever the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above the baseline.

General Maintenance Tips for All Filter Types

• Monitor Pressure Levels: Check the pressure gauge on your filter system regularly. A 10 psi increase from the normal level typically signals the need for cleaning.

• Lubricate O-Rings and Seals: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to O-rings and seals when reassembling the filter to ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks.

• Schedule Annual Deep Cleaning: Even with regular cleaning, it’s beneficial to give your filter a more thorough deep clean or even replace certain parts annually to maintain peak performance.

By following these steps and keeping a regular cleaning schedule, your pool filter will function efficiently, and your pool water will stay clear and inviting. Proper filter maintenance also extends the life of your equipment, saving you money in the long run.