How to Clean a Cartridge Type Swimming Pool Filter

Steps

1. Purchase quality cartridge type filters. These will have a pleated fiberglass matt or synthetic filter media, not paper. The cleaning methods described here will cause cheap media to break down, leaving the filter useless.
2. Run the system with your filter as you normally would. When it becomes dirty, remove it from the pump-filter assembly.
3. Rinse any debris from the filter with a garden hose and spray nozzel before the filter dries after you have removed it. Drying will allow the collected debris to set into the filter media, making it more difficult to remove later.
4. Allow the filters to dry thoroughly, preferably in bright sunshine, which is has effective algaecidal properties.
5. Shake or use an air compressor to remove loose particles from the filter's fabric. This can be done by tapping it on a surface, brushing with a stiff paint brush, or other means. Note that this step is in preparation for the actual cleaning, so getting it is perfect is not necessary.
6. Save the filters you would normally throw in the trash until you have several to clean. Because cleaning involves using chlorinizer and takes time, cleaning individual filters is not efficient. A five gallon plastic paint bucket will hold about 5 type C filters.
7. Prepare a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid to soak your filters. Use a solution of 1 part pool chlorinator to 6 parts water. Sumbmerge the filters in this solution, then place the lid on the bucket.
8. Allow the filters to soak to kill any microorganisms that are trapped in the filter media, and to break down any organic contaminants. One day is good start, but 3 to 5 days will provide better results.
9. Remove the filters and rinse in a bucket of clean water. Aggitate the filters by holding them at one end, and dunking them briskly in and out of the rinse water. You should see a cloud of rinsed contaminants coming from the filter.
10. Hang or place the filters in bright sunlight and allow them to dry thoroughly. Any more dirt that is trapped on the surface of the filter should be brushed of, using a stiff bristled paint or parts cleaning brush.
11. Seal the bucket you soak the filters in when not in use so you won't have to add additional chlorinizer each time you clean filters. Some sediment will accumulate in the bottom of this bucket, but it doesn't effect the usability of the solution.
12. Mix a solution of muriatic acid and water to dissolve minerals that accumulate in the filter media, reducing the rate water can pass through the filter. Use another clean bucket with a lid that seals tightly. Add about 2/3 of a bucket of clean water, then carefully pour in enough muriatic acid to give you a 1 part acid to 10 parts water solution. In a typical 5 gallon bucket, this means about 3 gallons of water to 1 1/2 quarts acid.
13. Soak your filters in the acid solution until it quits bubbling. The bubbles are an indication the acid is reacting with the mineral deposits, and when the bubbling has quit, the minerals should be dissolved.
14. Seal this container when you are finished with it. If you keep your containers sealed tightly, the chemicals (either the acid or chlorinizer) will not weaken and may be reused for several cleanings. Allowing the containers to remain open will allow the chlorine to evaporate out of your solution, rendering it useless in a short time.
15. Rinse the acid cleaned filters with plenty of fresh water, then allow them to dry, shake any remaining collected dirt from the pleats, and they are ready either to proceed to chlorine soaking, or if this step has followed the chlorine soaking, they are ready for reuse in your pool.
16. Reuse your cleaned filters.

Tips

• Remove the collected dirt from the filter in stages, removing as much as possible in stage. Simply tapping or brushing the filter after it has dried in the sun will reduce the amount of organic contaminants that need to be broken down in the cholinator soak.
• Remove and clean or replace the filter on a regular basis.
• Discard any filters that become damaged or deteriorate to the point they no longer filter efficiently.
• Store filters in a plastic bag or other container when they are cleaned to keep insects from making a home in them.
• Maintain your pool water chemistry to minimize the organic contaminants in the water, making the filter's job much easier.
• Make sure the filter/pump unit is working correctly before using shock or adding chlorine or other chemicals to the pool.
• Filters may become clogged much more rapidly when using clarifier in the pool water, as this product will cause the paritcles that cloud the water to be trapped more easily in the filter media.
• Pool filter cleaning chemicals are marketed specifically for cleaning cartridge type filters, but the cost is fairly high in consideration of their performance.
• For cleaning filters in pools where a large number of people swim, and suntan lotions or other materials may accumulate, using a dishwashing liquid solution to presoak the filter may yield superior results.
• Using a 5% muriatic acid solution to remove calcium deposited in the filter media will increase the filter's performance if high concentrations of minerals exist in your pool water.

Warnings

• The organic matter captured by the filter can be irritating, so avoid breathing and exposure to the dust when removing it either with a brush or by blowing out with compressed air.
• The solution of chlorinizer you soak the filter in is very strong. Do not splash on clothes, and keep the bucket sealed tightly and out of reach of children.
• Use caution when pouring either liquid chlorinizer or muriatic acid. Add the chemical to the water, never the water to concentrated chemicals, and avoid direct contact with skin.

Things You'll Need

• Swimming pool filters to start with.
• A stiff bristled brush.
• A large bucket with a lid that closes tightly.
• A vaccuum cleaner or air compressor (optional).
• Liquid chlorinizer
• Muriatic acid (optional)

Sources and Citations

• http://www.backyardcitypools.com/Filter-Cartridges/Filter-Cartridges-Cleaning-Instructions-Chlorine.htm

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