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How to Clean Your Swimming Pool Cartridge Filters
A cartridge filter is one of the cheapest and easiest methods of filtering water. Not only does it do an excellent job for small pools and hot tubs, but it’s also really easy to clean and replace.
In this guide, we show you how to effortlessly clean your spa or swimming pool filter, along with the signs that indicate you may need to buy a new one.
A cartridge filter is a contained system of filtering dirt particles from water when it’s passed through. Often cylindrical, the filter itself can be made up of various materials, but it commonly appears like a tube of thick tissues.
There are many types of cartridge filters out there with a lot of different uses. You can use cartridge filters in both swimming pools and hot tubs.
When to clean your filter can vary wildly depending on the following factors:
As a general rule, you should clean your cartridge filter once a month during use, and always after heavy use, such as a party. Another indication of whether it’s time to clean your filter is the pump pressure – if it reaches 8psi or over, you should consider cleaning the cartridge.
Even if you keep on top of your cleaning, a filter cartridge won't last forever. Generally, after considering the above, you should replace your cartridge every 2-4 years to ensure you're still using kit that's up to the job.
This guide is a straightforward introduction to cleaning your cartridge filter. You may wish to alter some of these suggestions based on the size and requirements of your cartridge.
If your cartridge is part of your swimming pool pump system, you’ll first need to remove the filter.
Turn off the swimming pool pump and release any trapped air through the air valve, usually located on top of the filter. After that, you should be able to remove the filter safely.
For some smaller swimming pools and hot tubs, the filter may not be built into the pump system, in which case you can simply remove it from the water.
Once the filter has been removed, you should check it for signs of wear that may indicate the cartridge needs replacing. See below for more information on when to replace your cartridge filter.
Next, place the cartridge filter in a location with good drainage for cleaning.
Thankfully, you can clean most cartridge filters with a garden hose. Simply point the hose at and in-between each pleat or tissue to make sure all debris is removed.
Occasionally, you may find that your cartridge filter needs a deeper clean to remove stubborn dirt. In this instance, you can purchase a specialist cartridge cleaner designed to remove dirt from the fabrics.
When using a filter cleaner, follow the instructions above along with the instructions on your cleaning product.
Make sure the filter has been rinsed before putting it back into the pool. It can also be a good idea to note the pressure of your pump when returning a clean filter, as you can use this as a guide for cleaning it in the future.
To learn more about keeping your pool pristine, see our guide on how often you should clean a swimming pool.
Cartridge filters have a lifespan that’s shorter than most other filter methods. As a result, there will likely come a time when you need to replace your cartridge filter, so it helps to know what to look for.
Signs that your cartridge filter may need replacing include:
Cleaning a cartridge filter is really simple, as our steps above hopefully show. If you would like more advice on keeping your pool clean and healthy, be sure to explore our guides, and if you need a new filter cartridge, we have a great range available.
