Tag Archive for: pool filter

Replace a pool filter – When Should I Replace My Pool Filter?

Your pool filter is an essential component in the pool. Pool filters are responsible for trapping all dirt particles and debris in the pool. As a result, pool filters tend to get dirty frequently. It is therefore important to clean your pool filter from time to time. Otherwise, it won’t function to its full potential. Grease, minerals, and dirt particles tend to accumulate around the cartridge. Thus, pool experts advise that you replace a pool filter after three to five years.

Replace a pool filter - When Should I Replace My Pool Filter?

Needless to say, this period varies depending on the condition of the cartridge. For example, if your cartridge wears out after two months, you might have to replace it.

The best time to replace a pool filter

More often than not, the time taken to replace a pool filter varies based on several factors. But typically, pool owners replace their filter after every three to five years. Filters are prone to wear and tear after some years of use. So, you might have to replace the filter earlier. Constantly evaluate the condition of your filter and check for any potential issues. Below are some of the signs that you need to replace your filter.

Cleaning Frequency

Pool owners need to clean their filter every time the pressure gauge exceeds 8 PSI. If the pressure gauge exceeds these pounds more frequently, you may have to replace a pool filter. This could signal a problem with the efficiency of your filter. When you find yourself cleaning your cartridge many times in a row, consider replacing the filter.

Water Quality

You can easily tell the condition of your filter by observing your pool water condition. Cloudy or unclear pool water is a major sign that your filter is not working to its maximum potential. Additionally, if you have to add excessive sanitizer to achieve crystal clear pool water, there could be a problem with your filter. If you have murky pool water, it would be best to clean your cartridge first. Then, after some hours, check for any changes in the water quality. If the problem persists, you may have to replace a pool filter.

Filter Damage

Indisputably, every pool owner needs to check the condition of their filter regularly. At times, your filter may have tears or cracks. If you experience any damages to your filter, it would be best to replace it. Conducting a repair is not cost-effective since you’ll still have to replace a pool filter in the long run. Keep in mind that a damaged filter does not keep the pool water clean and safe for human use. If possible, replace a damaged pool filter as soon as you can.

The size of your filter can also help you determine when you need to replace a pool filter. Usually, a large pool filter offers maximum durability. Thus, you don’t have to replace them after three years; filters can always last longer. In particular, large pool filters incorporate fewer cleanings annually; hence, they are likely to be more durable. Nevertheless, note that larger filters are more costly. A general rule is that if your filter is twice bigger, it offers double longevity.

When should you clean your pool filter cartridge?

As mentioned earlier, dirt usually builds up around the cartridge. Thus, it is important to clean the cartridge frequently. Typically, it would be best if you cleaned the cartridge anytime the pressure gauge exceeds 8 pounds. Alternatively, if you are using a standard cartridge, clean it after six months. This only applies if there is a little build-up of dirt around the cartridge. Also, clean the cartridge if there is a change in the quality of water. It is also advisable to check for any cracks or tears in the cartridge regularly.

Replace a pool filter - When Should I Replace My Pool Filter?

Pool filter cleaning tips

When cleaning your pool filter, you have to observe certain safety practices. Failure to do so might lead to damage to your filter.

  • Avoid using a power washer to clean your filter. Power washers often incorporate a lot of pressure. Thus, they can damage your filter. In turn, they will shorten its durability. Moreover, you will have to deal with a lot of repairs both in the short and long run. This might cost you a lot of money.
  • Once you complete cleaning the filter, don’t expect it to turn white. The filter may not look as clean as you’d want it to be. In fact, it may still look dirty; but it functions best while in this state.
  • It is very important to give your filter an annual soak. Use suitable detergent to soak the filter. Doing this keeps the filter clean at all times and prevents the accumulation of dirt.

Need help to replace a pool filter? Contact us today!

It is clear that you should replace a pool filter after every 3 to 5 years. Of course, this time varies depending on the condition of your filter, among other factors. When replacing your filter, it is essential to hire a dependable pool company. Currently, one of the best pool companies you can hire is Fox Pools. We offer the best filter cleaning services; thus, we help you prolong the durability of your filter. We also conduct filter inspections. Consequently, we help you check whether your filter is in good shape.

