How To Clean A Pool Filter Cartridge (In 10 Easy Steps)

Nobody likes swimming in a swamp. If you want your pool water crystal clear and safe for the family, your filter cartridge needs to be in top shape. This cylindrical, pleated fabric is the goalie for your pool, trapping debris, dirt, and algae before it circulates back into the water.

However, it doesn’t stay clean forever. To keep the water flowing and the pump happy, you need to wash that gunk out. Here is everything you need to know about how to clean a pool filter cartridge effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Clean the cartridge every 3 to 6 months, or whenever the pressure gauge rises 8 to 10 PSI above the starting level.
• Rinse loose debris with a garden hose; use vinegar or dishwasher detergent for a deep soak if the filter is greasy or scaled.
• Inspect the fabric for cracks, tears, or mushiness during every clean; replace damaged cartridges immediately.
• Keep the pool skimmed and chemical levels balanced to extend the life of your filter.

In This Article

• When to Clean Your Pool Filter
• Cleaning Your Pool Filter
• Deep Cleaning Your Pool Filter
• Cleaning Algae from Your Pool Filter
• Pool Filter Lifespan
• Pool Filter Maintenance
• FAQs
• Crystal Clear Water Awaits

When to Clean a Pool Filter Cartridge

Generally, a pool filter cartridge requires cleaning every 3 to 6 months to remove trapped dirt and debris. However, the most accurate way to determine if it is time to clean is by checking your system’s pressure gauge. When the PSI reading sits 8 to 10 PSI higher than the “clean” or starting reading, it is time to open the tank and wash the filters.

How to Clean a Pool Filter Cartridge

Cleaning a cartridge filter is a straightforward process. You start by rinsing off the surface debris with a hose. If the filter is particularly grimy or has calcium buildup, you will need to perform a deep soak.

• Time: 30 minutes (basic rinse) to overnight (deep soak)
• Difficulty: Intermediate

What You’ll Need

Gather these tools before you start:

• Garden hose
• Spray nozzle
• Filter owner’s manual
• Large bucket or plastic trash can
• Vinegar, dishwasher detergent, or muriatic acid
• Measuring cup
• Safety goggles and gloves (if using acid)
• Silicone-based lubricant (non-petroleum)

1. Turn Off the Pump

Safety comes first. Turn the pool pump off at the breaker to ensure it cannot turn on while you are working. Close the inlet and outlet valves to isolate the filter. Next, open the air-relief valve located at the top of the tank to release any built-up pressure. This step is critical; do not attempt to open the tank while it is pressurized.

2. Open the Filter Tank

Remove the clamp that holds the tank halves together. While most modern tanks use a large O-ring and a release tab, some older models use metal bolts. Press the release tab and turn the clamp counter-clockwise to unlock the housing.

If you are unsure how your specific clamp works, consult your owner’s manual. Once the clamp is off, lift the top half of the filter tank to reveal the cartridges.

3. Remove Filter Cartridges

Lift the cartridges out of the tank. Depending on your model, you might have anywhere from one to four cartridges inside. If they feel stuck, gently rock them back and forth to loosen the seal at the bottom manifold.

4. Inspect for Damage

Before you start spraying, look closely at the pleats and plastic end caps. If the fabric is torn, cracked, or feels mushy and collapses under touch, cleaning won’t help. You need to replace the cartridge entirely.

Place the dirty cartridges on the grass rather than concrete. This allows the runoff to drain into the lawn, making cleanup easier.

5. Spray With a Hose

Attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose. Holding the nozzle at a 45-degree angle, spray the cartridge from top to bottom. Work your way around the cylinder, aiming to flush debris out from between the pleats.

Note: Do not use a high-pressure washer. The intense pressure can rip the fabric and ruin the filter instantly. If stubborn particles remain, use a specialized filter brush to gently dislodge them.

6. Clean the Tank Housing

While the cartridges are out, take a moment to rinse out the bottom of the filter tank housing. There is often a drain plug you can remove to wash out sludge that has settled at the bottom.

7. Reassemble the Filter

Once the cartridges are clean (or after they have finished soaking), place them back into the filter housing. Ensure they are seated correctly on the bottom manifold. Replace the tank lid and secure the clamp ring.

8. Check the O-Ring

Inspect the large O-ring that seals the tank halves. If it looks dry or cracked, it needs to be replaced. If it is in good condition, apply a light layer of silicone-based lubricant to ensure a watertight seal.

9. Restart the System

Turn the pump back on at the breaker. Keep the air relief valve open until a steady stream of water shoots out, indicating all the air has been purged from the tank. Close the valve. Check the pressure gauge to ensure it has returned to the normal starting range (usually 10 to 20 PSI, depending on your system).

10. Record the Baseline Pressure

Write down the new pressure reading. This is your “clean” baseline. When the pressure eventually rises 8 to 10 PSI above this number, you will know it is time to clean the filters again.

How to Deep Clean a Pool Cartridge Filter

Sometimes a simple hose-down isn’t enough. If your filter is saturated with body oils, sunscreen, or mineral deposits, you need a chemical soak. Deep cleaning involves soaking the cartridges in a cleaning solution for several hours or overnight.

