A pool pump and filter system play an essential role in any swimming pool, but maintaining and cleaning everything can be a hassle and sometimes even a daunting task.
With so many different types of filters, cartridges, and equipment it can be easy to get lost in everything.
However, fear not! From best practices and techniques, we'll show you how to clean a
Before you get started, you actually need to know what type of filter you are dealing with, so here is a quick breakdown of the different types.
Sand filters are becoming popular as a great mid-range filter option. They are shaped like a sphere or a large cylinder and usually sit beside a pool. As the name suggests, sand filters use sand to clean contaminants. These filters are ideal for most above-ground swimming pools, but they can also be used with pop-up swimming pools.
A cartridge
They are also easier to clean than sand filters, as the cartridges can be removed and washed with a hose. The ease of use, setup, and price make such filters very budget-friendly.
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance that is made up of the skeletons of tiny aquatic creatures called diatoms. These skeletons are incredibly porous, and when they are ground into a powder, they can be used to filter out impurities from water.
Diatomaceous earth filters are commonly used in swimming pools and hot tubs, but they can also be used to filter drinking water. When water passes through a diatomaceous earth filter, the impurities are trapped in the pores of the diatomaceous earth, while the clean water passes through.
While such filters work great, it's not the most budget-friendly, so you will have to invest some money initially to get a good setup.
While you can clean your filters yourself, it can take a few hours up to a day to clean your
Even the older model performs really well when cleaning a
If you however prefer to clean your
Ideally, I recommend that you have a few
Whenever you need to clean your
When you are cleaning your pool filters, filter cartridges, or the filter tank don’t use dishwasher detergent, muriatic acid solution, deep cleaning pressure washer, or acid bath, and always double check the appropriate amount of acid solution you used. The recommended amount is a water mix of one part muriatic acid and 2 parts water volume. Make sure to assemble the diluted solution in a large bucket and completely cover the lid and let it soak overnight. Filter cleaning should be done after you read the owner’s manual and clear out the other filter cartridge elements and filter housing. You should remove debris and small particles in a large bucket or trash can. Water sprays through the regular garden hose or the spray nozzle should clean algae and make it ready for the large trash can. Alternatively, you can use a multiport valve to deep clean the plastic trash and body oils.
A pressure gauge can be used to clean all the grids and all the debris, however, the spray nozzle or a steady stream is enough for filter cleaning. After you are done with the garden hose, release the air relief valve and use the cleaning solution to carefully brush every square inch of the dirty filter, filter housing, and pool pump. The cleaning solution should be designed for deep cleaning as stated in the filter owner's manual. After all water chemistry is sensitive to pressure increases and excess air. Release the air relief valve and use normal range pool water to rinse everything, including filter housing and outlet valves.
Sand filters and D.E. filters are cleaned more or less the same way with a few exceptions. For a better understanding of the cleaning process, check out the video by Swim University along with the steps down below. You'll get a clearer understanding of the whole process.
First and foremost you will need to switch off the pump and check the pressure gauge. After it is turned off, attach a backwash hose to your filter.
Turn the port valve to backwash position and turn the filter back on. You will see some gunk get flushed out. Let it run for a few minutes until the water becomes clean.
For D.E filters, let it run for about five minutes. After you are done backwashing, make sure to also open the air relief valve, and remove the drain plug, the filter clamps, manifold, and the grids/fingers.
After running the backwash for a minute or two, turn off the pump, and set the valve to rinse. You can turn it back on, and let the filter rinse for about a minute.
For D.E filters, rinse the filter tank and clean the manifold and grids/fingers which you just removed. After you are done, put everything back where they belong.
After letting the filter rinse itself for about a minute, turn off the filter, and set the valve back to "filter" position. That's it! You are done cleaning your sand filter.
For D.E filters, add some D.E powder, then safely put everything back in place and secure everything. You are done!
Please read the owner's manual as well as some filters might have little differences here and there.
Supply:
Tools:
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding when to clean and replace a
Depending on how dirty your pool filter is, it might depend, but generally cleaning it with a garden hose every 1-2 weeks is recommended, and a deep thorough clean every 1-2 months.
If you live in a clean neighborhood without much dust, leaves, or debris, then you may need to clean your pool filter cartridge every once in a while. A good gauge is to look at the pool cartridge and do an eye test. If it looks a little brown, it's definitely time to clean it.
If you take good care of a pool cartridge filter, it can last up to 3 years or even more. If however, you don't clean it often, then you are reducing its lifespan to 1-2 years.
Whenever you do wash the filter cartridge, make sure to be gentle so as to not damage the pleats.
How often you need to clean your sand filter will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your pool, the type of pool, and how often it is used.
In general, it is best to clean your sand filter every 3-4 weeks by backwashing it. However, if your pool is small and not used very often, you may be able to go longer between cleanings. Conversely, if your pool is large or gets a lot of use, you may need to clean your filter more frequently.
No matter how often you clean your filter, it is important to inspect it regularly and backwash it when necessary to prevent it from becoming overloaded. Usually, when the PSI of the filter tank is above 10-15, it means your system needs a clean.
The frequency of replacement will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the pool, the type of pool, and the amount of use.
In general, most experts recommend replacing the sand every three to five years. By following these guidelines, you can keep your pool clean and clear for years to come.
Depending on the size of the pool or hot tub, the filter should be backwashed every two to four weeks. Make sure to add some D.E powder whenever you clean the filter.
However, if you don't use the filter that much, maybe every month or so.
If you need a thorough clean, you can use muriatic acid, but make sure to wear something to protect your eyes and acid-resistant gloves.
The D.E grid or fingers should be cleaned two to four times per year.
With proper care, diatomaceous earth filters can provide many years of trouble-free operation.
With proper care pool owners can expect a D.E. grid to last for several years around 7 up to 10 years; however, if it becomes damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced in order to maintain optimum filtration efficiency.
Yes, owning a pool can be a hassle. From pool water maintenance, getting the pool chemicals right, to washing and cleaning your
If you own a Cartridge Filter system, then I suggest you just get one of the automatic cleaners like the Neoterics Blaster 3000 to save some time and energy on cleaning pool cartridges.
For sand or D.E filter owners, you could hire a specialist to do the cleaning for you if you have the money, however, if you prefer to clean your
Make sure to read the owner's manual, but after a few repetitions, you will get the hang of it.
