The Ultimate Guide to Pool Filter Maintenance

Did you know that more than 10 million homes in the United States alone have swimming pools? Roughly 24% of the homes here in Las Vegas have a swimming pool. That's because everyone knows that having your very own pool is the next best thing to paradise. 

But if you have a pool or are thinking about getting one, you likely know that having a pool isn't paradise all the time. That's because of the requirements of maintaining your pool and one of the biggest concerns is your pool filter. Pool filter maintenance can be a real pain, but if you keep reading, you'll learn what you can do to make sure your pool filter stays clean and healthy. 

How to Clean a Pool Filter

You might have guessed that not cleaning your pool filter can come with consequences. If you don't regularly clean your filter, your pool can become full of leaves, dirt, pollen, dust, bacteria, and a lot of other nasty stuff. Your water won’t circulate as well which can lead to algae growth. So, how do you clean a pool filter?

There are several types of pool filters, but cartridge filters are one of the most common here in Las Vegas, so we'll discuss these in detail below.

Cartridge Filter

Turn your cartridge filter off. Remember to never try to clean a pool filter while it is still running. Also, be sure to have silicone lube and the appropriately sized socket wrench on hand for later.

After the filter is turned off, open the air relief valve to remove any air from the filter. Next, use your wrench to loosen the lid. If you ignore this step, the air inside the filter can put pressure and strain on it, and opening it with air inside can damage the filter. Open the drain plug on the bottom to drain the tank. If you’ve opened the air relief valve the water should come out fairly quickly. 

It’s a good idea to take a picture at this point so you can make sure you know how everything goes back together. Afterward, open the lid of the tank and remove the manifold (the top part of the cartridge filter), followed by the rest of the filter. If you have trouble removing the filter, check with your filter's manual for more specific instructions. Take a garden hose and spray water through the slits in the filter to remove debris.

Don't be too rough with the water pressure as this can damage the filter. This is also a good time to inspect the filter for any damage. Even if your filter is slightly dented or torn, this can reduce its filtering efficiency. If you see tears or broken bands then it’s time for new cartridges. 

Don't worry about getting the filter sparkling white. What's important is removing any debris in the filter. For a more direct clean, you may use a gentle brush on the filter.

After that's done, you can replace the filters, lube the o-ring,  and put the lid back on. Now is a good time to look at that photo you took earlier. Then, tighten the lid with your wrench and put the drain plug back in. Next, open the air relief valve and turn the pump back on. Once the water starts coming out of the valve you can close it and inspect for leaks. Look all around the filter and inspect the drain plug for leaks as well. If you see any drips remove the lid using the steps above and apply more lube. 

How Long Do Pool Filters Last?

A cartridge filter lasts around 1-3 years, though some can last as long as 5.

The exact number of years, of course, depends on how well you maintain your filter and on your pool environment. If you take good care of your filter, you won't need to worry about replacements for some time. If your filters are taking a long time to clean after 6 months then you probably need to shorten up that time between cleanings. Consider cleaning them every 4 months in the future. 

Your Guide to Pool Filter Maintenance

Now that you know how to clean and care for your pool filter, you can be more confident about having a consistently clean pool. 

For more about pools and pool maintenance, check out our Service page or one of our recent posts about factors that can affect your pool. We're here to help you with all your pool maintenance needs.