04/22/2022
How often should I clean my filter?
Let’s go ahead and get the most frequently skipped point of note out of the way:
Many manufacturers recommend cleaning your filter every 3 to 4 months.
If your pool sees a lot of Cheetos and baby wipes, or the petting zoo decides to cool off in the shallow end, maybe a filter clean a few days after the party. Remember, that family of mallards nesting in the box bush is equivalent to having dozens of people in the water. I recommend ornamental birds of prey.
Finer details:
Cartridge / DE / Sand
Cartridge filters:
generally ought to be cleaned every 3 to 4 months. If your pool is more of an aesthetic piece and does not see much use or exposure, you may be able to lean on the latter.
Skip: The water may look nice, but a system that is struggling to keep up with a dirty filter is going to develop leaks and experience excessive wear.
De filters:
benefit with proper backwashing and are often cleaned to begin Pool Season and to close Pool Season, 4 to 8 months apart.
Skip: Though backwashing does remove most debris and algae “cleaning the filter,” some residues and sediments are perniciously tacky. They need to be rinsed off of the grids with moderate pressure. This is the time to inspect elements, orings, gaskets, valves, screens, and the manifold. Any cracks or tears will cause the filter to allow debris to return to the pool, through the heater, and the cleaner, and build up in corners and bottoms.
Sand filters;
are an uncommon choice, these days. They allow larger particles through than de or cartridge filters, and they are rarely cleaned, as the process is quite time consuming and potentially unpleasant. Well maintained sand filters work great, but the owner of a sand filter needs to be sure of its proper maintenance.
Skip: a broken element in a sand filter will ruin your day. Missing that one oring will cost you another day and a full filter worth of sand. If your going to take the lid off of a sand filter, you need to know what you’re doing. Fiberglass hurts for days…
Important: some applications call for a sand filter. They are usually above ground pools, specialized applications, or commercial style bodies of water. In above ground pools, they pair well with a robotic cleaner. They are very rarely the best choice for an in ground residential setting, though very popular some years ago.
Most importantly, “Who do I call?”
Most of us Pool Folk can take care of your cartridge and de filters. Some of us can clean your sand filter. We might recommend upgrading. Feel free to get several quotes and go with your gut. An expensive job can still be poorly done, and a cheap job is rarely done well. An invested pool guy is best for the job, as the better the filter, the easier his job is, and, most importantly, the happier his customers are.
Faithful Pool Services in Alvarado, TX
Swimming Pool Service, Maintenance, and Repair