Best Pool Cartridge Cleaner – If you have a cartridge filter, one part of the maintenance you need to earn a black belt is cleaning the cartridge. A dirty filter cartridge can be different from a clean blue pool from a gloomy, muddy, green one. A clogged cartridge will clog the water flow of your pump to the extent that it should be. This input stream means that your water is not filtered or chlorinated properly.
When Do You Need To Clean The Pool Catridge Filter?
Fortunately, you don’t have to guess when it comes to how often you need to clean the filter. Take a look at the cartridge filter sensor – it will tell you objectively. In the case of this filter, it should be cleaned when the pressure increases by 8-10 PSI compared to the pressure initially measured with a clean filter.
Normally, your pressure gauge should even have two arrows that tell you when it’s time to clean (if it was set properly during installation). In my case, it took almost 2 years to clean up (although I understand that this may be the exception rather than the rule). I intentionally increased the size of the pool filter to provide longer intervals.
What To Do If Your Cartridge Filter Is Undersized
If your cartridge filter is low or your environment is very dirty, I would recommend installing pool socks or rinsing the cartridges (without dry cleaning) every few weeks or months, if necessary. In addition, to prolong the intervals, I would recommend periodically opening the drain valve at the bottom of the cartridge case and then closing the pump outlet to wash away any debris inside the case.
This way you will avoid the accumulation of silt or other debris on the bottom. It is best to do this at least once a month. Be sure to consider these Best Hayward Robotic Pool Cleaner
How To Clean The Pool Filter
- Switch off the pump. Switch off the entire pool pump and filtration system.
- Release the air. Slowly turn the air valve (usually located on the top of the filter) to release the pressure from the filter.
- Drain filter tank. Connect the backwash hose to the waste or backwash channel. Return the multi-port valve to backwash. Allow the tank to drain until it is empty.
- Remove the top. Use a wrench or pliers to open the clamp handle, then remove the top of the compartment. Be careful not to damage the gasket or O-ring by doing so. See the user guide if you are unsure about this step.
- Remove the filters. Carefully remove the filter unit from the tank. Then remove the individual filters and place them on the grass.
- Mix Simple Green solution. In an empty spray bottle, mix 2 води cups of water with ¼ cups of Simple Green Universal Cleaner. If you last cleaned the filters (or never cleaned the filters), you can mix 1 (cup of water with 1 (cup of Simple Green.
- Apply the solution. Carefully cover each filter with Simple Green solution, do not forget to spray it between the folds.
- Leave the filter solution to soak for about 10 minutes.
- Clean the filter housing. When soaking, use the same Simple Green spray solution inside and outside the filter housing. Rinse with a garden hose.
- Scrub cartridge. After soaking for 10 minutes, wait for a short time for a little loose foam on the surface. Carefully wipe any particularly tight areas with a soft bristle brush, being careful not to break the filter.
- Rinse the filters. Starting at the top and spraying down, rinse each filter with a hose.
- Lubricate the sealing ring. Apply oil to keep it in good condition. If it is rotten, cracked or looks worn out, it should be replaced.
- Replace the cleaned filters. Attach the filter back to its housing, then install the top and close the clamps.
- Turn it on again. Turn the system back on and make sure the air release valve is still open. Keep it open until a steady stream of water splashes out of it, then you can close it.
- Check the pressure. Check the system pressure gauge to make sure it is in the normal range. If PSI is disabled, you may have replaced the filter incorrectly. Note the new pressure to know when it is time to clean the filter again (when the pressure increases by 8-10 PSI).
- Wash the grass. Spray the area you cleaned to further dilute Simple Green in the grass.
Don’t worry if you see a small amount of loose foam on top of the pool the next day – it’s safe for swimmers and will dissipate.
How To Remove Mineral From Your Pool
If the water in the pool contains a large amount of calcium, deposits can form on the filter materials. This issue is usually limited to some municipalities across the country with “hard water”. These deposits look like rough white spots that you see on surfaces such as stone and pool tiles.
By clogging part of the space between the fibers, the permeability of the material is disturbed – the ability of water to pass through it. As with a dirty filter, mineral-heavy material works less efficiently.
- To solve this problem, you can use a product that you probably have on hand to keep the water in the pool: hydrochloric acid. If the user manual does not recommend doing so, this chemical – in diluted form – can be used to control solids.
- In a bucket or large garbage can, make a mixture of one part hydrochloric acid and 30 parts water. For safety, be sure to add acid to the water, NOT water to the acid! Also, wear appropriate protective equipment.
- There may be a slight hiss when you place the cartridge in an acid bath. It is calcium that reacts with acid (and with any organic matter such as body oils). The reaction may take several minutes. When it stops, you can let the cartridge drain for another 10-15 minutes, and then it’s time to rinse the cartridge thoroughly with a hose.
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What To Look For When Choosing The Best Pool Catridge Cleaner
Types of filters for pools
Buyers should consider three types of pool filters, each with its pros and cons. The sand filter for the pool works by sucking water through a filtration tank filled with sand. When water passes through it, it captures dirt particles of 20 microns or more. The best sand filter for a pool requires minimal maintenance and is more affordable than other filters, but does not trap particles as small as other types of filters.
