How to clean your swimming pool filter

By Clark Rubber | 9th December, 2020

How to Clean your Swimming Pool Filters:

Your filtration system is key to maintaining water quality. It not only removes oxidised impurities, sediment and other contaminants, but also influences currents and water distribution throughout your pool.

A poorly maintained filtration system can raise the pressure in your pool system, create unnecessary wear and tear on your pool equipment and reduce the energy efficiency of your pool. By knowing how to clean your pool filter properly, you can ensure that it performs optimally.

Depending on whether you have a Media / Sand or Cartridge Filter, the cleaning method will vary. Both filter types offer their own advantages over the other when it comes to convenience and maintenance, so be sure to work out which option is best for you. If you’ve been wondering about how to clean a pool filter, read our step-by-step guide.

What you’ll need:

Filtrite Filter Cleaner & Degreaser (SKU# 50705)
A bucket
Garden hose

Types of filters:

There are two common types of pool filters that can be cleaned with this treatment: Media Filters and Cartridge Filters.

1) Media / Sand Filters:

These are affordable, easy to maintain, and long lasting. Media / Sand Filters work by trapping the debris from the water between grains and then passing the clean water back into the pool. While different types of filters aim to achieve the same goal, one of the major differences between these is the size of the particles that are trapped.

Most sand filters will catch debris that is greater than 20-30 microns, while cartridge filters can go as low as 10-20 microns. For context, a strand of human hair is about 70 microns thick!

When should you clean your pool Media Filter filter?

Sand filters should be backwashed approximately every month, or when the pressure exceeds 50 kpa from start up reading. We recommend that the sand should be replaced by a professional service technician every 3 to 5 years. If yours is due to be replaced, get in touch with your local Clark Rubber store who can come and do the work for you.

How to clean a Media Filter:

Backwash and rinse for approximately 30 to 60 seconds.
Add Filtrite Filter Cleaner and Degreaser directly to the sand bed by removing the multiport valve. Do not add to pool water.
Allow to stand for 24 hours and then backwash thoroughly. Rinse after backwashing.

2) Cartridge Filters:

These are also easy to maintain and can trap smaller particles that sand filters cannot. Although the cartridge elements do need to be replaced regularly, this is a straightforward process and Clark Rubber stocks a range of sizes to fit your filter type. If you’re unsure as to which filter you have or need, our team of experts are always here to help.

When should you clean your pool filter cartridge?

Filter cartridges need to be regularly cleaned every 2-3 weeks to prolong their life and ensure maximum water flow. When filtration stops improving after being cleaned, it may be due to be replaced. In this case, your local Clark Rubber store will have everything you need to get it back up and running at full capacity.

How to clean pool filter cartridges:

Hose down the filter element to remove surface debris.
Add Filtrite Filter Cleaner and Degreaser at 250 grams per 50 litres to a container large enough to submerge the internal cartridge element.
Allow the element to soak for 24 hours.
Rinse thoroughly and re-assemble the filter.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions provided on the product.

Conclusion

Pool owners will often neglect their filters during the year or simply not tend to them regularly enough during summer. The more that your pool is being used, the more often your filters will need to be cleaned - regardless of which type it may be.

It’s important to keep in mind that regularly maintaining your filters will not only keep your pool clean, but also extend the life of the components - saving you time, money, and energy!

If you’re unsure about exactly what care your filter needs, the experts at your local Clark Rubber store are always happy to help. Alternatively, you can also book an onsite pool service and we’ll do it all for you.