How To Make A Pool Filter Cartridge

How to clean pool cartridge filters

If you live in the southern United states of america, you probably find solace in your pool during the warmer months of the year. Some days, it can seem similar the only way to savor time outdoors is to spend the day cooling off in your home'southward backyard puddle.

Still, though, as much as we use our backyard pools, information technology'south like shooting fish in a barrel to take them for granted. Especially during the summertime months, nosotros want to assume our pools will be clean and ready to use at a moment'southward notice. While information technology's safe to presume the puddle'due south filter volition keep it clean, many homeowners overlook the fact that the filter itself needs to be cleaned periodically.

How To Clean Pool Cartridge Filters

In this post, we'll discuss the types of filters you lot might be using in your puddle, how they function and how and when you should clean your filters. Read on to learn the dos and don'ts of cleaning your filter and everything y'all need to know earlier doing then.

Pool Filter Basics

Before cleaning your pool filter, it's important to know why it'due south important to do and so, the function it serves and how information technology works. A pool filter is simply a device that filters out, or separates, the water from the clay and other particles to go on your pool clean. Think of it like a pasta strainer: water filters through the holes while the larger pasta pieces remain in the strainer.

Most filters are comprised of cartridges made of not-woven, spun-bonded polyester cloth that creates a tight mesh through which water tin laissez passer through, but dirt cannot. This keeps your pool water clean. Over time, though, the dirt it traps begins to build up on the fabric. In one case this starts to occur, the material loses its ability to properly filter the water, or separate the dirt from the water. When this becomes apparent, it'southward fourth dimension to make clean your filter.

Pool filter cleaner homemade

Types of Pool Filters

There are iii types of puddle filters bachelor: sand, cartridge and Diatomaceous World, or D.E. filters. The chief differences between the three is the kids of filter media, which tin be found within the tank, each uses. No thing the type of filter you take, though, they all need to be cleaned periodically. Let'due south talk over each in depth.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are incredibly common among homeowners, every bit they are typically the easiest filters to use of the three. In a sand filter, pool water is pumped into the filter where the dirt and unwanted materials gets trapped in the sand. The sand is tightly compacted, thus, the pattern makes it hard for water to travel through merely even harder for dirt.

While information technology might seem counterintuitive, sand filters really work more than efficiently when slightly dirty. That'south because small particles that are left behind reinforce the tightly packed materials. Considering of this, sand filters should just be deep cleaned when the homeowner notices an increase in force per unit area, or when the filter's pressure guess reads a 7-10 pound increase over normal operating pressure. It should, nevertheless, be backwashed a scattering of times between deep cleans. A good schedule to follow for cleaning sand filters is doing so at least every flavour.

Replacing the sand in your sand filter, though, is slightly different. Equally such, it'due south all-time to contact your local pool professional to best make up one's mind the frequency in doing so.

When it comes time to aftermath your sand filter, you'll want to begin by cleaning the debris trapped by the sand. Exist certain the to turn the pump off before changing the position of the primary valve. Otherwise, y'all're likely to break a part of the filter. Once you've ensured that the pump is off, move the lever to the "aftermath" position to restart the pump. The pump will start running the water through the filter; the water volition run clear, and then dirty, so clear in one case again to indicate the bicycle is over. After this process, reset the valve back to its normal setting.

Keep in listen that this procedure does remove water from the pool, so be sure to check the water levels before you begin and don't begin the cleaning procedure if the h2o is already low.

How to clean pool cartridge filter algae

Cartridge Filters

Of the three filters mentioned, the cartridge filters have the highest capacity of all them all. In fact, these tin can trap twice every bit much clay and debris as a sand filter. It tin do so because it has a larger filtration area that allows the h2o to move through the cartridge easily while still trapping smaller particles. Despite its larger size, a cartridge filter is much easier to maintain. It's besides considered the nigh common and tin can typically be institute behind a flap or screen in the wall of your swimming puddle.

To make clean a cartridge filter, you'll desire to ready aside ample fourth dimension to exercise then properly. Showtime, plough off the filter system and begin to allow the air to bleed slowly from the filter by turning the air relief valve. Next, remove the clamp that holds your filter together and remove the peak section of your cartridge filter to see inside. In one case y'all've successfully removed anything belongings the cartridge in place, have out the cartridge elements and inspect them for any amercement. If there are whatever cracks or breaks in the plastic, purchasing a new filter cartridge is strongly suggested, as small cracks can significantly decrease a filter'southward effectiveness.

After you have removed the cartridge, coat the parts with a filter cleaner and follow the product directions for how long to let it sit down before rinsing it off. Then, y'all'll use a hose with an attachment to remove dirt and debris from between the pleats of the cartridge.

