Pool Filters: Care Tips and Tricks

The majority of pool owners rely on service technicians to clean their pool filters. Without a doubt, pool filter care is an essential aspect of pool maintenance. To avoid regular revamp procedures, pool owners should take care of their filters. But what are the best pool care tips and tricks? Cleaning and servicing pool filters vary depending on the type of filter. In this article, we discuss how to take care of various types of filters.

Whenever a pool has issues with its heating system or water clarity, pool techs begin evaluating the filtration system.

pool expert at Pentair, John Watt

Types of filters and the appropriate ways of cleaning them

Sand Filter Backwash

Typically, the backwash flow rate is approximately 15 – 20 GPM per square foot. So, pool techs should identify this rate before cleaning a sand filter. Watt states that an extremely low or high backwash flow rate is not a good sign. He says, “A low rate of water flow indicates the accumulation of dirt particles. In such cases, when you get rid of the loose particles, the remaining particles are likely to settle down on the filter. So, the lower part of the filter can get ruined due to the formation of calcrete. Calcrete results from the accumulation and integration of debris on the floor of the filter.

Additionally, when water is moving at a high rate, debris contained on the sand bed gets lifted. Then it passes into the filters at high pressure. This way, your pool filters can get damaged since water due to high water velocity.

Ryan Standage, the owner at Coconut Pool & Spa, states that “Often, we find damaged laterals whenever we inspect pool filters.” One of the best ways to clean a sand filter is by adding a small portion of the dry clarifier. First, turn off all the inlets. Afterward, add approximately 170 to 450 grams of dry clarifier into the filter. Allow it to stay for about five hours or longer. Afterward, turn on the pump and filter. The dry clarifier will thoroughly cleanse the filter in its backwash motion.

Although effective, the cleaning process of a sand filter backwash is both time and money consuming. In particular, changing a sand filter can take about eight hours.

D.E. Filter Backwash

The D.E filter backwash uses backwashing, just like the sand filters. However, the time used for backwashing is different. Backwash usually takes approximately 3 minutes. But in cleaning the D.E filter, 60 seconds are for backwashing, and another 60 seconds are for filtration. Pool techs should do this repeatedly for three consecutive times. While cleaning the D.E filter backwash, ensure the pump is off. Moreover, make sure that backwash occurs where there is a 10 psi pressure differential. Pool operators should clean these filters not less than two times a year.

Nonetheless, note that this procedure won’t get rid of oils from sunscreen and body lotions. Thus, consider using an anti-greasing agent. Also, avoid using muriatic acid during this process since it will retain grease for an extended period.

How to clean Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are basic filters put in place to get rid of debris and other impurities from water. The process of cleansing a cartridge pool filter entails various steps which include:

Hose off the filter

First, use a standard hose to water the filter. Avoid putting pressure on the filter since it could damage the filter pleats.

Dip and soak the filter in appropriate pool chemicals

The second step is to soak the filters. You can do this using purifying or sanitizing agents and muriatic acid. Pool techs or owners can get these pool chemicals from various pool chemical stores. During this process, a bucket of approximately 210 liters would be suitable. It is advisable to soak the cartridge filters overnight.

Repeat the soaking process

After soaking the cartridge filters, pass them through clean water to remove impurities. Afterward, soak them in clean water. Consider soaking the filters using chlorine to make them whiter. The soaking process does not have to end here. If the filters are not yet clean you can repeat the process.

Dry the filter completely

Before putting them into use again, make sure the cartridge filters are completely dry. It would be best for pool owners to have other cartridge filters to use in the meantime. Air drying cartridge filters are useful since they give the fibers time to fuzz up and become useful once again. If the cartridge filter does not dry completely, it can malfunction.

Don’t let your pool filter frustrate you

Anytime you notice your filter has a slight malfunction, consider cleaning it. Most pool problems result from a dirty filter. So, always have the appropriate pool equipment and chemicals near you.

Besides fixing a small issue, cleaning a pool filter facilitates longevity. Also, you will save a lot of costs on maintenance and renovation procedures. Ultimately, different types of pool filters require different maintenance procedures. Cleaning procedures of pool filters vary depending on the type of filter. Nonetheless, pool owners should clean their filters regularly.