How To Clean A Cartridge Pool Filter
Step By Step Guide
Behind that crystal-clear water in every swimming pool lies an unsung hero—the pool filter.
The cartridge pool filter works tirelessly to keep debris, dirt, and contaminants out of your water. Without regular maintenance, your cartridge filter can become clogged, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to murky, unhygienic water.
If you’re wondering how to clean your cartridge pool filter properly, you’ve come to the right place.
This step-by-step guide will help you keep your filter in top-notch condition, improve water quality, and extend the life of your filter.
Understanding Cartridge Pool Filters
Cartridge pool filters are one of the most popular filtration systems for residential pools, and for a good reason.
These filters use cylindrical cartridges made of pleated polyester or similar material to capture dirt and debris as water flows through. Unlike sand filters or DE (diatomaceous earth) filters, cartridge filters are low maintenance, highly efficient, and eco-friendly since they don’t require backwashing.
A well-maintained cartridge pool filter can handle even fine particles, ensuring pristine water throughout the swimming season. Maintaining a cartridge filter requires removing the internal cartridges and rinsing them with a garden hose or soaking them in a cleaning solution.
Signs Your Cartridge Pool Filter
Needs Cleaning
Look for these common signs that indicate your cartridge pool filter needs cleaning:
- Decreased Water Flow: If you notice lower water pressure at the pool jets, it’s a clear indicator the filter may be clogged.
- Higher Pressure Readings: A pressure gauge reading 8–10 psi above normal is a red flag.
- Cloudy or Dirty Water: Poor filtration often results in cloudy or visibly dirty pool water that is more likely to experience pool algae
- Visible Dirt and Debris on the Cartridge: If you can see dirt caked onto the cartridge, it’s time for a good clean.
Tools & Materials You'll Need To Clean Your Cartridge Filter
Before you start cleaning, gather the following materials to make the process smooth and efficient:
1. Garden Hose
2. Spray Nozzle Or Filter Cleaning Tool (Aquacomb)
3. Filter Cleaning Solution (Spray On Or Soaking Solution)
4. Large Plastic Bin Or Tote
5. Wrenches and or socket set
6. Large Channel Lock Pliers
7. Safety Gear (Protective Gloves, Glasses, Clothing)
Step By Step Guide To Cleaning A Cartridge Pool Filter
1. Turn Off The Pool Pump
Safety first! Switch off the pool pump and the pumps circuit breaker to prevent any unwanted surprises while you disassemble the filter for cleaning.
2. Release Filter Pressure
Open the pressure relief valve on the top of your pool filter to release any pressure built up inside your cartridge filter.
3. Disassemble Filter Housing
The filters need to be fully removed from the filter housing to clean them properly.
Start by locating the exterior tank clamp ring (around the middle of the filter) and loosen the nut completely until you can remove it.
Once this nut has been completely removed you'll be able to pry open the tank clamp ring and fully remove it from the filter housing.
Following the removal of the tank clamp ring you'll be able to lift off the upper portion of the filter housing giving you full access to the filters inside.
Then you can remove the manifold assembly and filter breather. Giving them a could rinse with a garden hose so they are nice and clean.
Finally you can remove the filter elements from the filter and you can begin the cleaning process.
4. Clean The Filter Elements
Now that you have taken apart your cartridge filter you can remove the filter elements inside the filter and begin the cleaning process.
We recommend first giving your filters a good rinse with the garden hose to eliminate the bulk of the loose stuck on debris.
To thoroughly clean your filters you can use either a spray on filter cleaning solution or a filter soaking solution.
For the spray on solution simply spray down each filter element and allow them to soak for 15 minutes or for the recommended duration on the cleaners product label. Then rinse the filters thoroughly with clean water.
For the soaking solution place the filters in a large bin and begin filling the bin with water. While the bin is filling with water add the filter soaking solution then continue to fill the bin until the filters are fully submerged. Allow the filters to soak for as long as the solutions product label recommends then remove the filters and thoroughly rinse them with clean water.
Both of these methods can be repeated several times until the desired results are met.
5. Clean The Filter Housing
With the filters removed from the housing now is a good time to clean any dirt and debris that has accumulated inside the filter housing.
Start by removing the drain plug on the bottom of the filter housing and allowing all the water to drain. Then simply use a garden hose to rinse out the housing chasing all the debris out of the drain on the bottom of the filter. Once you are satisfied with the results you can re-install the drain cap on the bottom of the filter.
It's also good practice to lubricate the filters housings large O-ring with a silicone based lubricant before reassembling the filter.
6. Reassemble The Filter Housing
Now that we have a nice and clean filter you can begin to put everything back together.
Re-install the filter elements ensuring they are seated into the filter correctly. Then re-install the manifold assembly back onto the top of the the filter elements.
With that complete you can replace the upper portion of the filter housing by placing it back on top of the tank. Then all that's left to do is re-installing the tank clamp ring and ensuring the nut is tight so the filter housing is secure and won't leak
7. Prime & Restart Pool Pump
Now that everything is put back together you can go ahead and Re-prime your pool pump.
Once you have your system primed and running as it normally should take note of the pressure on the guage on the top of the filter. You'll want to clean your filters again when the pressure raises by about 10 PSI at the same pump speed.
What Is The Best Way To Clean
Pool Cartridge Filters?
Do You Backwash A Pool Cartridge Filter?
How Long Does A Pool Cartridge Filter Last?
How Do I Know If My Pool Cartridge Is Bad?
- Rips Or Tears In The Filter Elements - Tears allow for dirt and debris to easily pass through the filter rendering them useless
- Damaged End Caps - If the plastic ends on the filter elements are cracked or broken that is a good sign the filter elements need to be replaced
- High Filter Pressure - High filter pressure after thoroughly cleaning the filter elements is a good indicator that the pours of the filter elements are plugged and can no longer be cleaned
Conclusion
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