How to Clean Your Pools Cartridge Filter

A bunch of filters are sitting on the side of a building

How to Clean Your Pools Cartridge Filter


How to Clean Your Pools Cartridge Filter

We know that pool maintenance isn’t the most exciting part of owning a swimming pool, It’s probably much easier to learn how to keep a splash pool clean instead! These are great for little tots, but as your kids grow, they’ll want something much bigger. If you can fit a pool in your yard, go for it! But make sure you know how to clean it properly!
Hopefully this guide will be helpful for you DIY’s. There is some good news, one advantage of having a cartridge filter is the lack of required continuous maintenance. Unlike a sand filter that needs to be backwashed multiple times per month, a cartridge filter only needs to be cleaned a few times per year. Generally, if you clean your filter at least every quarter, the life of the cartridge elements will be extended. Also, if you want to hire a cleaning service or plumbing service, you can search online for a plumber near me and scroll through options until you find the perfect service provider as per your requirement.

However, if you notice your pool getting dirty on a regular basis, it could be due to an underground pipe burst. That being the case, you may also notice a buildup of water around the pool area. If your pool is located inside your apartment, it can become even bigger of an issue. Furthermore, long-term damage to the pool’s water pipes may result in damp floors around the pool. It may also cause long-term damage to your home’s foundation. In that case, you probably might want to contact Water Damage Restoration Experts right away, as they may be able to vacuum all of the water from the floors and assist with the core fixtures.

Talking about the filter, when it needs to be cleaned, it can be somewhat of a lengthy and tedious process. But it is essential that you clean your filter element properly. The steps are simple and will show you how to effectively clean your cartridge filter.

  • When working with any pool equipment, be sure to shut the system off first.
  • There is a clamp or clamp-like fitting that holds your filter together. Loosen and remove this clamp. Now different brand filters may have different riggings, so if you run into any issues you can snap a photo of your system and show it to a Pool Supply Warehouse professional at our retail store.
  • After you have removed the clamp, you can take off the top section of your filter to bare the internal cartridge elements.
  • Depending on your brand and model, there might be something holding your cartridges together or in place. This will need to be removed as well before you can take the cartridge elements out.
  • At this point, you should be able to remove the cartridge elements. Give each cartridge a good look to check for any damage. If you find any cracks in the housing or tears in the pleats, we strongly recommend replacing the cartridge.
  • You can use a degreaser or similar cleaning products and coat the cartridge elements. Make sure you are getting in between the pleats of the filter element as this is where most dirt and debris is found. Usually you will need to let the degreaser sit for a short period of time to loosen up any debris.
  • Then simply rinse it off. It is important to thoroughly clean in between the pleats. You can use your garden hose and place a finger partially over the end to increase water pressure. There are also accessories that are made to rinse in between the pleats on the cartridge element that can attach to a garden hose.
  • When your cartridge elements are clean, simply put all the parts back in their appropriate places.
  • There is an O-ring on the filter tank that you need to check if it’s in good condition. If it appears dry-rotted or flattened it is recommended to replace it. If not, apply a bead of silicone-based lubricant over the O-ring.
  • Put the tank lid back on and secure the clamp or clamp-like fitting that holds your filter together.
  • Now time to run a system test. You should take a second look to make sure everything was replaced correctly and there are no leaks.
  • While running, open the air relief valve at the top of your filter to discharge any extra air. Keep the valve open until only water sprays out of the valve.
  • Once completed take a look at the filter pressure gauge on top of the filter to make sure the PSI is within your systems recommended ranges. Different brands may have different ranges, so if you are unsure what your systems range is, give us a call and a Pool Supply Warehouse professional can assist. If the PSI does not return within its normal ranges, turn the system off and make sure all parts have been replaced correctly. Then run another system test. If the PSI is still off, contact us and a Pool Supply Warehouse professional can help out.

At any point during this process you have questions or you would rather have an expert come out and service the filter for you, a Pool Supply Warehouse professional is available at our retail store or at 623-939-1346 for any questions.

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