Once it's cleaned, place the cartridge elements back inside and securely place them where they once were. Be sure all cartridge elements are secured properly before turning on the system. After your system is running over again, release any backlog air in the system past opening up the air relief valve at the top of the filter tank until water consistently sprays out of the valve.

Cartridge filters are platonic for above-ground pools, and tin can, unlike the others, exist used in pop-up swimming pools as well.

D.E. Filters

Diatomaceous Earth Filters are dissimilar from the other 2 options in that the D.East. is the filter media itself while the other ii filters are made upward of various components. D.E. is an extremely fine powder or crushed rock that is "equanimous of chemically inert, fossilized remains of billions of microscopic algae-like organisms, called diatoms." Because D.Due east. filters are more meaty and can filter out smaller particles than the other two filters, it'southward considered the best choice for residential puddle filters. The downside, though, is that information technology's most expensive type of filter available.

Though backwashing is required merely once or twice a year for D.East. residential pool systems, yous'll want to go along an center on the pressure approximate to ensure you clean or change the system when needed. When the force per unit area judge falls below eight pounds, information technology means it's fourth dimension to modify it out.

Changing or calculation new D.E. is actually piece of cake to practise. Simply drop the new D.E. into the skimmer and the pump will suck the D.East. into identify. Keep in mind that the biggest mistake people brand when doing and then is not calculation enough powder.

Pool cartridge filter cleaning tool

Puddle Filter Cleaner: Homemade or Store-Bought?

Yous can purchase pool filter cleaner, but some pool owners cull to make their own. One method is to fill a bucket with warm h2o so that it's deep plenty for the cartridge to be completely submerged. Then, add one cup of liquid dish soap or dishwasher detergent for every five gallons of h2o. Allow the filter to soak anywhere from one to eight hours before you remove it and rinse it off with the hose.

Another way to make your own pool filter cleaner is to mix a cup of trisodium phosphate for every five gallons of warm water. Fill your container enough to submerge your filter. Allow your cartridge to soak for somewhere betwixt one and eight hours earlier you remove the filter and spray it off with water from your hose.

Pool Cartridge Filter Cleaning Tool: What Do I Need for the Job?

Many pool owners use a garden hose to clean their puddle filter cartridge, but there are also tools available to get in easier. Filter flossers, pool filter wands and water wand cartridge cleaners all attach to your hose to more than precisely direct water menses to get your filter even cleaner. Go on in mind that while some water pressure is skillful, too much can damage the fibers of the filter, so avert using a pressure washer to clean your cartridge.

If you lot want to take all of the guesswork out of cleaning your filter, you lot may want to opt for an automatic filter cleaners. These devices rotate your filter and evangelize sprays of water throughout your cartridge. The design allows the dirt and debris to fall out of the filter as it is being sprayed with water. Automatic filter cleaners come in several sizes and clean most cartridges in just a few minutes.

Can I Clean Pool Filter Cartridge With Bleach?

To remove a stain from a piece of wear, you might soak it in bleach, so does that hateful that yous can soak your cartridge in bleach? Companies that sell pool chemicals advise against doing so, since bleach can damage the fibers of your filters and thereby shorten your filter life.

Cartridge manufacturers offer a range of products to aid go on your filters make clean. Some puddle owners make cleaning solutions out of detergents or vinegar which are more gentle on your filters over time.

Clean pool filter cartridge with bleach

How to Clean Pool Cartridge Filter With Algae Coating

In some cases, you'll disassemble your puddle filter cartridge and realize that your filter is covered with algae. In these cases, you'll want to soak the filter in a solution of i part muriatic acid to 20 parts h2o. When the bubbling stops, rinse the filter. If that doesn't resolve the problem, you might need to soak information technology a commercially-available filter cleaner or a solution of one cup of trisodium phosphate to v gallons of warm water.

Why Are Filters Necessary?

Though it might seem similar an obvious task, cleaning your pool, and realizing the importance of doing so, is often overlooked by homeowners. For starters, unkept pools and filters can lead to more serious backyard problems down the road, and tin can ultimately crusade more homeowners more money.

A clean puddle is likewise essential for you lot and your family unit's health. The cleaner your puddle water, the less likely it is to contain parasites, waterborne illnesses and bacterias. The same applies to the surround. If your pool becomes dirty or contaminated, you run the risk of letting dirty water seep into your neighborhood'due south waterways and environment.

Trust ABC For All Your Pool Needs

Having a pool on your property is great, especially when you live in warm climates. Equally with most additions to your property, notwithstanding, having a pool adds a responsibility and added task to your routine maintenance list. Luckily, ABC Dwelling house & Commercial is here to help.Our team of licensed specialists tin ready any puddle-related problem, whether information technology's a faulty pump or filter or any other mechanical problem. We tin demonstrate how you can properly maintain your home's pool system or take care of your pool maintenance for y'all.We look forrard to helping y'all continue your pool crystal clear for years to come.