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Managing Your Pool Filter Cleaning

May 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by lauren

Swimming pools are integral in many homes, providing a much-needed oasis during the hot summer months. But owning one makes you responsible for regular upkeep and maintenance. One essential aspect is cleaning out your filter regularly to keep the pool water safe for swimming.

Understand Your Pool Filters

Before initiating the cleaning process, it’s crucial to understand the various pool filter types available. There are three primary types of filters: sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth (DE).

Sand filters are the most prevalent type of pool filters and employ sand as the filtering medium, capturing dirt and debris from the pool water that could otherwise return. Cartridge filters utilize replaceable filter cartridges which capture contaminants as they pass through. DE filters use powder-like substances made from diatom fossils as a filter medium that coats a grid inside their filters to capture contaminants before flushing them and removing them from circulation.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Filter?

The frequency of pool filter cleaning varies based on several factors, such as your pool’s size, type, and usage habits. As a general guideline, at least every six months, your filter should be professionally cleaned. However, if any of these signs appear, it could be time for servicing:

Reduced water flow from pool jets (may indicate low pressure)
Indicator on your filter displays high pressure
Cloudy or greenish-hued water in your pool (may require filter cleaning as soon as possible to restore proper circulation and conditions for swimming).

Clean Your Filter

Cleaning a filter is generally a straightforward process that takes just a few steps.

Step 1: Before initiating the cleaning process, switching off your pool pump is crucial. This will prevent any water from passing through its filter while you work to disinfect it.
Step 2: To uninstall your filter from its housing, consult the instructions in your pool filter manual for guidance.
Step 3: Once you’ve removed the filter, it is time to clean it thoroughly. For sand filters, backwashing is the ideal method of removal as it involves the reverse flow of water through it to flush away contaminants; cartridge filters require regular rinses with a garden hose to flush all debris away. DE filters require removal of filter grids to be thoroughly cleansed using DE filter cleaner powder mixed with water which will then be applied directly onto them to eliminate contaminants.
Step 4: Now that your filter has been thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to reassemble it correctly by following the instructions provided in its user manual. Ensure it fits together securely before continuing.
Step 5: To ensure the proper functioning of the filter system, switch on your pool pump. Monitor its pressure gauge to ensure water flows freely through its filter. And keep an eye out on whether its pressure reading falls within acceptable levels.

Other Tips for Maintaining Your Pool Filter

In addition to regular cleaning, you can also employ some additional strategies to maintain the best condition for your pool filter.

Check your pool’s pH levels regularly. Too high or too low readings could damage its filter, with an ideal range between 7.2 and 7.8 being ideal. In addition, regularly remove debris from your pool with a pool skimmer or net to ensure smooth filter function.

Be wary of using too many chemicals in your pool, as overdoing it may damage its filter. Follow all instructions regarding chemical products you purchase and only use them sparingly.

Rather than trying to service the filter yourself, why not hire a professional? An expert can offer regular maintenance checks on your pool filter, which ensures it continues to operate optimally.

Final Thoughts

Regular pool filter cleaning is vital to maintaining a safe, enjoyable swimming experience in your pool. The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors, including the size and type of filter used. Cleaning pool filters is a straightforward process that can be completed easily. Follow these steps along with our other maintenance tips for a positive swimming experience!

Sometimes pool maintenance is better left to the professionals. When you need assistance cleaning your pool, contact Fox Pools for expert help.

How to Clean a Cartridge Filter

February 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by poolmarketing

Nothing beats cooling off with a refreshing swim in the sweltering summer months. To ensure good cleanliness and maintenance, you should use pool filters. A cartridge filter requires regular cleaning, which can be time-consuming but is necessary. As soon as you see that the filter is dirty, take it out of the filter assembly and give it a good cleaning with a garden hose. Do not use the spray nozzle when rinsing, as this could push particles deeper into the cartridge. Rinse the filter as soon as you remove it from the assembly. This is because the filter material can become more difficult to clean if it dries out.

How to clean your pool cartridge filter

There’s no need to go to great lengths or spend a lot of money to clean your cartridge filter. In contrast to other filter types like DE and sand filters, cartridge filters do not require backwashing. Two or three items are all you need to get the work done efficiently and effectively. It’s necessary to have the following:

Muriatic acid
Dishwashing liquid or commercial filter cleaner
Bucket
Garden hose

Steps

Shut down the filter

Disconnecting the electricity from the pool’s filtration system is the first step in cleaning the cartridge filter. While you’re cleaning the filter, make sure the timers are off.

Bleed air

When you turn off your filtration system, the compressed air needs to be bled. To do this, open the air relief valve, which releases any pressure in the filter. By doing so, any accumulated water in the pool’s filter can be removed.

Remove the cartridge filter

In order to remove the cartridge filter from the filter unit, you will need to unscrew the model-specific lock ring, knobs, or tension clamps. Check the manual with the device to learn how to remove the filter. What you’ll learn here should help you safely remove the filter.

Empty the cartridge filter and clean it.

