How to Clean Swimming Pool Filter?

How to clean swimming pool filter? If all the pool filters did was to clean the dead bugs around with hair out of the pool, it still would be among the amazing inventions to have.

However, the pool filter would do a lot more, thus keeping them clean would be vital to get a healthy and safe pool for enjoyment. Here, we break down different pool filters along with the best methods to clean these, to get the sparkling clear and safe water that you wanted.

Irrespective of the pool filter you need to be sure about the appropriate ways for instructions provided by a manufacturer as certain brands would also vary. So, how to clean swimming pool filter?

Cleaning Sand Pool Filters

For regular sand pool filter cleaning, all you require is a backwashing system. However, cleaning the sand would be necessary at least once a year.

For cleaning sand pool filters you would require: Cleaner for sand filter

Steps for Cleaning Sand Filter:

• Backwash Filter for around 3 to 5 minutes.
• Turn the pool pump off and the set this to “filter”.
• Open pump lid, and also pour sand filter cleaners in strainer baskets. And follow instructions of the manufacturer for the right cleaner quantity.
• Turn the pool pump for 10-15 seconds for carrying cleaner itself in the sand filter.
• Turn the pool pump and also leave this for around 8 hours (or more, depending on the pool size).
• Backwash filter for around 3 to 5 minutes for removing debris dislodged with cleaner.
• Turn the filter system back for normal functioning.
• Check PSI in the system for ensuring that the filter works in a proper manner.

Cleaning Cartridge Pool Filters

For cleaning cartridge pool filters, you would need:

• Garden hose along with spray nozzle
• Cartridge cleaning solution for filter
• Five-gallon bucket
• A Spray lubricant
• Replacement O ring (for severe cases)
• Replacement cartridge (for severe cases)

Cleaning Cartridge Pool Filters:

• 1. Turn the filter and pool pump off, while slowly releasing air through the system.

• 2. Follow instructions from the manufacturer and open the pool filter while removing the cartridge.

• 3. Inspect the cartridge for damages. Replacement would be necessary in case of damage.

• 4. Using garden hose spray nozzle for cleaning cartridge, rinsing between pleats. Also apply less water pressure or significant risk arises for damaging the surface leading to lesser filter efficiency.

• 5. While it isn’t necessary for the filter to be white, you can check for cleaning.

Use manufacturer-recommended commercial cleaner If the filter still appears dirty after you clean. If there is significant dirt you can use a bucket for soaking filter overnight in dilution of filter cleaning product.

• 6. With a clean filter, check O ring on the bottom for ensuring that there isn’t any damage. When it gets damaged, you would need replacement. If there is no damage, you can apply some lubricant for preserving O ring.

• 7. Rinse cartridge along with O ring.

• 8. Replace cartridge in the filter while turning back the pool filtration system.

• 9. Check PSI for ensuring that the filter system operates in the right manner.

Cleaning DE Pool Filter

Before beginning, you must know that diatomaceous earth remains abrasive on the respiratory system and skin, and you should touch this with bare hands, or breathe this in powder form.

And time to time, you would require cleaning the DE filter with the muriatic acid. Also, you should be sure about using the right protection while handling the hazardous materials.

Similarly, to a sand filter, you must perform DE pool filter routine cleaning after simply backwashing system. However, periodically you have to remove while cleaning the filter in a thorough manner.

For cleaning DE pool filter you require:

• Garden Hose with a spray nozzle
• Diatomaceous earth powder
• Gloves. When you’re working with only DE, household or gardening gloves would be fine for the same. When working with muriatic acid, you would require gloves that are chemical resistant.
• Face Mask – If you’re only working with DE, you must use a medical mask covering the mouth and nose. If you’re using muriatic acid for cleaning the filter, you would require a respirator.

You should also have:

• DE filter cleaning product
• Five-gallon bucket
• Muriatic acid solution
• Safety Goggles are necessary when working with muriatic acid
• Replacement O ring (for severe cases)
• Replacement manifold or filter grid (severe cases)

Steps for Cleaning DE Pool Filter:

• Backwash system till 5 minutes time.
• Turn off the pump and remove air from the system
• Open drain plugs and let the water drain through the filter
• Open filter tank while removing the manifold
• Rinse tank through a garden hose
• Rinse off filter grids and manifold and clear up the debris
• Inspect O Ring within the tank for ensuring that it’s intact. Replacement would be required in case of damage.
• When these are clean, you must replace grids and manifold inside the tank.

How to Clean Swimming Pool Filter? – Conclusion

With these steps, you can easily keep any type of pool filter clean and get the best safety and hygiene for your pool. With regular cleaning, the filter system also lasts for much longer and works a lot better.