Pool Filter Maintenance Guide

Proper pool filter maintenance is critical to keep your pool water clean and your pool pump functioning properly for years. There are three main types of pool filters, and whichever type you have, it is critical that you keep it maintained and functioning properly.

Sand Filters

Sand filters include a tank made out of meta, concrete or fiberglass that is filled with a large amount of special-grade sand. Dirty water from the pool comes through the filter and flows easily through to the outlet pipe in the bottom, however any dirt or other debris is captured by the sand.

Pressure gauges on the filter will let you know that the water flow may be experience a blockage by some dirt or debris. Also, more pressure at the inlet pipe than at the inlet can mean a buildup of debris in the sand. This can be simply fixed by backwashing the filter.

It is recommended that you change the sand in a sand filter every 5 years. You can contact a professional to change the sand, but there are do-it-yourself options as well.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters pass your pool water through a very fine filter surface – the water is allowed to pass through and back to the pool, but any fine dirt or debris is captured by the filter where it is held until the filter is cleaned or replaced.

Cartridge filters have several key advantages over sand filters:

More surface area: means fewer clogs and less maintenance
Lower pressure: means less backpressure and better system flow

Cartidge filter maintenance is incredibly simple. To clean your filters, you can rinse them off with a garden hose or just soak them in detergent water. Like sand, your filters should be replaced every 3-5 years to maintain the best performance.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

A Diatomaceous Earth or DE pool filter uses a fine particulate substance called Diatomaceous Earth to filter your pool water. The DE coats a special fabric grid within the filter allowing to filter the water and preventing it from backwashing into the pool.

New DE is simply added directly to the skimmer and pump pulls it into place within the filter. When the pressure gauge drops below 8lbs or into the indicated “safe zone” on the pump. Backwashing a DE filter and adding new DE is required once or twice every year on residential pools to maintain perfect performance.