Keep Your Filters Sterling: A Simple Guide on Pool Filter Maintenance

Cleaning your pool’s filters is an essential part of pool ownership. Well-maintained filters equate to better quality water for a healthier and happier swimming experience for you and your family.

In case you need help in the filter cleaning department, here’s a brief rundown of steps to do so:

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters employ smooth, fine fabrics that catch dirt and debris. Here are step by step instructions on cleaning this type of filter:

1. Switch off the pump

Note: If the filter is beneath the pool's current water level, switch off valves to prevent water from draining out of the pool once you begin working with the filter.

2. Open the filter by first opening the air bleed valve at the top and the drain port at the bottom to remove excess water. Unscrew knobs to undo the casing.

3. Remember the exact placement of the cartridges and then bring them to the cleaning area where you have a hose.

4. Angle your hose 45 degrees down and then start hosing down the dirt and debris from the carts.

5. Reassemble the filter after.

Cartridge filters lose effectiveness over time and may need replacement after 3 -5 years of use.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

These filters use the fine skeletal remains of diatoms, creatures as small as algae but equipped with bones. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is as fine as sand and for filters that use a push/pull multiport, the maintenance is pretty much similar to the ones performed for sand filters. If your DE filter operates on that kind of mechanism, please refer to the same steps for sand. Remember that some of the DE particles will be removed along with the dirt so you will need to replace them from time to time.

Here are the steps for cleaning bump DE filters:

1. Turn off the pump and open the air valve on the top, wait for 5 seconds, and close again.

2. Push the handle down slowly and then raise it 5 times quickly.

3. Check the pressure if it dropped down to 2 psi. You're all set if it did and you don't need to add DE powder.

4. If it did not, you will perform a more rigid backwash procedure. Repeat the same procedure and then remove the plug at the bottom. Run the pump for half a minute. Put the plug back in, open the air bulb and pump until the water comes out. Repeat twice. Close backwash valve. Switch the pump on and DE powder to skimmer nearest the pump.

Sand Filter

Sand filters use a bed of fine sand instead of diatomaceous earth. Each sand particle has rough edges which catch the dirt and debris. Unlike DE filters, the sand does not go out of the sand filter. The sand particles become smooth in time and thus lose their effectiveness in trapping dirt. The sand in the filter will then have to be replaced. This replacement happens only after 5 years.

Here are the steps to clean your sand filter:

1. Switch off the pump first.

2. Open the discharge or waste port. Attach the discharge host.

3. Move the lever to the backwash position.

4. Restart the pump.

5. Wait until the discharged water appears cloudy and dirty and then clear again before switching off the pump.

6. If your valve has a RINSE setting, switch it on. If it has a FILTER setting, do this instead. Wait for 15 seconds.

7. Run the pump again.

8. Move the valve back to its original FILTER position.

9. Check the water level of your pool if it diminished. Add water when necessary.

Remember to do these maintenance steps if the pressure reaches up to 10 psi.

Did you find this guide enlightening? If you need a professional pool cleaning service in order to maintain your pool in Dallas, TX, you only need to call Sterling Pool Service. We offer pool cleaning services, pool repairs and renovations, and pool parts replacement. You can get in touch with us at our 888-973-0274 number or through any of the contact forms on this site.

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