Every homeowner should know how important their pool filter is. As a part of your pools circulatory system, the pool filter helps ensure that dirt and debris are screened out of the pool water. It aids in overall water flow and keeps your pool clean and safe to swim in. Keep reading to learn how to properly clean your swimming pool filter.
How do you Properly Clean a Pool Filter?
How do you properly clean a pool filter? The answer depends greatly on the type of filter you already have. There are three main pools filters to have in your swimming pool. The DE filter, Sand Filter, or a cartridge filter. However, the one thing they all have in common is how you begin to clean them. Start with a clean filter, take a reading, then clean the pool filter when the pressure rises about 10 psi. In other words, your filter will let you know when it needs a cleaning based on the rise in pressure.
DE, aka Diatomaceous Earth, Filters
Almost always, DE filters will need to be back-washed after about one to three months. Once a year the whole pool filter will need to be taken apart and thoroughly cleaned. If your pool is in use all year round, for instance if you live in a very warm area, the DE filter will need a full cleaning at least twice a year. How is a DE filter cleaned? Simply back-wash it! Again, you will know you need to back wash when the pressure in your filter has risen 5 to 10 psi.
Cartridge Filters
Typically a cartridge filter requires cleaning every two to six weeks. The efficiency of the filter depends greatly on the water flow it is receiving. Too much water flow can decrease the cartridge life and thus send debris back into the swimming pool. So regularly check the water flow. On the outside of the filter, you will find a maximum pressure reading label. Be sure that your filter does not exceed this pressure. How do you clean a cartridge filter? Simply remove the filter and wash off any debris with a hose. Don’t worry if the filter isn’t perfectly white. Once the filter is properly rinsed, you will need to soak it in a cleaning solution for about twelve hours. These solutions can be purchased at your local pool supply or on amazon.
Sand Filters
Typically a sand filter requires cleaning every one to four weeks. Like the other two filters it needs to be cleaned when the pressure rises 5-10 psi. Of course, you need to take a reading when the filter is clean. Something to keep in mind , if you have a painted pool, you should remove and replace the sand once a year. However, if not, you only need to change the sand about every five years. How do you clean a sand filter? Simply backwash! Since sand filters do not lose any of the filtering material during back-washing, so there’s no need to refill it.
All in all , cleaning your pool filter is absolutely necessary ! It does not have to be hard or complicated, in fact you now know how easy it is!
