Pool Filter Maintenance

Pool Filter Maintenance

 

Tired of having your pool man say "it's time to replace your cartridge filter again"?  Chaaaaccchhhing!!!  Most pool companies hose off your filter weekly as they service your pool, but never provide a deep cleaning.  Without deep cleaning, dirt particles build up and filter replacement is required.  

A new filter costs between $50-$100.  You can normally keep using a cartridge filter until the horizontal bands wear off, but they have to be deep cleaned periodically.  Here's what I do with my filter.  After the pool man services the pool and hoses off the filter my pressure gauge on the filter tank reads about 18 PSI.  When the PSI gets to 30 or better (after it's already been hosed off) it's time to take action (usually once ever 3 months).  

Fill a 25 gallon garbage can with water and add 5 cups of automatic dishwashing liquid.  Adding the detergent first actually works better.  Drop in your filter and let it soak over night.  Hose off your filter and you're ready to go.  It's a good idea to have 2 filters so that you can rotate them as needed.  The pool guys don't care much for this system, but it sure saves you money.  Your filter should last years!  Hope this helps out.