How to Clean Different Pool Filters

All swimming pools require filters to ensure clean pool water. Without the best pool filtration system, water will get dangerous, unclean, and even dirty. Pool filters come in three different types: cartridge, diatomaceous earth (D.E), and sand. Your favorite kind of filter for your backyard oasis can impact factors such as the effectiveness of the filter, how often you should clean your pool, and how it is maintained.

In addition to ensuring the water stays clean, the pool filters also ensure the even distribution of pool chemicals. The filter works hard and will require similar attention to that which you provide for the rest of the swimming pool. It will help it run more efficiently and for longer hours. This, in turn, saves you time, energy, and money.

Reasons for cleaning pool filters

Pool filters are essential to help keep a backyard pool healthy and clean. No matter the type of your favorite filtration system, it gets rid of bigger particles such as insects, hair, and dirt from your pool water. They also remove finer particles such as bacteria and other pollutants. A filter will trap and hold all the particles, ensuring they stay out of your pool water.

The pool filter also helps distribute chemicals in pool water evenly so that the water is more consistent and healthier.

Because the filter ends up trapping all that debris and dirt, it’s best to clean it up frequently. This will help trap the pollutants and remove them from the pool altogether. With no regular clean-up, your pool’s water filter can clog up like a vacuum cleaner’s air filter and not function properly.

Remember to keep all the important supplies readily available to clean up the cartridge, D.E., or san filter properly.

Different types of pool filters

• Diatomaceous Filter (DE Filter)
• Cartridge Filter
• Sand Filter

Cleaning a Diatomaceous Filter

Cleaning a Diatomaceous Filter is the same as cleaning a sand filter; however, it is different when replacing it.

Supplies:

• Diatomaceous scoop
• High-pressure nozzle
• Garden hose
• Diatomaceous powder
• A swimming pool hose

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Backwash the filter
2. After that, open the air relief valve after you turn off the pump.
3. Make sure you remove the drain plug and allow the water to drain out of the pool pump.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to take apart the diatomaceous filter.
5. Remove every grid of the pool filter
6. Hose down all the diatomaceous from the pool filter with a high-pressure nozzle and garden hose.
7. Put the grids inside your filter.
8. Prime the pool pump by letting some water fill the strainer basket.
9. Make sure you place the lid back on and tighten up the bolts or clamps.
10. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for adding diatomaceous to the pool filter.

Cleaning a sand filter

Cleaning a sand filter needs backwashing. This looks hard; however, it is only a different filter setting.

Supplies:

• A swimming pool hose

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Turn the pool pump off
2. Connect the hose to the sand filter’s backwash port.
3. The multiport valve handle has a “backwash” option you can choose.
4. Switch the pool pump back on and let the water rush out of the port used for backwashing and through the backwash hose for a few minutes or until the water runs cleat in the sight glass.
5. Switch the pool pump off again and set it to “rinse” the multiport filter valve.
6. Switch the pool pump on once more and let it run for approximately 60 seconds.
7. Lastly, turn the pump off and return it to its usual setting. (Normally “filter”).

Cleaning a Cartridge Filter

Because cartridge pool filters are the simplest to clean, it will take you less time to clean them.

Supplies:

• Pool filter cleaner
• High-pressure nozzle
• Garden hose
• A 5-gallon bucket

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Switch the pump off.
2. Allow the air out of the pool pump by gradually opening the air valve.
3. Detach the pool filter and take out its top part.
4. Take out the cartridge(S) and look for holes or tears (in case they require replacement).
5. Use your nozzle connected to the hose to spray the cartridge. Make sure you get in between the creases and get rid of all debris.
6. If this does not make it clean completely, it is best to use a pool filter cleaner. It is often mixed with water in a bucket. This is to allow the filter to soak overnight.
7. After that, take them out of the bucket and use the high-pressure nozzle to rinse them thoroughly.
8. Lastly, switch on the pool pump after replacing the pool filter and all the fittings.

Need Help Understanding Types of Pool Filters?

Contact Pool Surgeon The majority of pool owners understand the difference between the different pool filters or which will best suit their needs. Fortunately, you have a professional on hand who can help. Pool Surgeon has the experience to help you clean your pool. Contact us to set up an appointment and talk over pool filters that can help.