How to clean, run, and maintain your pool filter
Keeping you water clarity is very important. Knowing how to keep your filters clean will help to keep your pool clean. Keeping your chemicals balanced, making sure that your water is filtering properly and that the water is circulating daily are some key elements in making sure that your pool water will stay consistently clean.
A dirty filter can be a detrimental effect on water circulation in your pool. As water passes through the filter, tiny particles stick to the filter. Eventually, these particles make it difficult for water to pass through the filter. A dirty filter can reduce pump efficiency by up to 80 percent, so this is why maintaining your filter is highly important.
Many homeowners will find their water is cloudy even though the chemical levels are fine, and the pump is running for an adequate amount of time each day. A dirty or damaged filter is usually the source of the problem.
There are 3 different type of filters.
- Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters
- Sand Filters
- Cartridge Filters
Knowing how to use your filter and clean your filter is essential. We have listed below steps on how to clean each type of filter and how often to run each filter as well as maintenance for each filter.
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters
Most filter manufacturers recommend backwashing after a clean filter has built up 5-10 PSI of pressure as indicated on the pressure gauge. D.E. filters typically build up these pressure levels in approximately 1 to 3 months. Over backwashing can lead to algae problems in the heat of the summer due to the loss of important chemicals. Avoid backwashing within 12 hours after your pool has been chemically serviced.
**Never move the backwash valve when the pump is running (this will break the parts inside the filter)
1. Shut off the pump
2. Turn the multi port or valve handle to the backwash position
3. If necessary, roll out your backwash hose or open valve on backwash line
4. Turn on the pump and run system for 1-3 minutes or until water in the sight glass or discharge hose turns clear
5. Turn off the pump
6. Place the valve handle in the filter position.
7. If necessary, redo the first steps, two to three times, this will loosen up debris and remove more dirt at each backwash cycle
8. Place the multi port valve handle back in the filter position
9. Turn on the pump
10. Coat the filter grids with D.E. powder by adding the recommended amount through the skimmer.
Note: FRESH D.E. MUST BE ADDED AFTER EACH BACKWASH!
Maintenance for a D.E. Filter
Even with regular backwashing, D.E. filters accumulate debris and it is a good idea to have your filter dismantled and cleaned at least once a year. This affords an opportunity to check internal elements for wear and tear, and to ensure that the filter is working at peak efficiency.
SAND FILTERS
How often should I run my Sand Filter?
Run filter system for approximately 1 hour for every 10 degrees of outside temperature:
Summer 8 to 12 hours per day, winter 4 or more hours per day.
(If pool looks cloudy, run filter until pool clears- then go back to your regular schedule)
How to Backwash a Sand Filter
Most filter manufacturers recommend backwashing after a clean filter has built up 5-10 PSI of pressure, as indicated on the pressure gauge. Sand filters usually need backwashing every 1 to 4 weeks. Over backwashing can lead to algae problems in the heat of the summer due to the loss of important chemicals. Avoid backwashing within 12 hours after your pool has been chemically serviced.
**Never move the backwash valve when the pump is running (this will break the parts inside the filter)
1. Turn off the pump
2. Turn the multi port or valve handle to the backwash position
3. If necessary, roll out your backwash hose or open valve on backwash line
4. Turn on the pump and run system for 1-3 minutes or until water in the sight glass or discharge hose turns clear
5. Turn off the pump
6. Place the valve handle in the filter position.
7. If necessary, redo the first steps, two to three times, this will shake up the sand and remove more dirt at each backwash cycle
8. Turn on the pump and open the air relief valve on the top of the filter to bleed all air from the system
Maintenance for a Sand Filter
Sand in the filter should be replaced or checked every 4 to 5 years. In painted pools, sand may need to be replaced annually. Please have the filter parts (i.e. laterals) checked for cracks or breaks any time the sand is removed, these parts are under the sand and can only be checked when the sand is removed.
The efficiency of the sand filter, as measured by the largest-sized particle that can pass through it without being caught, is 40-50 microns. (A micron is a millionth of a meter.)
CARTRIDGE FILTERS
How often should I run my Cartridge Filter?
Run filter system 1 hour for every 10 degrees of outside temperature:
Summer 8 to 15 hours per day, winter 4 to 10 hours per day
(If pool looks cloudy, run filter until pool clears- then go back to your regular schedule)
How to Clean a Cartridge Filter
Clean filter cartridges every 2-6 weeks on average, depending on dirt accumulation and filter pressure (Best if preformed the day before scheduled chemical service)
1. Turn off the pump
2. Remove top half of filter canister
3. Remove cartridge element(s) from canister
4. Spray cartridge elements until clean
5. Replace clean elements
6. Turn on the pump and open the air relief on the top of the filter to bleed all air from the system
Maintenance for a Cartridge Filter
Have cartridge elements checked every year for wear and tear.
Drawbacks for the cartridge filter include:
Most cartridge filters are for smaller pools and spas containing approximately 12,000 gallons of water or less. There is no mechanical method for backwashing these filters – it must be manually disassembled and hosed off. The cartridge elements need to be replaced as they become old and worn: about every 2 years, which can be expensive, depending on the size, style and brand of cartridge. Pools with cartridge filters tend to develop high dissolved solids levels (TDS) faster than sand or D.E. filters, because there is no water removal via backwashing.