Cleaning A Cartridge Filter

As spring and warmer temperatures are just around the corner, now is the best time to start thinking about ways to prep your swimming pool for the upcoming season. One of the biggest ways this can be done is monitoring your water chemistry more, increasing your levels of chlorine, increasing your filter run times and most importantly making sure your filter is ready to handle the increased use. If you happen to own a cartridge filter we want to focus on this type in this blog post.

Do you know when was the last time you cleaned your cartridge filter? Is the pressure gauge reaching the cleaning stage (otherwise known as, “Is your filter dirty”)? Have you ever cleaned this type of filter by yourself? Honestly, when it comes to cartridge filters, Clark County Pool & Lawn feels that you shouldn’t always rely on the filter gauge and instead work on cleaning the filters every 6 months. This prevents problems and keeps your filter running great.

One of the biggest reasons why homeowners choose cartridge filters is the lack of continuous maintenance it requires. A cartridge filter only needs to be cleaned a couple of times a year and it doesn’t need to be backwashed. When a cartridge filter needs to be cleaned, it can, however, be a tedious process but we want to support you with that. At Clark County Pool & Lawn, we not only offer weekly pool service in Las Vegas but this maintenance service also and wanted to give you the step by step process for those that want to do it at home.

The following is a step by step process on how to clean a cartridge filter:

1. Turn off the filter and turn off the breaker.
2. Open up the drain plug to let all the water out of the filter.
3. Remove the tension clamp that holds the filter together.
4. There may be some part holding these cartridges in place. If this mechanism is present, it must be removed before taking your cartridge filters out and stored in a safe and dry place.
5. Carefully and slowly remove all the cartridge filters and set them aside. It is important to inspect each cartridge for tears or any other visual damage. If damage has occurred you will need to replace them.
6. Use a garden hose to rinse debris from between the pleats. Make sure to run the water and clean the inside of the filter, as well. Make sure to wash the pleats from top to bottom.
7. Next, you will need to soak them in a filter cleaner or detergent to remove lotions, oils, and sunscreen. This process should take about 8 -10 hours and can be left overnight if you choose. If you use a detergent only use 1 cup for every 5 gallons of water. Do not use more than what is recommended. 
8. After the soak has been completed make sure to hose them off again extremely well to remove the cleaning agent.
9. Place cartridges back in the filter, replace the lid and clamp. Make sure the clamp is tight and on well before you move on.
10. Turn on the system and open up the air relief valve to remove all excess air.

As a weekly service and maintenance company in the Las Vegas area this is a service that we proudly offer but wanted to provide you with all the steps necessary if you care to do it yourself. If you should have any questions about your filter, please contact us today!