Using Vinegar for Mineral Buildup

Vinegar is a great DIY solution for removing calcium or mineral scale that clogs the fabric.

1. Mix the Solution

Combine white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a large bucket. Ensure you make enough solution to submerge the cartridges completely.

2. Soak

Place the filters in the bucket and let them soak for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. Rinse

Remove the filters and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water to remove the vinegar and dissolved minerals.

Using Detergent for Oils and Grease

If your pool sees a lot of swimmers with sunscreen, lotions, or hair products, an degreaser is necessary. You can use standard dishwasher detergent or dish soap.

1. Mix the Soap

Add 1 cup of dishwasher detergent for every 5 gallons of water in a large trash can or bucket. Avoid soaps that are excessively sudsy.

2. Soak

Submerge the filters in the soapy water and let them sit for 10 hours or overnight.

3. Rinse

Rinse the filters extensively until no soap bubbles appear. Residual soap can cause foaming in your pool water.

Using Muriatic Acid for Algae

Muriatic acid is a heavy-duty cleaner used to remove tough mineral deposits and kill algae spores deeply embedded in the pleats.

Safety Note

Always add acid to water, never add water to acid. Adding water to concentrated acid can cause a dangerous reaction that splashes chemical burns onto your skin. Wear gloves and eye protection.

1. Create the Acid Bath

Fill a large plastic container with water. Carefully add muriatic acid to create a 1:20 ratio (1 part acid to 20 parts water).

2. Soak the Filters

Submerge the filters. You may see bubbling as the acid eats away calcium deposits. Remove the filters once the bubbling stops.

3. Rinse Well

Rinse the cartridges thoroughly with a hose to remove all traces of acid before reinstalling them.

Pro Tip

Avoid using bleach on pool filters. Bleach can degrade the polyester fibers and damage the end caps, significantly shortening the life of your cartridge.

How to Clean Algae Out of a Pool Filter

If you have battled an algae bloom, your filter is likely packed with spores. The best way to clean algae out of the pool filter is to kill it with a chemical soak. While muriatic acid works well, many pros prefer Trisodium Phosphate (TSP).

Savogran Trisodium Phosphate is a powerful cleaner that breaks down the organic matter of algae. Dissolve 1 cup of TSP in 5 gallons of water and soak the filters overnight. Rinse thoroughly the next morning.

To prevent future growth, keep your pool free of organic debris like leaves, which break down into phosphates (algae food). You can also use a product like Clorox’s Pool & Spa Phosphate Remover to starve the algae, or add a maintenance dose of Super Algae Guard.

How Long Does a Pool Filter Cartridge Last?

With proper maintenance, a quality pool filter cartridge typically lasts 3 to 5 years. However, usage plays a big role. If you run your pump 24/7 or have a high bather load, you may need to replace them sooner. Always replace the cartridge immediately if the plastic ends are cracked or the fabric pleats are fraying.

Pool Filter Maintenance Tips

Extend the life of your filter and keep your water sparkling with these simple habits:

• Use a tennis ball: Toss a tennis ball into the skimmer basket. The fuzzy surface absorbs surface oils and sunscreen before they reach the filter pleats.
• Skim daily: Remove leaves and bugs regularly so they do not break down and clog the system.
• Balance your chemicals: Improper pH and alkalinity can lead to calcium scaling, which hardens the filter fabric and reduces flow.
• Vacuum regularly: Vacuuming the pool prevents dirt from settling and staining the liner, while also reducing the load on the filter.

FAQs

Why Does My Pool Filter Keep Clogging?

Your filter is clogging because it is doing its job; it is catching debris. If it clogs too quickly (every few days), you may have an algae bloom, the cartridge might be old and saturated, or the filter may be too small for the size of your pool.

Are Pool Filters Dishwasher Safe?

No, pool filters are not dishwasher safe. The high heat can warp the plastic end caps and damage the polyester fabric. Stick to a garden hose or a soak in a bucket.

How Much Does a New Pool Filter Cartridge Cost?

Prices vary widely based on size and brand. A small single cartridge might cost $30 to $50, while a large set for a quad-cartridge tank can cost between $250 and $600.

Can You Use Baking Soda to Clean Pool Filters?

No, baking soda is not an effective cleaner for filters. While it is used to raise alkalinity in the pool water, using it to clean the cartridge can actually gum up the pores of the fabric.

Can I Use Simple Green to Clean My Pool Filter?

Yes, you can use Simple Green. It is a powerful degreaser that breaks down oils and grime without damaging the filter pleats. Rinse very well to prevent foaming in the pool.

Should I Run My Pool Pump During the Day or Night?

Ideally, run the pump during the hottest part of the day when algae is most active and UV rays burn off chlorine. However, many people run it at night to save money on electricity during off-peak hours.

Can I Use a Pressure Washer on My Pool Cartridge?

You should generally avoid using a pressure washer. The high-intensity spray can easily tear the polyester fabric or separate the pleats from the bands, rendering the cartridge useless.

Crystal Clear Water Awaits

Regular pool filter cleaning is the secret to a sparkling oasis. It prevents algae blooms, lowers your chemical costs, and ensures your equipment lasts for years. By spending just a little time every few months rinsing or soaking your cartridges, you guarantee that the only thing your family has to worry about is who can make the biggest cannonball.

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