A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Pool Filter (the Right Way!)

Cleaning your pool filter is a vital part of keeping your pool safe and beautiful. A dirty filter leads to unhygienic water and the growth of dangerous bacteria. 

How can you keep your pool water looking good and free of harmful bugs? The best way is to ensure that you regularly clean your filter – the right way!

By keeping your pool filter clean you can enjoy a picture-perfect pool that’s safe for your family and friends to use.

If you’re wondering how to clean a pool filter, you’re at the right place. This article will take you through the different types of pool filters and how you should clean them.

What Is the Importance of Cleaning a Pool Filter?

Over time your pool filter becomes clogged up with organic material. This can lead to dirty water and bacterial growth. It also makes it more difficult for your pump to move the water around.

This reduced water circulation means that the chemicals you use to clean your water become less effective. Your pump will also have to work harder to keep the water moving which reduces its lifespan.

What Type of Pool Filter Do You Have?

Before you start cleaning your pool filter, it’s important to check which type of filter you have on your pool. There are three main types of filters:

Sand Filters 

These pool filters consist of a large container filled with sand. You should clean them every 1 – 4 weeks.

Cartridge Filters 

These are disposable material filters that are easy to clean and replace. You usually need to clean them every 2 -6 weeks and replace them every 12 -18 months.

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filters

This sand-like substance contains fossilized organisms and is the most effective type of pool filter. You need to clean them every 1 – 3 months.

The best way to check if your pool filter needs cleaning is to check the pressure of your system. Once it goes 10 PSI over its normal level, you know your filter needs cleaning.

How to Clean a Pool Filter 

Each type of filter requires a different technique to clean it:

Sand Filters 

The process of cleaning a sand filter is known as backwashing. To do this, you need to first switch off your pump. Then you need to turn the valve handle on your multiport to ‘backwash.’ 

Turn your pump on again and run the water for a few minutes until the water in the sight glass is clear. You can then turn off the pump and switch the handle to ‘rinse.’ Turn the pump back on and run it for about a minute, so the water in the sight glass is clear again.

Depending on the location of your pool, you’ll need to occasionally change the sand or treat it with cleaning chemicals. To do that, it’s best to use a professional pool cleaning service.

Cartridge Filters

These are very easy to clean as you simply need to turn off your pump and remove them. You can then hose them down and wash them to remove any build-up of dirt. 

Every few months, you can give your cartridges a deep clean by soaking them in a filter cleaning solution.

D.E. Filters

This type of filter can be backwashed in a similar way to a sand filter. The biggest difference is that you will need to top up the D.E. each time you backwash.

Once a year, you will also need to take the filter apart to clean the grids and manifold. This is a lengthy procedure that is best left to the professionals.

Are You Interested in Professional Pool Filter Cleaning?

If you’re looking for a professional pool cleaning service in the Houston area, then Aqua Premier has you covered. Our licensed technicians know how to clean a pool filter better than anyone!

We can advise you on how often your pool filter needs cleaning and replace any damaged parts.

You can contact us online or call us at (832) 603-0033 for a free quote.