What Does a Pool Filter Do To Clean The Pool?

Usually, pool filters get rid of all dirt particles present in the pool. They filter debris out of the pool; thus, they help you achieve crystal clear pool water. Generally, there are different filter settings on a multiport valve. They include the rinse, waste, closed, backwash, and recirculate setting. All these settings work towards helping you achieve crystal clear pool water.

What Does a Pool Filter Do To Clean The Pool?

Filter Setting

More often than not, pool owners use these setting during vacuuming. The setting helps you get rid of all types of debris in the pool. When the filter is under this setting, water from the pool goes into the filter. Then it passes through a filter basket. Here, all dirt gets trapped before the water goes to the pump. Keep in mind that if these dirt particles get into the pump, they will damage it. As the water passes through the sand, all debris gets removed. Then, the filtered water goes back into the pool without any impurities.

Backwash setting on the pool pump

Occasionally, pool professionals advise conducting a pool backwash. If you want to backwash your pool, the filter has to be under a backwash setting. Basically, backwashing means reversing the flow of water in the filter. Doing this prevents the accumulation of dirt particles on the cartridge. Through backwashing, the pressure of water removes all dirt tangling around the cartridge. Once you complete vacuuming the pool, turn the backwash setting on the filter. The water will start flowing in reverse to dislodge all the dirt stuck on the filter when you do this. The dirt removed by the backwash setting often goes out of the pool through the waste pipe. Thus, backwashing boosts the efficiency of the pool filter. In turn, you maintain clear pool water.

Waste setting on the pool filter

Another way to clean the pool is to put your filter on the waste setting. How does the waste setting work? Below are some of the reasons you should consider using the waste setting on your filter.

  • The waste setting on your filter helps you lower the pool water. Therefore, it comes in handy when draining the pool. Also, consider using this setting to reduce the amount of water in the pool after heavy rains.
  • The waste setting is ideal for filthy swimming pools. If your backyard oasis seems to have a high percentage of dirt and debris, turning on the waste setting will prevent a build-up of dirt on the filter. This is because the dirt particles would go directly out of the pool without passing through the filter.
  • Suppose your pool has large algae breeding grounds; consider using the waste setting. In the waste setting, dirt goes out of the pool through the waste pipe without passing through the filter. Therefore, there will be fewer chances of the algae going back to the pool.

Rinse setting on the pool pump

The rinse setting on your pool filter also helps you maintain clean water. Normally, the rinse setting is ideal after backwashing. This setting cleans the sand in a sand filter or the respective filter medium.

The rinse setting on a filter is responsible for getting rid of all the remaining dirt particles in the filter. Also, it helps the sand in a sand filter settle down. Hence, it prepares it for the next function. Pool professionals recommend that you run the pool filter for approximately one minute on the rinse setting. Water used in this setting does not go back into the pool.

Closed setting on the pool filter

Pool filters have a closed setting that is responsible for turning off all water flow. Usually, pool experts advise turning on the closed setting if you plan to leave your pool unused for a certain period. Also, if you want to empty your strainer baskets, consider turning on the closed setting. Turn off the closed setting immediately your pool is back in use. The closed setting helps keep your pool water in good condition even when the pool is not in use.

What Does a Pool Filter Do To Clean The Pool?

Are pool filters necessary?

Pool filters are essential for the proper functioning of the pool. This pool equipment gets rid of all dirt and debris from the pool. A pool filter uses various settings to maintain crystal clear water. Some of these settings include the backwash setting, closed setting, filter setting, and waste setting. All these filter settings work in conjunction with each other to keep your oasis in good shape.

Do you need help cleaning your pool filter? Contact Fox Pools today

Although pool filters clean the pool, you need to take good care of them. It is always advisable to hire a pool professional to help you with this. We, Fox Pools, have the best pool service technicians who help you prolong the durability of the filter. We provide the best pool filter cleaning services in the United States. So, do not hesitate to contact us if you need any pool filter cleaning services. Furthermore, we advise you on the best ways to operate the filter.