Cartridge Filter Care

A filter can do wonders for making your pool look clean and beautiful so keeping it in tip-top shape is essential. The backbone to your pool filter is the cartridge that sits inside and catches all the rubbish, unwanted debris, mucus and other nasty additions that no one wants. But it does have its limitations. Over time the constant use and material stacks up and your pool filter cartridge will start to become clogged. What should you do when this happens? Here is all the information you need on how to clean a pool filter cartridge.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Cartridge?

When determining how often to clean the pool filter cartridge there are a few variables that need to be looked at. It isn’t exactly black and white as it comes down to factors like if your pool filters receives heavy usage or not. So here are the recommended suggestions for both circumstances.

Heavy usage:

If your filter is used heavily and you have begun to notice a slow down in its cleaning capability then open up the pump and check inside. If the filter looks clogged you should remove it for cleaning. 

Light usage:

If you don’t use your filter heavily then it is recommended to clean your water filter cartridge every other month as it stops other issues from occurring.

Signs to replace the cartridge altogether:

When your pool filter cartridge has been used for a while you might notice some colour changes on the fins. If after you have thoroughly cleaned the filter cartridge there are still observations like colour stains, inconsistent strength in the fins or small holes then it is recommended to buy a new one.

What Equipment and Products You Need For Thorough Cleaning

When it comes to the equipment you need to clean your filter cartridge the list could not be simpler. Knowing how to clean a pool filter cartridge means nothing if you don’t have the right tools. Luckily all the items you need are commonly found in every house or are easy to acquire. Here is what you are going to need:

  • A hose to wash all of the gunk inside out.
  • A high-pressure hose nozzle to ensure that the cleaning is a lot more thorough.
  • Filter cleaner or Trisodium Phosphate to use for soaking purposes every three months.

Expert Advice On Cartridge Filter Care

It is vital your filter cartridge is maintained correctly to maximize its life span and effectiveness.

The life of a filter cartridge depends on how you treat it. Filter clogging is caused by soaps, cosmetics, perspiration, body fats, oils, and fine particles of dust or dirt.

Spa owners should really keep on top of their cartridge filter cleaning, as the hotter water will make the filter clog much faster than a pool cartridge.

1- Do not scrub the filter with a stiff brush or use a pressure cleaner.

2- Rotating two cartridges will prolong the filter's life considerably.

3- Maintain spa pool water chemistry in proper balance.

Cartridge Filter Care Cleaning Instructions:

1: Remove the cartridge from the filter housing or skimmer box.

2: Wash the filter using a garden hose working from the top down. Some manufacturers supply a nozzle with the purchase of a cartridge; these work very well.

3: Soak the cartridge for at least an hour (overnight is preferable) in a cartridge cleaning solution which you can purchase from your local pool shop. 

4: Alternatively, use 1 cup of household detergent in 5 litres of water to clean. OR have Pool Assist swap it with your spare and remove the cartridge for professional cleaning.

5: Rinse the cartridge once more with a hose to remove any remaining oils or cleaning solution Eventually your cartridge filter will block and will need to be replaced – usually within 1 to 2 years – depending on the amount of use.


The Option To Get It Done Right

If you have a handle on how to clean pool filter cartridge then you are good to go, but if you still aren’t confident then here is what we suggest. Hire someone who is professionally qualified to handle equipment surrounding pools. Whether you don’t feel super confident about cleaning it yourself, unsure of what to choose or you just aren’t bothered/have the free time then hiring someone from Pool Assist is going to be the best choice. 


The last thing you want is to have the wrong chemical circulating through your swimming water so hiring someone who has a clear understanding of what to do is the smart option. Pick Pool Assist for affordable rates when you are unsure about how to clean the pool filter cartridge today.

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