Just point your garden hose at a 45-degree angle to clean the cartridge filter, and use the nozzle’s moderate spray setting to flush the filter. A vigorous spray can damage the pleats in the filter, so avoid using a pressure cleaner. A cartridge filter can be easily maintained with a garden hose, and there’s no need for backwashing.

To thoroughly clean a dirty filter, it is better to work from the top down. Repeat the cleaning and rinsing steps until the filter is spotless and the water is clear.

It’s possible that after the initial cleaning, your filter won’t look quite as bright white as it did when you originally got it. It’s very natural for there to be some staining.

Soaking the filter

It may be necessary to soak the filter in order to remove the particles. Clogging can occur in the filter due to oils from use, such as those found in suntan oils, sweat, and sunscreen. To remove any remaining oils, soak the filter in a professional filter. Oils trapped in a filter can prevent the pleats from functioning properly; thus, it’s important to clean the filter often.

Your cartridge filter can be cleaned of oils by submerging it in a mixture of water and a commercial pool cleaner in a large bucket. Without a dedicated pool cleaner, a solution of one cup of dishwashing liquid to 5 gallons of water would do.

Depending on how hardened the debris and dirt are, the filter may need to be immersed for up to ten hours. Soak for at least an hour, preferably longer if time is of the essence.

Rinse off the filter

Take the filter out of the bucket and wash the cleaner.

Soak again with muriatic acid

Calcium carbonate, iron, algae, and other minerals cause clogging in your filter, so you may need to soak it again. This time, you should let it soak in a mixture of 20 parts water and 1 part muriatic acid. Just drop the filter into the liquid and wait for the bubbling to cease before pulling it out.

Repeat the rinsing process

As soon as you take the cartridge filter out of the mixture, you should give it a good rinse to get rid of any residual muriatic acid.

If, after following these instructions, your filter is still unclean, you may need to purchase a new cartridge filter instead. On average, you should change these filters approximately once every three to five years.

Return the cartridge filter

After thoroughly cleaning the filter, you should replace it in its housing unit. Make sure that all of its components are in the right locations and fastened appropriately.

Initiate the purification process by turning on the filters

At this point, you can finish up by restarting the system. Having a clean filter will allow your pool cleaner to generate more suction and move more water.

Need help cleaning a cartridge filter?

The knowledgeable staff at Fox Pools is available to answer your concerns and provide you with additional guidance regarding cleaning your pool’s cartridge filter. Contact us today!

Pool Inspections for Spring

March 10, 2022/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by poolmarketing

It’s not a fluke that your pool’s gleaming water appears out of thin air. As long as you keep up with your responsibilities, you’ll reap the benefits. Your pool will stand out from the crowd if you fulfill your responsibilities in a timely manner. One of those jobs you should never skip is swimming pool inspections.

Aside from making an appointment, there are many factors to consider when performing a pool check. To provide just a few examples, the frequency and method by which pool inspectors carry out their inspections vary. Have any questions about swimming pool inspections? Fox Pools is here to answer them!

Schedule pool inspections for spring early

Any pool will experience wear and tear as well as damage from exposure to the environment. To keep the pool operating at its optimum, it is necessary to repair and maintain this kind of damage.

It’s a good idea to stick to a regular inspection plan for your pool. Many people choose to have them examined by a professional before dipping into their swimming pools for the first time this summer.

As temperatures rise, pool inspectors are more likely to be on the clock.

Families may have to wait a long time to find out if the pool is safe. As a result, you should make every effort to have an inspection scheduled as soon as possible. This includes taking care of the pool’s pump, filtration system, leak detection, or filter cleaning.

What do pool inspections include?

There are many distinct aspects to a pool inspection. Inquire ahead of time about the scope of the inspection that your swimming pool needs.

Pool filter

You may find a variety of pool filters that perform the same thing: purify and disinfect the pool water, regardless of kind. If you don’t have one, you’ll have a pool that’s a disaster! An inspector’s role is to ensure that your pool filter is securely in place. Also, all the valves that lead to the filter are working properly.

Saltwater corrosion

Saltwater pools are a luxurious alternative that requires fewer quantities of chlorine to sterilize and requires less maintenance. There’s a danger that salt will corrode metals. When inspecting saltwater pools, inspectors must exercise extra caution.

Equipment operation

A visual inspection and basic operation of the pool or spa’s equipment, including heating systems, valves, motors, filters, and pumps, will be part of the inspection. An inspection of the equipment will look for problems, such as leaks in exposed plumbing, insufficient electricity or heating, and other malfunctioning parts. The topic of pool safety and equipment lifetime will be introduced during an inspection. This will help determine whether or not the equipment needs repair or total replacement.

Pool pumps

Your pool’s pump is a critical piece of equipment. A pool can only be used for a short time if the pump is not working properly. Inspectors check the pump to see if it’s working right and make sure the wiring is safe.

Pool interior

Vinyl liners feature in some pools. To prevent water from escaping the pool, these devices are ideal. Repairing a tear in the liner could be expensive.

A variety of plasters help to finish off other swimming pools. Inspectors look for cracks in the plaster that could become a problem in the future, though some cracking is to be expected.

