How to Clean a Pool Filter Cartridge: A Clear Guide | I love to know (2023)

Step by step guide to cleaning a pool filter cartridge

Pool filter cartridges are commonly found in above ground pools, and this type of pool is very attractive to families who cannot afford the money, space or time involved in an in-ground pool. Above ground pools are also ideal for those who don't want the permanence of a traditional pool. However, although they require a little less maintenance, you still need to clean and maintain them. See steps to keep your pool filter cartridge as good as new.

Step One: Gather Your Supplies

The first step in cleaning a pool filter cartridge is picking up your supplies. Having them on hand will make the process of getting your filter cartridge in top shape much easier.

• Hose
• Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaneraccessory or spray nozzle
• 5 gallon bucket or larger
• Filter cleaning tabletsthe cleaner
• white vinegar
• Muriatic acid
• chlorine pool

Step Two – Turn off the pump

If you've never had a pool with a filter cartridge before, turning the pump off is critical. Because? Because if you don't, the water gets sprayed on you and so can the filter. So you always want to make sure you turn everything off first. It can be dangerous if you skip this step.

Step three - release air from the system

When the pump is off, you can pull the small valve on top to release the air. You will want to pull or twist slowly so that the air has enough time to release.

Step four - Remove the filter

Once the air is released, you can safely uncover and remove the pool filter cartridge. Expect the filter to be quite dirty. It can have grass, algae, dirt and more.

Step Five - Rinse the Filter

Before you start cleaning the filter, you need to see what you're working with. Take the hose and spray the large pieces of the filter. Spray water at an angle towards the filter pleats to help lift debris. However, if you have the filter cartridge cleaning tool, attach it to the hose and use it to get right into the pleats.

Step Six - Check the Filter for Damage

After spraying it well, you can check it for damage, tears, holes, and tears. Cartridges can be used for a long time, but they go bad after a few seasons. They can usually last one to two years, but it's important to check them for damage when cleaning them.

Step Seven: Soak the Filter

If you have an extremely dirty filter, one spray won't be enough to remove all the dirt, grime, and grime. In this case, you need to pick up a cleaner. There are several baths you can create to clean a pool filter. Each works a little differently. However, remember to wear gloves, a mask and goggles when submerging in pool chemicals such as chlorine and acid.

plunge pool cleaner

Follow the instructions on the cleaner package to create a pool filter cartridge solution.

1. Immerse the filter in the solution and cover the bucket with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Most large buckets can hold more than one filter if you have a multi-filter pool.
3. The soaking solution will kill any bacteria or microorganisms that become trapped inside the filter.
4. Leave the filter submerged in the solution for the time recommended on the packaging.

chlorine sauce

When it comes to a chlorine bath for your pool filter, you want to make sure you're getting chlorine from the pool and not the cleaning. The strength of these two cleaners is different.

1. Follow the instructions on the container to mix the bleach sauce.
2. It's important to follow the instructions carefully because too much chlorine can corrode the filter.
3. Insert the filter and cover the bowl.
4. Leave the cartridges in the mixture for approximately 6 to 12 hours.

white vinegar

If you have a large buildup of calcium in your pool filter cartridge, consider giving it a good white vinegar bath. When it comes to white vinegar, you can do a heavy white vinegar soak with just calcium or a 1:1 soak with water.

1. Add the white vinegar to the bucket.
2. Add your pool filter cartridge.
3. Close the bucket and let it soak for a day or two.

Muriatic acid

If your cartridges are just a nightmare of dirt and minerals, try cleaning them with muriatic acid.

1. Create a mixture of 1 part muriatic acid to 20 parts water.
2. Add the pool cartridge.
3. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
4. Turn if you can't cover the entire cartridge and let it soak for another 10 minutes.

Step Eight: Check the Filter Tank

While the filter absorbs your preferred cleaner well, you can use this time to check the filter tank. Check the O-ring to ensure it is still in good condition and see if it needs lubrication.

Step Nine: Final Rinse

After soaking the filters for the amount of time recommended on the cleaners, it's time to give them a good rinse.

1. With the lids on, shake the filter in the bucket.
2. Safely remove the filter.
3. Use the garden hose sprayer or filter cleaner to remove all dirt and algae from the filter.
4. If there is still debris stuck to the filter, you can re-dip it in your preferred mixture.

Step Ten - Let the Filter Dry

Before putting the filter back in the pool, allow it to dry. Align it or leave it on a porch to allow the filter pleats to dry completely. Once dry, give it a little shake to see if any dirt or debris comes out.

Step Eleven: Place the Filter in the Tank

Now that you have the filter completely clean, you can put it back in the tank. Remember to put the lid on and seal it. Then it's time for a swim.

How often should you clean your filter?

There is no straight answer when it comes to how often you should clean your pool filter cartridge. However, with normal use, you should clean it every three months. You might also consider cleaning it if the filter isn't working as well as it should.

Tips and tricks for cleaning the filter

Keep the following tips and tricks in mind to promote a safe and effective pool cleaning experience.

• chlorineand acid are very strong and can cause damage. Be careful not to spill or splash and always restrict access to children.
• You can keep your chlorine and acid buckets airtight for reuse. Once the formulation is mixed, it can be used multiple times as long as it is stored safely to preserve the effectiveness of the chemicals.
• Remember to add chemicals to water instead of water to chemicals. This is safer and more effective.

Cleaning pool filter cartridges

Cleaning a cartridge pool filter can be a little tricky if you've never done it before. However, now that you have a step-by-step guide, you can't go wrong. now takecleaning that pool!