Cleaning your pool filter is a necessary and vital part of maintaining a swimming pool. The good news is your filters can last for years with the proper care.
Much like other maintenance, it’s a good idea to set a regular schedule versus waiting to notice any signs that cleaning is necessary.
While this post won’t detail exactly how to clean your pool filter, use these tips to make the process easier. Then, you’re able to get back to swimming even faster.
Ideally, check your pool filter once a week. A quick five-minute clean is usually all you need. At least a few times a year, take everything apart for a deep clean. This also helps you to see if the cartridge needs changing. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to perform a deep clean more often. However, always check it when doing your regular maintenance to check for any clogs or debris.
When cleaning your pool filter, each type has to be cleaned differently. The main three types include: cartridge, sand and D.E. (diatomaceous earth). Cartridge and sand are the most common as D.E. filters are more expensive.
While each cleans your pool differently, sand and D.E. filters can be backwashed. These two also don't use cartridges. Sand filters use silica sand and D.E. filters use a white powder made from an aquatic plant. Cartridge filters use cartridges which you can rinse off and replace when needed.
No matter which type you're using, check your owner's manual to determine exactly how to clean them and when to replace the filtering system.
Cartridge Filter
Uses replaceable cartridges ($50–$100 each) that you rinse and swap out. No backwashing required. Great for smaller to mid-size pools.
Sand Filter
Uses silica sand to trap particles. Cleaned by backwashing — reversing water flow to flush debris. Sand replacement costs $50–$350 depending on filter size.
D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter
The finest filtration available — captures particles as small as 3–5 microns. Uses a white powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. DE powder costs $50–$120/year.
The single most important tip for cleaning your pool filter is to turn off everything first. Any power coming through the filter can hurt you and damage the filter if you try to take it apart while it's running. A great way to ensure there's no power going to your pool is to turn off your power at the breaker.
Safety First: Always turn off the power at the breaker — not just the pump switch — before opening your filter. Pool filter systems are pressurized and electrically powered. Taking one apart while running can cause serious injury and damage your equipment.
All pool filters are pressurized. To avoid getting hurt, you have to depressurize the filter by opening the air relief valve first. This is easy to do and only takes a minute. If you're not sure where the air relief valve is located, check your filter's owner manual. You can also look up the filter online if you don't have the manual.
Instead of just taking your pool filter apart and then deciding what you need, gather your cleaning supplies first. Each filter type also has a special type of cleaner for breaking up collected gunk. If you're replacing the filtering component, you'll also need to have that on hand.
In addition, have the following with you:
For rinsing cartridges and flushing debris from filter housing.
If you have a cartridge filter, have a spare O-ring on hand and lubricant.
To soak parts if necessary when breaking down heavy buildup.
For D.E. and sand filters only — directs dirty backwash water away from the pool.
To take apart components. Keep a set dedicated to pool equipment.
For wiping down housing, O-rings, and other components during reassembly.
Being prepared makes the job go much faster.
Typically, if you notice your filter isn't performing well and you know it's clean, it may be damaged. Any time you're cleaning your pool filter, inspect it for damage. It's a good idea to get familiar with how your filter looks so you can identify damage. Look for cracks or parts that are loose.
This helps save you on costly repairs should the filter suddenly break. A full filter replacement runs $250–$1,300 depending on the type — catching small issues early can prevent that expense. It only takes a minute to inspect the filter.
When you clean the filter, clean all of it. Carefully take apart the components to remove any buildup. Leaving buildup on certain parts causes the filter to get dirty faster and be less effective. Regularly cleaning everything helps the filter last much longer. Plus, the filtering system also lasts longer. Use your owner's manual for details on assembly and disassembly.
You can space out deep cleanings to every several months as long as your filter is functioning correctly.
Even with regular cleanings, you'll still need to replace the filtering system sometimes. The exact schedule varies based on your usage and filter type. For instance, cartridge filter cartridges can last for up to four years with proper care. However, heavy usage may reduce that by a year or more. In Hawaii's warm climate with year-round swimming, expect to be on the shorter end of replacement intervals.
Cleaning your pool filter helps you maintain a clean, clear pool. You can also use a pool cleaner to help with other cleaning chores.
If cleaning takes too long, skip it and let the professionals handle it for you. Contact Koko Head Pools today to set up a schedule and spend less time cleaning.
Let Us Handle Your Filter Maintenance
Filter cleaning is one of the most overlooked — and most important — parts of pool care. Koko Head Pool Service includes thorough filter inspection and cleaning in every service visit. With over 26 years of hands-on experience, Paul and the team keep your equipment running longer.
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