Your pool’s filter plays an important role in circulating and cleaning the water, so keeping the cartridge clean keeps the whole system working properly. Plan on a cleaning every four to six weeks, or whenever the pressure gauge rises about 8 to 10 psi above its clean reading. Here is how to do it, step by step.
Open the filter and clear the pump basket
Always turn off the pump first. Open the filter, then remove the strainer pot lid from the pump, clean the basket, and replace it. Release the pressure at the air relief valve before you open the housing.
Remove the cartridge
Remove the compression spring and spring adaptor by pulling them straight up. Separate the top manifold assembly from the filter cartridge and set it aside, then carefully remove each cartridge element separately.
Rinse the pleats
Using a garden hose with a straight-flow nozzle, wash the filter from the top down, holding the hose at a 45-degree angle to the cartridge and paying special attention to the area between the pleats, where dirt and dust collect.
Deep-soak when needed
If there are a lot of oils in your pool, which happens with frequent swimming, soak the cartridge for at least an hour, or overnight if you can. You can use a commercial filter cleaner, sodium triphosphate (TSP) with five gallons of water, or dishwashing detergent with five gallons of water. After soaking, rinse the cartridge to remove the cleaning solution. In dusty Arizona conditions, a deep soak a few times a year keeps flow strong.
Reassemble and restart
Wash out the inside of the tank body and bottom manifold, letting it drain through the open drain plug. Check the gasket around the entire outer lip of the bottom plate, since it must be firmly and evenly set for a proper seal. Place the bottom manifold, cartridges, and top manifold back in position, restart the pump, and confirm the pressure has returned to normal. Replace the cartridge entirely when the pleats are frayed or the end caps crack, usually after a few years.
Keep your system running clean
A clean filter means clear water and a healthier pump. Contact Pools by Design if you are planning a pool in Southern Arizona and want it set up for easy upkeep.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my cartridge filter?
Every four to six weeks, more often in dusty conditions or monsoon season, and any time the pressure rises 8 to 10 psi above its clean reading.
When should I deep-soak the cartridge?
When oils build up from frequent swimming, soak it at least an hour, or overnight, in filter cleaner, TSP and water, or dish detergent and water.
How long do cartridges last?
With regular cleaning, usually a few years. Replace it when the pleats are worn or the end caps crack.
Design a low-maintenance pool
Contact Pools by Design for a complimentary consultation across Southern Arizona.
