One of the most important parts to keeping your pool and water chemistry in good working order is to make sure that your pool filter is running well. Your pool filter will be comprised of either d.e. filter grids or filter cartridges dependent on the type of pool filter you own. You can check the current state of your filter by disassembling the filter tank unit and looking at the grids or cartridges. You’ll have to check with your original equipment manufacturer for instructions on disassembling your specific tank, however once you have the unit open, it is generally fairly easy to check the state of your grids / cartridges. Below is one version of how to clean your filter cartridges when they are ready to be cleaned.
If you are uncomfortable cleaning your cartridges, you can also purchase replacement filter cartridges. One of the cheapest, most reliable places to purchase filter cartridges that we’ve found has been Pacifica Pool Supplies.
Cartridge Filter Cleaning
- Rinse any debris from the filter with a garden hose and spray nozzle before the filter dries after you have removed it. Drying will allow the collected debris to set into the filter media, making it more difficult to remove later.
- Allow the filters to dry thoroughly, preferably in bright sunshine, which has effective algaecidal properties.
- Shake or use an air compressor to remove loose particles from the filter’s fabric. This can be done by tapping it on a surface, brushing with a stiff paint brush, or other means. Note that this step is in preparation for the actual cleaning, so getting it perfect is not necessary.
- Save the filters you would normally throw in the trash until you have several to clean. Because cleaning involves using chlorinizer and takes time, cleaning individual filters is not efficient.
- Prepare a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid to soak your filters. Use a solution of 1 part pool chlorinator to 6 parts water. Submerge the filters in this solution, then place the lid on the bucket.
- Allow the filters to soak to kill any microorganisms that are trapped in the filter media, and to break down any organic contaminants. One day is good start, but 3 to 5 days will provide better results.
- Remove the filters and rinse in a bucket of clean water. Agitate the filters by holding them at one end, and dunking them briskly in and out of the rinse water. You should see a cloud of rinsed contaminants coming from the filter.
- Hang or place the filters in bright sunlight and allow them to dry thoroughly. Any more dirt that is trapped on the surface of the filter should be brushed off, using a stiff bristled paint or parts cleaning brush.
- Seal the bucket you soak the filters in when not in use so you won’t have to add additional chlorinizer each time you clean filters. Some sediment will accumulate in the bottom of this bucket, but it doesn’t affect the usability of the solution.
- Mix a solution of muriatic acid and water to dissolve minerals that accumulate in the filter media, reducing the rate water can pass through the filter. Use another clean bucket with a lid that seals tightly. Add about 2/3 of a bucket of clean water, then carefully pour in enough muriatic acid to give you a 1 part acid to 10 parts water solution. In a typical 5 gallon bucket, this means about 3 gallons of water to 1 1/2 quarts acid.
- Soak your filters in the acid solution until it quits bubbling. The bubbles are an indication the acid is reacting with the mineral deposits, and when the bubbling has quit, the minerals should be dissolved.
- Seal this container when you are finished with it. If you keep your containers sealed tightly, the chemicals (either the acid or chlorinizer) will not weaken and may be reused for several cleanings. Allowing the containers to remain open will allow the chlorine to evaporate out of your solution, rendering it useless in a short time.
- Rinse the acid cleaned filters with plenty of fresh water, then allow them to dry, shake any remaining collected dirt from the pleats, and they are ready either to proceed to chlorine soaking, or if this step has followed the chlorine soaking, they are ready for reuse in your pool.
- Reuse your cleaned filters.