How to Clean Your Pool’s Filter Cartridge

The following directions will help ensure that your swimming pool’s filter cartridge gets a proper cleaning.

1.  Remove the cartridge filter from the filter’s housing following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2.  Use a garden hose to with a straight flow nozzle to wash down the filter cartridge.    Work from the top down, cleaning both the inside and outside.  Hold the spray at a 45 degree angle for best results.   Clean between all the pleats.

3.  Rinse and repeat until dirt and debris are completely gone.

4.  If the filter cartridge is still dirty or has been used in a spa or swimming pool where sun tanning lotions or oils are frequently used, then soak the filter cartridge for at least one hour (overnight is more effective) using one of the following options:

— A commercial filter cleaner,
— A solution of one cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) to five gallons of water, or
— A solution of one cup of dishwashing liquid to five gallons of water.

5.  Rinse the filter cartridge again, and repeat steps 2-4 if needed.

6.  If the filter cartridge has a coating of algae, calcium carbonate (residue from calcium hypochlorite), iron, or any other minerals, soak the filter cartridge in a solution of one part muriatic acid to twenty parts water until the bubbling stops.

WARNING:  Failure to remove all oils and cleaning solutions from steps 2-5 above could result in the permanent restriction of water flow through your cartridge filter resulting in a partial or complete failure of the filter.

7.  Rinse the cartridge filter completely and replace it within the filter’s housing according to manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE:  It is not recommended to use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) powder with any filter cartridge.   The powder particles will become trapped in the body and will shorten its life expectancy greatly.