A sparkling clean pool is the epitome of summer relaxation. But if you want to maintain those pristine waters, it’s crucial to know how to clean a pool filter to keep it in top-notch condition.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to clean your sand, cartridge, or DE pool filter hassle-free, so you can spend more time enjoying your refreshing oasis.
How to Clean a Pool Filter
Gather Your Tools and Materials
To clean your pool filter effectively, you’ll need a few tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Garden hose: Essential for rinsing debris and loosening dirt from the filter.
- Filter cleaner solution: Use a specialized filter cleaner designed for your filter type.
- Screwdriver or wrench: Required for disassembling certain filter types.
- Gloves and safety goggles: Protect your hands and eyes during the cleaning process.
How to Clean a Sand Filter
If you have a sand filter, follow these steps to clean it:
- Turn off the pool pump: Always switch off the pump before cleaning the filter to avoid accidents.
- Backwash the filter: Set your filter valve to the “backwash” position and turn on the pump. Allow the water to run until it runs clear. This process flushes out dirt and debris trapped in the sand.
- Add filter cleaning solution: Turn off the pump and set the valve to the “filter” position. Take out the strainer lid, and add the cleaning solution into the basket. You can then replace the pump lid.
- Transfer the cleaner to the filter: Turn on the pump until the cleaner transfers from the pump to the filter, about 15 seconds. Then, turn the pump off and leave it for at least 8 hours.
- Backwash the filter again: This should remove any remaining dirt and debris. Finally, turn the filter system back on.
How to Clean a Cartridge Filter
For cartridge filters, follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:
- Turn off the pool pump: As with the sand filter, ensure the pump is switched off before starting the cleaning process. You should also depressurize the filter tank to remove air from the system.
- Remove the cartridge: Unscrew the clamps or release the lock mechanism to remove the cartridge from the filter housing.
- Rinse off loose debris: Use a garden hose to rinse off loose debris from the cartridge. Be sure to spray between the pleats to remove trapped dirt.
- Soak the cartridge: If there’s a lot of build-up, you may need to soak the cartridge. Prepare a bucket with a filter cleaning solution and soak overnight.
- Rinse: Rinse the cartridge thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Reassemble and restart: Place the cartridge back into the filter housing, secure the clamps or lock mechanism, and turn the system back on. Be sure to open the air relief valve to get rid of any excess air.
How to Clean a DE Filter
If you have a DE filter, follow these steps to clean it effectively:
- Turn off the pool pump: Always switch off the pump before cleaning the filter to prevent accidents.
- Backwash the filter: Set the filter valve to the “backwash” position and turn on the pump. Allow the water to run until it appears clear. Then, turn the pump off, open the air relief valve, and remote the drain plug.
- Remove DE filter manifold: Remove the mechanisms holding the filter together. Now, open the tank, remove the manifold, and take out the grids/fingers.
- Clean the grids/fingers: Use the garden hose to clean out all the debris, including the DE powder. Soak the manifold overnight if it’s especially dirt.
- Put the filter back together: Use the garden hose to rinse out the filter tank, and place the clean manifold back inside. Reassemble the filter,
- Add DE powder: Mix the appropriate amount of fresh DE powder (check your filter owner’s manual) with water. Turn on the pump, and pour the mix into the pool skimmer. Finally, run the pool pump for about a half hour to evenly distribute the powder.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your pool filter clean is essential for maintaining a crystal-clear swimming experience. So, put on your gloves, grab your tools, and embark on your hassle-free pool filter cleaning journey.
With these steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a sparkling pool all summer long. Happy swimming!
Need a hand with pool maintenance and cleaning? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Clark Pools and Spas, and get started with us today.
