Clean Your Pool Filter Cartridge

With a little bit of elbow grease, you could prolong the lifespan of your pool filter cartridge using this guide. Without minimal maintenance, your pool cartridge will develop a blockage in the element and strain your pump, reducing its lifespan.

But don’t worry, looking after your cartridge filter element is easy if you follow this step-by-step guide.

When should I clean my pool filter cartridge?

Like a car, you can get away with not maintaining your filter for a while, but eventually, it will catch up with you. One day, you might find your filter has stopped working and your water has gone filthy, forcing you to buy a replacement.

Therefore, we recommend cleaning your filter element every two weeks or a fortnight. If you want to throw caution to the wind when it comes to maintenance, then make sure you at least take action after the following scenarios:

After a party/gathering

When friends or family visit to enjoy your pool, your cartridge will be working overtime to keep conditions clean and safe. However, this also means excessive debris will be trapped, building up and affecting future use.

After algae treatment

As a pool owner, you will likely have to treat algae build up at least once in your lifetime. Typically, you will need a chemical like Zodiac Pool Algaecide to brush the algae away.

Some people don’t realise that the algae debris is being sucked into the pool filtration system and clogging up your element. For this reason, it is vital that you clean your cartridge as your final algae treatment job.

After excess operation pressure

Have a look at your filter canister housing and take note of the PSI. Now consult your filter owners manual for the regular operation pressure. If the PSI is 8 PSI above the normal operating pressure, you will need to clean your cartridge. Why? Because the filter element is blocked and increasing the water pressure in your set-up. Instead of manually checking for build-up constantly, this little trick will save you time and energy.

How to clean your filter

1. Turn off your pump. For safety reasons, if you are using an automated system, turn off your pool at the mains power. If the pump suddenly turns on while your fingers are inside the filter component, you could get hurt. 
   
2. Remove the filter element. This is located inside the filter housing – check the product manual for specific guidelines. 
   
3. Clean the debris. Don’t rush this step – thoroughly rinse the filter inside and out between the pleats with a garden hose. Products like the Water Wand(see below) save time by cleaning between the crevasses of eight pleats at a time.
   
4. Blow-dry the element. Once the element is dry, use compressed air to remove small dirt particles.
   
5. Degrease. This step is the premium “car wash” option and is not necessary unless you want optimal performance from your pool filter. If you choose to use a degreaser every time you clean your cartridge, you will guarantee your filters effectiveness and lifespan. Soaking the cartridge in an approved cleaning solution will remove body fats, sunscreen, and other oils.
   
6. Reassemble. Now that your filter components are nice and shiny, it’s time to return them inside the filter tank. This may require reassembling any attachments you previously dismantled. Firmly set the top portion of the filter tank back into place and tightly close the clamping mechanism. Turn the air release valve back to the closed position and turn on the pump to ensure the normal functioning of your pool filtration system. Bonus points – apply a silicon-based lubricant around the clamping mechanism to extend its life. 

What to NOT to do while cleaning your cartridge

Don’t use a stiff brush. Cleaning pleats with a hard material may permanently damage them. Use a soft-bristle or a purpose-made brush designed to gently remove debris found in the material folds.

Don’t use a power washer. Filter cartridges are often made of paper or a fine material and are therefore sensitive. The intensity of a power washer can quickly erode the mesh material down, reducing its effectiveness. 

Don’t expect a white mesh. The most important sign of a clean filter is the absence of debris or excessive build-up that can block the filter system. Some discolouration is natural and it is unlikely you will achieve that factory white colour without buying a brand new filter cartridge.

How do I know when it is time to replace the filter element?

As we mentioned previously, filter elements are made from thin materials to catch fine debris. Therefore, they cannot last forever. The shelf life for a standard filter in a pool or spa is between 6 – 8 months. For this reason, we recommend replacing your filter element at least once a year. 

A good sign that your filter cartridge element is ready for replacement is when your operating pressure does not drop after cleaning the filter (see six easy steps above). This is because your filter has become too obscured to be effective, even when cleaned. 

If you heed the warning, you will begin to find excessive debris and cloudy or dirty pool water. Not very nice, especially if guests are visiting. The longer you go without replacing your filter element, the more contaminated water will be allowed to pass through your filtration system. So don’t keep your filter cartridges forever. 

Bonus points – you have already opened up your filter assembly for a clean, why not do a visual inspection on the whole unit while you’re at it? Even small tears can be disastrous for water filtration efficiency. So, check for cracks in the plastic housing, tears in the pleats, or other signs of damage. Contact your manufacturers documentation for warranty information and a support phone number.