Pool safety

It is the job of pool inspectors to ensure that your time in the sun is as enjoyable as possible. For example, they may inspect to make sure that the pool is clear of any electrical wires and that the walks around your backyard pool are safe against trips and falls.

Inspections of the pool’s fencing and latches, if any are there, are important to ensure that nobody who shouldn’t be in the pool gets there by accident. The fence’s design should make it difficult for small children to climb over, preventing children from sneaking in unnoticed. Local legislation can provide a different minimum height requirement.

Pool lighting

A common feature of many pools is the inclusion of underwater lighting. Pool inspectors should test more modern LED lights and old-fashioned light bulbs to ensure they work properly. They will inspect the pool lighting fixtures for moisture, which can lead to mildew and mold problems. This person could also tell you what kind of lightbulb you’ll need.

Pool inspections with Fox Pools

You’re aware that while performing a pool check is not required, it is strongly advised. You need a professional to check a pool because the typical individual doesn’t know what to look for.

Your family’s peace of mind is worth the cost. As a new homeowner, you don’t want to face an unexpected financial burden. Do you have any questions concerning pool inspections? Contact Fox Pools so we can help.

A Guide to Filter Cleaning

February 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by poolmarketing

Typically, pool filters are responsible for keeping your swimming pool clean at all times. Subsequently, pool filters are prone to clogging since they are responsible for getting rid of all dirt particles in the pool. Therefore, always take time to clean your pool filters regularly. Hiring a professional pool service company would be best to conduct pool filter cleaning.

How do you clean a pool filter?

At present, there are different types of filters. The technique you use to clean a pool filter varies depending on its configuration. So, let’s look at a detailed procedure for cleaning different pool filters.

Cartridge pool filter cleaning

Cartridge pool filters are popular among a majority of pool owners. These filters are relatively simple to clean since you have to pull out the cartridge to clean it. If you have a cartridge pool filter, follow the below steps when cleaning it.

Before you start cleaning a cartridge pool filter, you need to switch off the pool’s circulatory system for safety.
Then, switch on the air relief valve to get rid of excess air from the system.
Disintegrate the filter by removing all temporary fittings.
Pull out the cartridge from the filter and place it in a safe space. Carefully examine the cartridge to check whether it has any cracks or abnormalities. If you have a worn-out cartridge, replace it with a new one. More often than not, you’ll have to replace the cartridge after every six months.
If your cartridge is in good condition, clean it using clean water. Use a nozzle to spray water across the cartridge for thorough cleaning. Ensure you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the cartridge. If the cartridge is too dirty, soak it in a pool filter cleaning solution for at least 12 hours.
The next thing to do is to rinse the cartridge using clean water.
Ensure the O-ring on the filter tank is in good condition. Then, layer it with lubricant.
Once the filter is dry, insert it into the filter and connect all the temporary fittings.
Switch on the system and let it run normally.

Cleaning sand pool filters

Sand pool filters consume more effort and time when cleaning. Even so, ensure you clean your sand pool filter regularly to keep your swimming pool in good shape. Follow the steps below if you wish to clean your sand filter.

The first step is to start by backwashing the filter. Backwashing facilitates a reverse flow of water in the pool to remove dirt particles tangling around the filter.
Afterward, switch off the circulatory system.
Remove excess air by turning on the air relief valve on top of the filter.
Pull out the strainer lid of the pump.
Put sand filter cleaner in the strainer basket and replace the lid.
Switch on the pump for 15 to 30 seconds to facilitate the transfer of the sand filter cleaner to the filter.
Once you switch off the pump, let the solution work on the filter for approximately 12 hours. It would be best to conduct this procedure overnight.
The next thing to do is to backwash the filter once again. Doing this helps you get rid of all dirt particles deposited on the filter by the filter cleaner.
Switch on the circulatory system after you finish backwashing the pool.

Why should you clean your pool filter?

Maintain a clean, healthy water environment:

When you clean your pool filter, you are able to maintain a healthy water environment. Typically, cleaning your filter improves its functionality. As a result, your filter will be able to keep your pool water clean at all times. Therefore, it will be much safer to swim in a pool with a clean filter.

Prevent clogging:

Pool filter cleaning prevents clogging. Pool filters encounter dirt from time to time. Cleaning a pool filter removes all debris and dirt particles entangled on the pool filter. Therefore, it reduces any blockage. Through pool filter cleaning, you are able to cut down on pool equipment repair costs.

Extended life on your pool filtration system:

Keeping your pool filter in good condition improves its longevity. Pool filter cleaning improves the equipment’s efficiency. Subsequently, you are less likely to encounter problems with your pool filtration system.

Are you looking for pool filter cleaning services?

At Fox Pools, we offer the best pool filter cleaning services. Our pool experts are highly experienced in cleaning different types of pool filters. Consequently, you can count on us to deliver quality pool filter cleaning services. On your first consultation, we take the time to listen to all your requirements. From there, we come onsite to examine and clean your pool filter. Moreover, we take good care of any replacements and repairs needed by your pool filter.