A clean pool filter is essential for keeping your pool clean and healthy. It helps to remove debris, dirt, and other contaminants from the water, making it safe for swimming. By taking the time to properly maintain your pool filter, you can ensure that your pool remains clean and inviting for years to come
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What is a Pool Filter and Why is it Important?
All pools have a filtration system. Without filtration, your pool will become green and unusable no matter the number of chemicals you add to the water. Even if you filter the water before filling the pool particles of non-organic and organic material will enter the water. Every time you swim in the pool you’re adding a whole host of bacteria and non-organic matter into the water.
Anytime the wind blows the air is carrying all sorts of materials that enter the water. If it comes from you or somewhere else this material is food for bacteria and algae to grow in your pool water. Chemicals like chlorine or enzymes can break this material down but without a filter, it will not be removed from the water and remains as food causing outbreaks of dangerous bacteria or algae.
Three types of filtration
Pool filtration systems can be complex or relatively simple. There are three basic types of filtration systems. These are:
- Cartridge
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
- Sand
How Filters Work
Filters work by sending water through some type of medium that will collect harmful debris or bacteria. Each of the types listed above has different filtering capabilities. Filtering capability is basically defined as the size of material that can pass through the filter. The larger the size the lower the filtration capability. The smaller the size the better the filter.
- Sand tends to be the most economical, but these also have the lowest filtering capability. It is economical because a sand filter will last the longest, and sand is very cheap to replace. You’ll need to replace the sand every 2 to 5 years. The cost for the new sand is about the same as sandbox sand.
- Cartridge filters are very popular and they are about middle of the road as far as filtration capability goes, although if you’re willing to spend a little more you can get very close to the DE filters ability. The big advantage of cartridge filters is the ease of maintenance. The cartridges are very simple to remove and monthly cleaning requires just a good spray with a hose. Unfortunately, a cartridge should be replaced at least once per year and more if you are not cleaning regularly. The cost of a new cartridge is 150 to $300.
- DE provides the best filtration capability. It also tends to be the most expensive and complicated. But rather than taking the filter apart and pulling the cartridge out, you can simply backwash which means just moving the multi-port valve, and then adding new DE.
Why Failing to Maintain Your Pool Filter Can be Costly
Each of the types of filters listed above has a maintenance and cleaning schedule that is important to follow. Not following this schedule will result in a number of unwanted conditions.
- The first is unsanitary water. If the filter is not cleaned properly it will continue to inject material and bacteria into the water.
- In all cases, if the filter is not maintained it will wear out sooner than expected and this will increase the cost and you’ll be changing the filters more than you would need to.
- A dirty filter reduces water flow. Because there is less water flow through the filter this allows bacteria more time to grow.
- Increased pressure in a dirty filter restricts flow in the system and this raises water pressure. This makes the system work harder. The pump has to work harder to move water through the filter, o-rings are wearing out sooner and there is the possibility of complete equipment failure.
Simple DIY Pool Filter Cleaning Tips
Cleaning Sand Filters
- Turn off pump
- Leave return lines open
- Make sure the pump basket is clean
- Set the Multiport valve to backwash mode
- Turn the pump on and leave it in the backwash for 1 minute
- Turn off the pump and set multiport clockwise to rinse
- Turn the pump on and keep the system in rinse for 45 seconds
- Repeat steps 4-7 3 times.
- After 3 times turn the pump off
Set multiport clockwise to filter mode - Turn the system on and check the pressure on the filter note clean pressure and use this to evaluate when the filter should be cleaned again.
- In most cases, a 10 to 15 psi rise will indicate it is time to backwash again.
Cartridge Pool Filter Cleaning
- Shut off pump
- Open the air relief valve usually located on top of the filter casing you should air coming out
- When all air has been released, remove the lid.
- Check the condition of the seal/gasket, if it shows signs of cracking or looks flat it should be replaced.
- Remove the cartridge, set it on flat ground, and use a garden hose to clean it off. It is recommended to use an oil and grease remover to fully clean
- When the filter is clean, insert the cartridge back into the casing being careful not to pinch the air hose
- Close the lid and make sure the air valve is left open
- Turn on pump
- Wait for the air to escape and water starts to come out.
- Close the air relief valve, and note the pressure on the gauge. This is the clean filter pressure.
- When you see a 10 to 15 psi rise in pressure above clean pressure this indicates it is time to clean the filter again.
DE Pool Filter Cleaning
- Turn off pump
- Multiport valve to backwash mode
- Turn the pump on and leave it in the backwash for 1 minute
- Turn off the pump and set multiport clockwise to rinse
- Turn the pump on and keep the system in rinse mode for 45 seconds
- Repeat steps 4-7 3 times.
After 3 times turn the pump off - Set multiport clockwise to filter mode
- Turn the system on
- Slowly and steadily add diatomaceous earth back into the skimmer while the pump is running. The amount you’ll varies according to the directions listed on the filter
- Check the pressure on the filter note clean pressure use this to evaluate when the filter should be cleaned again. In most cases, a 10 to 15 psi rise will indicate it is time to backwash again.
Common Mistakes Made When Cleaning & Maintaining Swimming Pool Filters
There are many good reasons to keep your filter clean that include extending the life of the filter and components, reducing chemicals needed to keep the pool clean, and reducing wear and tear on pool equipment.
The most common mistakes made when cleaning and maintaining swimming pool filters include:
- not regularly checking the filter,
- not properly backwashing the filter
- not properly maintaining chemical levels in the pool
- not replacing worn-out parts.
Not Conducting The Annual or Bi-Annual Deep Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important but, a deep cleaing (bi-annually for cartridge, and annually for sand or DE), makes the reguar cleanings more effective and can dramatically extend the life of the filter.
Deep cleaning means the complete breakdown of the filter and acid washing of the key components and inspecting all seals and o-rings. The reason a deep cleaining is important is over time particles accumulate on the filter medium that regular cleanings do not disloge eventually they become a problem and can damage the filter or introduce bacteria into the water. In addition o-rings and seals can be inspected that would not normally be looked at during normal cleanings.
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