How Often Should a Pool Filter Be Cleaned?
When you think of a pool, we assume you picture a beautiful pool filled with crystal clear water. Hopefully, your pool also looks like that in reality as well. Having a clean pool ensures the longevity of it and keeps bacteria or algae from growing. While regular weekly pool maintenance and balancing of chemicals can help you achieve this, your pool’s filter is also a crucial component as well.
How Does it Work?
Pool filters catch particles, dirt, insects, debris, and other contaminants in order to take them out of the water. Their sole purpose is to help your pool water stay clean and avoid it from becoming disease-prone. Aside from trapping unwanted debris, pool filters also aid in the circulation of your pool water which helps disperse the chemicals that are added to your pool to keep it clear.
There are a few different types of filters and each one has different needs and requirements. No matter which one you get, regular cleanings are important in order to minimize the wear and tear they take on over time. If cleaning of the filter is neglected, they will become congested and won’t work to its full potential. If this is allowed to happen, your pool water can get cloudy and become the perfect environment for bacteria and algae to thrive. In addition to this, congested filters can also lead to issues with your pool pump as well. If the pump doesn’t run properly and becomes backed up, flooding can be the result which will lead to a handful of costly damages.
How Often Should The Filter Be Cleaned?
The answer to this depends on the type of filter that you have.
Sand Filter: With this type of filter, backwashing should be done when the pressure on the gauge has risen 5-10 psi. This usually takes about 1-4 weeks for this type of filter. Be sure not to over backwash as that can lead to issues with algae due to the amount of chemicals being removed from the water as you backwash. You should also include a special filter cleaner every season.
DE Filter: DE stands for Diatomaceous Earth which refers to the powder used to strain small fragments that pass through. You should use special cleaners on this one at least once every season. Be sure to conduct a full cleaning and inspection yearly. In regards to backwashing, the pressure gauge will help you decide when it time. The more debris that builds up in the filter, the higher the pressure. Once the clean filter has built up about 5-10 psi (takes about 1-3 months for DE filters), it’s usually time for a backwash. Again, be sure not to over backwash in order to avoid algae problems. Also, be sure to always add fresh D.E. after each backwash or else damage will occur.
Cartridge Filter: How often you clean this type of filter really depends on how often the pool is used and how big the filter is. These are usually cleaned monthly as a part of regular maintenance. For deep cleanings, a good rule of thumb is when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above the standard starting pressure (pressure when you put the clean filter in). With this type of filter, cleaning is a bit different. Rather than backwashing, you will remove the cartridge from the canister and spray them down with a hose, using medium pressure, before putting it back. If a deeper clean is needed, you can pair the hose with a brush and then soak the cartridge in a cleaning solution for at least an hour. Once soaked, rewash them and let them dry before putting them back.
Protect Your Investment
Regular pool service in Gilbert and its equipment will ultimately be the reason your pool stays in good shape and lasts for years to come. However, we know it’s not always fun, can be time consuming, and a bit nerve wracking if you don’t know exactly what products to use and how to use them. But we hate hearing about customers that have to do major pool repairs simply because they neglected any maintenance programs over the years.
Fortunately for you, you don’t have to do it yourself if you don’t want to. Hiring a professional can save you the stress and put the care of your pool in the hands of someone with full knowledge and years of experience in doing so. At Aquaman Pools, our top priority is helping those in our community enjoy their pool for what they intended it for, while we tackle the rest. We ensure you will receive consistent, top-quality care at a fair price that will keep your pool looking clean and clear, year round. Contact us today for a free quote or if you have any further questions.