Cartridge pool filters should be cleaned every 2-6 weeks, with a deep cleaning once a year. Also, remember to clean out the pool filter regularly so it doesn't get clogged. Move the backwash valve handle to the “Filter” position and turn the filter pump back on. If you’re unsure how to remove this part, refer to your owner’s manual. Use a spray nozzle on your garden hose to spray down the manifold, and make sure to thoroughly flush the grids of all debris and used D.E. It’s important for us to acknowledge that certain aspects of pool care are subjective, based on personal preference. While the pump is running, slowly pour the slurry directly into the pool skimmer. Sand and Diatomaceous Earth swimming pool filters are amongst others that keep the water in your pool clean. And, from time to time, you may need to clean a DE filter with muriatic acid. How to Clean pool filter cartridge with Muriatic acid. Sand filters are the most cost-effective option of the three. If the manifold or grids are still dirty after using a commercial cleaner, you may need to soak them in a five gallon bucket in a muriatic acid solution overnight, Inspect the O ring inside the tank to make sure it is intact. But aside from just filtering the junk out of your pool, keeping the filter clean is beneficial for a couple of other reasons. If there is a standpipe O-ring, replace it. If the pounds per square inch (PSI) is off, you may have put the filter back together incorrectly, or something else may be wrong with the system. Use a five-gallon bucket or clean plastic trash can, and make sure the cartridges are completely submerged in the water and cleaner mixture. Turn the system back on and open the air-relief valve to release any excess air in the system. Otherwise, replace the sand and check the filter every four to five years. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, open your pool filter and remove the cartridge. If you have … If it looks fairly clean and free of particles, you may be done. If it isn’t damaged, apply a lubricant to protect it, When they are clean, replace the manifold and grids inside the tank. They can be backwashed, which simply flushes debris out of the filter and removes clogging so they can operate normally, or they can be cleaned, which means removing the filter and manually cleaning it. Turn on the pump and let it run for 1-2 minutes to make sure you have full circulation. Prime the filter pump by removing the strainer housing lid and filling the strainer housing with water; allow some water to run through the incoming line. If you have any questions, stop by your nearest Leslie’s store or call us at 1.800.537.5437. However, you will need to periodically remove and clean the filter more thoroughly. The quickest, easiest method is to use D.E. Lubricate the filter tank O-ring inside the tank and reinstall the top half of filter tank. Follow these steps to clean a cartridge pool filter: Turn off the pool pump and filter, and slowly release air from the system. Has your pool water turned cloudy, or are you worried it’s about to? Did this summary help you? To clean a cartridge filter, the pump must be turned off. If it is damaged, you may need to replace it. filter cleaner. Next, prepare a solution of 1 part pool chlorinator to 6 parts water in a large bucket, then submerge the filter in the solution and soak it for 3 to 5 days. Backwash the filter for several minutes until the water comes out clear. To clean a cartridge type swimming pool filter, remove the filter, rinse off the debris with a hose, and let it air-dry thoroughly. into the sanitary sewer system. Usually called DE pool filters, diatomaceous earth is a porous powder, that comes in a canister a bit like a sand filter. Return the cartridges to the filter and secure them in place. While your filter doesn’t need to be pure white, check it to see how clean you have gotten it with water. Gloves. Replacement filter cartridges (if needed), Rubber mallet (for multi-element filters). Slowly and carefully remove the cartridges and set them aside. filter — with a cleaner that works — while backwashing the filter. If the grids are really dirty, use a D.E. Keep the valve open until a steady stream of water sprays from it, then close. Most sand filters should be back-washed after building up 5–10 PSI of pressure, usually about every one to four weeks. To clean a sand pool filter, you will need: To clean a cartridge pool filter, you will need: Before you begin, it’s good to know that diatomaceous earth is abrasive on the skin and respiratory system, and should not be touched with your bare hands, or breathed in powder form. This Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies video will teach you how to clean a DE Filter. For regular cleaning of a sand pool filter, all you need to do is backwash the system. Gain access to the top of the filter by removing the lid or backwash valve. Run the pool pump for at least 30 minutes to allow the D.E. Of course, since your pool filter ends up holding all that dirt and debris, you have to clean it regularly, to get those contaminants not just trapped, but out of your pool altogether. If the PSI is off, something may have been reassembled incorrectly. Leslie’s Pool Supplies, Service & Repair, is your local neighborhood pool store. If it isn’t damaged, apply a small amount of lubricant to help preserve the O ring. Clean cartridge with a hose, or use chemical soak for a deep clean. Join the Leslie’s Rewards Program for special offers and savings. Turn off the pool pump and leave it off for at least 8 hours (or more, depending on the size of your pool). A clean filter will increase water flow, which is visible through a stronger suction of your pool cleaner. With sand filters, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your pool. Step 5 There are many variations of successful approaches, but we have devoted decades to honing our products and solutions. Considering Pool Deck Jets? Clean the filter when the pressure increases by eight to 10 PSI over the pressure that’s initially measured with a pool filter. If your sand filter has both an "inlet pressure gauge" and an "outlet pressure gauge," a pressure differential of 16 and 20 psi means it is time to clean your filter. Though the job may seem daunting at first, with care and attention, your pool filter can last for years; all it requires is a few minutes every few weeks and a little bit of know-how. You may need to replace the cartridge if it has been damaged. Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes to remove dirt, debris and the old DE. To clean a filter cartridge manually, you can use a garden hose – or step it up a notch and check out these pool cartridge cleaning tools. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, open your pool filter and remove the cartridge. Rinse the pool filter with a garden hose to remove any debris from between the pleats. or at any of our 900+ retail stores! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Close the lid. Turn the pump off and place the backwash valve back in “Filter” mode. Inspect the grids for tears or damage, and check the manifold for cracks. Step 4 Spray the Hayward pool filter thoroughly with filter cleaner and allow it to sit for at least one hour or for the recommended amount of time on the package. DE pool filters should be backwashed every 1-3 months, and dismantled and deep cleaned twice a year. First, in a clean bucket, mix the appropriate amount of D.E powder with enough water to make slurry, which is a thin, creamy solution with the consistency of milk. We offer the best selection of pool and spa chemicals, pool cleaners, pool equipment, cleaning accessories and pool inflatables and floats. Open the pump lid, and pour sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket. If the manifold or grids are still dirty after spraying them clean, you may need to use a commercial DE pool filter cleaning product. Need Help? You can easily tell by taking a look at your cartridge’s filter gauge. To clean a DE pool filter, you will need: Following these steps will help you keep your pool filter clean, no matter what type of filter you have. Do not overtighten. The sand traps dirt and debris, and can filter out particles as small as 20 microns in size. Reasons To Clean A Pool Filter. These all follow the same principle – by attaching to a regular garden hose and forcing the water into small pressurized jets. If the cartridge is really dirty, use a filter cleaner. What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Cartridges. As part of the pumping system, the filter also plays a role in the even distribution of chemicals in pool water, so that your pool water is healthier and more consistent. Regular cleaning helps your filter system last longer, work better, and keeps your pool water balanced and healthy. (Pros, Cons, Ideas & Cost), Best Pool Test Strips: 5 Popular Strips Reviewed, Pool Water Testing: How to Test Your Pool Water Chemistry, Chlorine Lock and Chlorine Demand: Here’s the Simple Cure. But a pool filter does a lot more than that, so keeping it clean is crucial for a healthy pool. If your above ground pool uses a cartridge filter, you must clean the cartridge filter periodically to ensure the system works properly. Cartridge filters are considered “green” filters because they can’t be backwashed and, as a result, use less water when being cleaned. A cartridge filter is also easy to clean; you just pull out the cartridges, clean them, and replace them. Use the large plastic spoon to mix. Place the lid to the side, on a clean surface to keep lid seal clean of dirt. How and when you clean a pool filter depends on what kind of pool filter you have. For your convenience, shop in stores, online or download the Leslie's Pool Care App. When your pressure gauge is 8 – 10 psi above normal, it is time to clean your filter; Clean your DE Filter once every month; The three main steps for cleaning your filter are to backwash it, clean … Cartridges can last 3-4 years before needing to be replaced, based upon pool usage, water chemistry, and maintenance practices. Yes No. If the cartridge is really, really dirty, soak it in filter cleaner overnight. Diatomaceous earth filters should be manually cleaned at least D.E. Add 1 cup of liquid dish soap per 5 gallons of water. Clean the cartridge using a spray nozzle on your garden hose. With time these folds will become clogged, water will not flow thru the filter as easily, and pressure within the filter will increase. There are three main types of filter: As you may have guessed, with a sand filter, the water is filtered through a canister of fine sand. Set it somewhere where you can hose it off. The easily accessible cartridge can be rinsed clean in minutes with a garden hose. Don’t keep filter cartridges forever. Follow the steps for your respective filter We have the solution to all your pool and spa needs. Remove the clamp or assembly holding the filter together. Just like a sand filter, D.E. Sand filters work by filtering pool water through silica sand, which captures all unwanted debris. The primary drawback of sand filters is their effectiveness because they aren’t capable of trapping the smallest particles without the assistance of a filter aid. Other filters may use a band clamp, or locking knob to secure the lid. Remove the clamp or assembly holding the filter together. If you are working with muriatic acid, you will need chemical resistant gloves. Clean filters are a crucial part of pool maintenance. 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