how to clean pool filter

If you have got yourself a pool in your home, I am sure that you might wonder how to clean pool filter after some time. It is a common issue faced by those people who have got a pool. It is cool and exciting to have a pool in your home, but the problem occurs when you need to clean it.

Do not worry, as we have described several solutions over here which you can use to clean the pool filter. It is essential to keep the pool filter clean so that the pool remains in good condition for a long time.

As the pool water starts getting muddy or cloudy, then it certainly means that you need to take some time out and have to clean your pool filter. This job may seem tiring, but trust me, you do not have to worry about it. It only takes a little time to clean out the pool filter. You only have to pay attention to a few matters and should have some know-how of this matter, and you are good to go.

The swimming pool filters mostly capture dirt, debris, hair, and also bugs. It also removes very fine particles like body oil, sunscreens, and bacteria present in the pool water. With the passage of time, the filter gets clogged, which leads to increase pressure inside the filter, and the water also does not flow smoothly.

A pool filter not only cleans your pool water but also distributes the chemicals in the pool evenly. So the filter does so many duties diligently; therefore, you should also pay attention to it. By keeping the pool filter clean, you can efficiently make sure that it works for an extended period.

Before you start learning about how to clean pool filters, you should first understand the kinds of pool filters to know about the method you should use to clean pool filters.

Kinds of Pool Filters

There are various types of pool filters. Cleaning the different kinds of pool heaters is also different. But most commonly, there are the following three types of pool filters that are used commonly by pool owners:

Sand Filters
Cartridge Filters
Diatomaceous Earth Filters (D.E.)

No. 1 Sand Filters

Many pool owners use sand filters to clean the pool water. They are useful in cleaning the pool water and are also very affordable. While using sand filters, the pump pushes the water through a tank that is half-filled with sand. The sand collects the debris and other particles and sends the clean water back to the pool. Sand filters are easy to maintain and are very affordable also. But the only drawback they have is their effectiveness. They are not capable enough to remove small particles.

Tools Required for Cleaning Sand Filters:

Backwash Hose
Sand filter Cleaner

How to Clean Sand Filters

Firstly, start backwashing the filter; this will remove dirt and debris.
After that, slowly add the sand filter cleaner into the skimmer.
Now, for three to five minutes, backwash the filter to remove the dirt and debris further.
When this process gets completed, turn off the filter pump and move the backlash valve handle position to filter position, and turn the filter pump back on.

No. 2 Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are effective and are also very easy to maintain. Cartridge filters use a cylindrical fan-folded polyester cartridge for filtration. The pool water flows through the fabric and collects dirt and debris from it. Cartridge Filters are environmentally friendly, as they cannot be backwash so therefore, they use less water during cleaning. Small particles from pool water get trapped in cartridge filters.

Tools Required for Cleaning Cartridge Filters:

Hose
Nozzle spray
Filter Cleaner
Non-petroleum based lubricant

How to Clean a Cartridge Pool Filter

If you are wondering how to clean a cartridge pool filter, then you don't have to worry as we have got your back here too. Cleaning a cartridge pool filter is easy. You should follow the below-mentioned steps for cleaning the cartridge filter:

Firstly, turn off your pool pump.
After that, open the air relief valve so that the air can be released from the system.
Now detach the assembly which holds the filter together and remove the top of the filter.
Remove the cartridges and examine them carefully. See if the filter is damaged from anywhere. Check if the cartridge has got mushy from somewhere. If it is, then you should know that it's time to replace it.
Now clean the cartridge with the help of a garden hose. Attach the nozzle spray to the hose and clean the filter. Use a filter cleaner if the cartridge filter is filthy and cannot be cleaned only with water.
After washing the cartridge, place them back correctly.
Replace the top of the filter and again tighten the assembly.
Now, check the O- ring on the filter tank. If you think it can be used for some more time, just apply some lubricant to it. Otherwise, if it is rotten, deformed, or worn out, replacing it would be the best option.
After completing all the steps mentioned earlier, turn the system back on and open the air relief valve so that any excess air from the system can be removed. You should keep the valve open until a steady stream of air starts flowing from it, and then close it.
Make sure to check the pressure of the system. The pressure of the system should be in the normal range. If it is not, that means you may not have secured the system correctly. Try to identify the problem in the system and find the optimum solution accordingly.

No. 3 Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filters

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filters are both the most expensive and also the most expensive pool filters available out there in the market. They are capable of removing the smallest particles from pool water. D.E. filters clean pool water by passing it through a fine white powder made from the fossils of diatoms, which are aquatic plants.

Tools Required for Cleaning D.E. Filters:

Backwash hose
Filter Cleaner
Garden hose
Lubricant
Bucket
Large plastic spoon
D.E. powder
D.E. Filter Cleaner
Safety goggles
Mask
Acid-resistant gloves

How to Clean a D.E. Filter

Follow the following easy steps for cleaning the D.E. filter:

Firstly, clean the filter by backwashing it for 3 to 5 minutes.
Turn off the pump, and place the backwash valve to filter mode.
Also, remove the air in the system by releasing the air valve.
Remove the assembly that holds the filter together.
Remove the top part of the filter and wash the tank with a garden hose, and after that, reinstall the drain plug.
Clean the grids and manifold thoroughly.
You can use filter cleaners if the filters are filthy.
Examine the grids and manifold carefully. See if they have any crack or needs to be replaced.
Now place the grids and manifold back in the system and tighten them correctly.
Lubricate the O- ring if it needs lubrication.
Now add D.E. according to the amount in the user manual.
Now, mix an appropriate amount of D.E. powder and water in a bucket to make a slurry, which has milk consistency. Use the large plastic spoon to mix.
Remove the strainer and housing lid and allow some water to pass through the incoming line. Also, lubricate the O-ring if it needs lubrication and close the lid.
Now. Open the air relief valve to release excess air.
Turn on the pump and allow it to run for one to two minutes.
When the water starts coming out, then close the air relief valve.
And when the pump starts running, then add the slurry in the skimmer.
Now, run the pump for at least 30 minutes so that the slurry can get distributed evenly over the grids. If some D.E. powder returns to the pool through the return line, then there is some leakage or fault in the line.

So, by following the methods as mentioned earlier respective to each type of filter, you can simply clean your pool filters easily.

How to Keep a Small Pool Clean Without a Filter

If you have a small pool, it does not necessarily require a pool filter to keep it clean. It is easier to keep a small pool clean without a filter. So, follow the below mentioned ways and tips to keep a small pool clean without a filter:

Maintain the P.H. level of water at 7.2 to 7.7. This level of P.H. is suitable for bathing.
Use chlorine to keep the pool water clean as it is the best disinfectant for pool water. It efficiently removes bacteria, fungi, and many other water microorganisms. The chlorine level should be 0.6 mg and 1.5mg/I.
If you want to remove the algae from pool water, use algaecide along with chlorine. This combination will indeed resolve your problem.
For removing the other impurities in the water, you must use flocculants along with chlorine. It will also keep your pool water clean from impurities.

By following the above-mentioned methods and learning how to clean pool filter cartridge you can keep your pool water clean with or without a pool filter.