By admin 
The filtration system is the heart of any swimming pool, responsible for removing impurities and ensuring the water remains crystal clear and safe for swimming. Among the various types of filtration methods available, cartridge filters have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency, ease of maintenance, and ability to filter out fine particles without the need for backwashing. However, unlike sand filters that can be cleaned by simply reversing the water flow, cartridge filters require manual disassembly and cleaning to function correctly. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to cloudy water, poor circulation, and increased wear on your pool pump. Learning the proper technique for cleaning and maintaining these filters is essential for every pool owner.
Understanding How Cartridge Filters Function
A cartridge filter operates on a simple principle. Water is pushed by the pump into a tank where it passes through a cylindrical cartridge made of a pleated polyester fabric. This fabric traps debris, dirt, and oils on its surface while allowing clean water to pass through the center core and return to the pool. Over time, the accumulation of debris clogs the pores of the fabric, increasing the resistance to water flow.
This resistance is measured by the pressure gauge on the filter tank. When the pressure rises eight to ten pounds per square inch (PSI) above the clean starting pressure, it indicates that the filter is dirty and the water flow is being restricted. Ignoring this sign forces the pump to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan and increase energy costs.
Preparing For The Cleaning Process
Before you begin, safety is paramount. You must turn off the power to the pool pump at the breaker panel to ensure it cannot turn on accidentally while you are working. Once the system is off, you need to release the pressure built up inside the tank. This is done by opening the air relief valve typically located on top of the filter tank. Wait until the hissing sound stops, indicating that the pressure has equalized.
Gather your supplies beforehand. You will need a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle, a large bucket or trash can if you plan to soak the elements, and a specialized filter cleaner solution. Avoid using a pressure washer, as the intense force can tear the delicate fabric of the pleats, rendering the cartridge useless.
Disassembly And Initial Rinsing
Remove the clamp or locking knob that holds the top half of the filter tank in place. Carefully lift off the top, setting it aside in a safe place. Inside, you will find one or more cartridges. Lift them out straight to avoid damaging the central manifold.
Take the cartridges to a washing area, preferably on a lawn or gravel surface where runoff will not be an issue. Using your garden hose with a spray nozzle, begin rinsing the pleats. The most effective technique is to hold the nozzle at a forty-five-degree angle and wash from the top down. This gravity-assisted method helps wash the dirt out of the fabric and down to the ground. Work your way around the entire circumference of the cartridge, ensuring you spray deep between the pleats where debris often hides.
Deep Cleaning With Chemical Solutions
Rinsing with water removes loose debris like dirt, leaves, and hair, but it does not remove oils, body lotions, sunscreen, or mineral deposits that bond to the fabric. Over time, these substances form a film that water alone cannot penetrate. This is why a chemical soak is necessary at least once or twice a season.
Fill a large plastic container with water and add a specifically formulated filter cleaning solution. Submerge the cartridges in this solution and let them soak overnight. This process breaks down the oils and dissolves calcium scale. After soaking, remove the cartridges and rinse them thoroughly again until no foam appears. If you do not rinse off the cleaner completely, it can cause foaming in your pool water when you restart the system.
Reassembly And System Restart
Before placing the clean cartridges back into the tank, inspect the large O-ring that seals the tank halves. It should be clean and free of cracks. Apply a light layer of silicone-based lubricant to the O-ring to ensure a watertight seal and to make it easier to open the tank next time.
Place the cartridges back onto the manifold, ensuring they are seated correctly. Replace the tank lid and secure the clamp or knob according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When you turn the pump back on, keep the air relief valve open. You will hear air escaping. Once a steady stream of water shoots out of the valve, close it. Check the pressure gauge; it should now be reading at its lower, clean baseline level.
Reducing The Load On Your Filter
While cleaning is necessary, you can reduce the frequency of this chore by minimizing the amount of debris that reaches the filter in the first place. The filter should be the last line of defense, not the primary disposal unit for large debris.
Maintaining a clean pool floor is the most effective way to prevent heavy dirt and sediment from clogging the pleats. Using a robotic pool cleaner ensures that the floor is scrubbed and vacuumed regularly. These devices typically have their own internal canisters or bags that trap debris before it enters your main plumbing system. By capturing dirt at the source, the robot significantly extends the lifespan of your filter cartridges and improves overall water circulation.
Managing Surface Debris
Similarly, a significant amount of the contaminants in a pool enter from the surface. Leaves, pollen, and bugs float on top of the water before eventually becoming waterlogged and sinking. If these are sucked into the skimmer basket and break down, they pass into the filter.
Automating the removal of floating debris is a proactive strategy. A robotic pool skimmer cruises the water surface, collecting contaminants before they have a chance to sink or clog your wall skimmer baskets. This reduces the organic load on the filter, meaning fewer oils and less biological matter get trapped in the filter fabric.
Identifying When To Replace The Cartridges
No matter how well you clean them, filter cartridges have a finite lifespan. Typically, a high-quality cartridge will last between three to five years. There are several signs that indicate it is time for a replacement. If you notice rips or tears in the fabric, the filter is no longer effective and must be replaced immediately.
Another sign is the collapse of the inner core. If the plastic structure inside the cartridge looks crushed or warped, it cannot withstand the water pressure. Finally, if you clean the filter thoroughly but the pressure gauge remains high or returns to a high reading within a few days, the fabric has likely become saturated with oils or minerals that cannot be removed. In this case, buying a new cartridge is the only solution to restore proper flow and sanitation.
Conclusion
Cleaning pool cartridge filters is a straightforward but vital maintenance task that directly impacts the quality of your swimming experience. By monitoring the pressure gauge, performing regular rinses, and conducting deep chemical soaks when necessary, you ensure that your filtration system operates at peak efficiency. Furthermore, by employing supportive cleaning technologies to handle heavy debris and surface contaminants, you protect the filter from unnecessary strain. A well-maintained filter not only keeps the water sparkling clean but also protects your investment in pool equipment for years to come.