When the water in your pool starts to get cloudy, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to clean the filter. If you’ve been wondering how to clean a pool filter, then you’re in luck. This is where you’ll find step-by-step instructions for cleaning the three most common types of filter: sand, cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth.
Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never cleaned a pool filter. The process likely is easier than you think, and you’ll save a lot of money if you learn to complete this useful task yourself.
Whenever your pool water gets cloudy, follow the instructions below.
Cleaning a Sand Filter
Gather a backwash hose, a sand filter cleaner, and the owner’s manual. Check the manual to find the normal operating pressure. If the pressure currently is eight to 10 PSI over this amount, then it’s time to clean the filter.
Follow these steps:
- Remove debris and dirt from the filter by backwashing it. Three to five minutes typically is sufficient unless it’s been a really long time since you cleaned the sand filter.
- Turn off the pump.
- Read the instructions on the chemical cleaner to ensure that you use it correctly.
- Gradually add the cleaner to the pool’s skimmer or strainer basket.
- Turn on the filter pump, allowing it to run for about 20 seconds.
- Turn off the filter pump.
- Leave the pump off for at least a few hours or overnight if the filter is really dirty.
- Backwash the filter for another three to five minutes.
- Switch the backwash valve back to the filter.
- Turn the filter pump back on.
If you complete all of these steps and continue to see cloudy water or notice that the PSIs in the filter has not been reduced, then it may be time to switch out the sand.
Cleaning a Cartridge Filter
Cartridge filters are popular because they are pretty easy to clean. Nonetheless, each time that you clean the filter, you’ll want to inspect it closely for signs of wear and tear. It may be necessary to replace some parts or just purchase a new filter.
You’ll need a few more supplies for this process.
Before you begin, gather this equipment:
- Ordinary garden hose
- A spray nozzle
- Chemical filter cleaner
- Lubricant
- The owner’s manual for reference
Optional Equipment:
- Five-gallon bucket
- Replacement filter cartridge
- Replacement O-ring
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to start cleaning.
Here are the steps:
- Turn off the filter system and the pump.
- Locate the air relief valve, and turn it to remove excess air.
- Open the latches or clamps that keep the filter closed.
- Take off the filter’s top.
- Remove the cartridge, closely inspecting it for signs of wear. If you find any tears or cracks, then the cartridge will need to be replaced.
- Attach the nozzle to the garden hose, turn on the water and spray the cartridge.
- Apply a chemical filter cleaner if the filter is extra dirty.
- Cartridges that are exceptionally dirty may need to be soaked overnight in a five-gallon bucket filled with water and chemical cleaner.
- Inspect the O-ring on the filter. An O-ring that is cracked or has dry rot needs to be replaced. If the O-ring is in good condition, apply some lubricant to it to extend its life.
- Rinse the cartridge using the hose.
- Place the cartridge back in the filter, securing all latches or clamps.
- Turn the system on.
- Open the air relief valve to expel excess air.
- Ensure that system pressure is within the normal range.
Manually Cleaning a D.E. Filter
A Diatomaceous Earth or D.E., filter needs to be cleaned more often than the other types of filters. Experts typically recommend cleaning these filters at least once per month.
Before getting started, make certain that you have everything you need.
This includes:
- An ordinary garden hose
- A spray nozzle
- A backwash hose
- A cleaner for a D.E. filter
- Five-gallon bucket
- Lubricant
- Diatomaceous Earth powder
It’s also wise to have the filter’s owner manual with you in case you need some direction during the cleaning.
Let’s jump into how to clean a D.E. filter:
- For three to five minutes, backwash the filter.
- Turn off the pump.
- Open the air relief valve to expel any excess air.
- Remove the drain plug, allowing all of the water to drain from the filter tank.
- Release the latches or clamps that hold the filter together.
- Open the filter.
- Take out the filter manifold.
- Remove the grids from the manifold.
- Use the garden hose to rinse the tank.
- Put the spray nozzle on the garden hose, and turn on the water.
- Use the nozzle to clean the manifold and all of the grids.
- Dirtier manifolds may benefit from the use of a chemical D.E. filter cleaner.
- With the garden hose, rinse the grids.
- Return the grids to the manifold.
Next, you’ll need to add D.E. powder to the filter:
- Determine how much powder you need.
- Prime the pump.
- Fill the strainer basket with water.
- Inside the filter tank, locate and lubricate the O-ring.
- Replace and secure the filter lid.
- Open the air relief valve.
- Turn on the pump.
- Close the air relief valve.
- Mix the D.E. powder with water.
- Add the D.E. powder mixture to the skimmer.
- Run the pump for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure even distribution.
Conclusion
Although it may seem intimidating, cleaning your pool’s filter is straightforward, and it’s a vital part of regular maintenance for your pool. Neglect it, and you’ll not only find that you’re swimming in dirty water but also that your filter wears out faster than it should.
Now that you know how to clean a pool filter, you will be able to save time and money on this DIY project.