Cartridge filters use a replaceable filter that collects dirt and debris as it passes. Cartridge filters are effective because they can trap particles up to 10 microns in size. The cartridge filter is relatively easy to maintain as it can be removed and cleaned from the hose.
Flow rate and capacity
Filters come in different sizes to work with pools of different capacities. Most filters are valued in gallons per minute. The filter must have a flow rate that at least corresponds to gallons per minute of pump or higher. The GPM of the pool filter is a great indicator of how big the pool can handle the filter.
The pool filter must be able to filter all the contents of the pool in about 8 hours. Thus, a pool filter with a flow rate of 50 gallons per minute has sufficient filtering capacity to serve pools of up to 24,000 gallons (50 x 60 x 8).
Pump compatibility
The filter will not work without a pump to push water through it. When choosing a pump and filter, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with each other. The pump must be powerful enough to push water through the filter, but not damage it.
When choosing a filter, choose a model with a flow rate that is slightly higher than the flow rate of the pump. Never select a filter with a flow rate less than the pump flow rate, as this may damage the filter. Working together, the pump and filter should be able to clean the entire contents of the pool about every 8 hours.
Additional features
Most pool filters have features that make them easier to use. Pressure gauges measure how well the system draws water from the pool. This lets the user know whether to change the filter cartridge, in the case of a cartridge filter, or to wash back, in the case of sand or D.E. filter.
Filters usually have features that make scheduled maintenance easier. Many of them use quick-release handles that allow the user to quickly open the filter cover without removing much equipment. Other models have a multi-port design with switches that allow the user to install, flush and flush the filter by turning the knob.
What Are The Best Pool Catridge Cleaner
Hayward DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter
Although they are more expensive and require additional maintenance than other types of filters, D.E. pool filters work best to clean the pool from dirt. Of all the D.E. filters, this model from Hayward is one of the best. DE6020 has a sufficient flow rate of 120 gallons per minute and is made of durable glass-reinforced copolymer, which ensures that it can withstand the elements.
The filters have high maintenance requirements, but Hayward simplifies them with several useful design features, including a one-piece flange clamp that allows you to easily open the filter to access its interior, and a quick release valve to release air from the pump to improve flow.
Pros
- High flow rate and power
- Quick-release flange clamp for easy maintenance
- Robust construction
Cons
- It is quite expensive
XtremepowerUS 19″ Above Inground Pool Sand Filter
With prices in the thousands of dollars, replacing a pool filter can quickly become a major investment. That’s why this Xtremepower sand filter is such a good option. It has a flow rate of 40 gallons per minute, which is enough to maintain a pool of 24,000 gallons.
Multi-port controls located on the filter cover allow the user to change the flow of the filter to perform flushing, filtering, backwashing and even winter mode, just by turning the lever. The large pressure gauge makes it easy to see when it’s time to rinse the filter. In addition to accessibility, this filter is also universal, as it will work with both land and land pools.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Works with surface or underground pools
- Multi-port management simplifies maintenance tasks
Cons
- Less power than some pool filters
Pentair 160332 Clean and Clear Pool Filter Cartridge
This Pentair cartridge filter with a wide filtration surface and high flow rate is a great option for large pools. The filter has a flow rate of 150 gallons per minute, making it a worthy choice for large above-ground pools of 30,000 gallons or more. Unlike sand and D.E filters that require periodic backwashing, the Pentair cartridge filter is easy to care for.
Just remove the filter, rinse it with a garden hose and replace. Pentair also self-regulates its internal pressure thanks to a built-in continuous high-flow internal filter that automatically releases pressure that can impede the flow of water through the filter.
Pros
- High flow rate can work with large pools
- Easy-to-maintain cartridge filters
- Automatic air pressure relief
Cons
- It is a little expensive
Hayward ProSeries Pool Sand Filter
Thanks to its strong polymer construction, this Hayward sand filter tank is built like a tank and is one of the most well-made sand filters on the market. In addition to being durable, this model is easy to perform regular maintenance thanks to the six-position multi-port valve at the top of the filter. With the valve, the pool owner can easily adjust the filter for backwashing, rinsing, wintering and other functions.
The ProSeries sand filter for the pool is equipped with some useful additional functions, including the top diffuser which provides uniform distribution of water through sand, the self-cleaning drainage which facilitates emptying of the filter in the winter, and also the manometer for pressure control.
Pros
- Top-mounted handle makes maintenance easier
- Sturdy polymer construction
- Self-cleaning of the drain facilitates wintering
Cons
- Less power than other sand filters
Carvin Laser 22.5 Inch Above Ground Pool Sand Filter
The flow rate of this 20 gallon sand filter per minute can keep the pool water at 20,000 gallons brilliant. Combine this with a six-position valve that facilitates backwashing, rinsing, drying, wintering or filter testing, and Carvin Laser will be one of the best surface pool filters on the market.
The filter effectively filters water using side slots and bottom drainage to evenly distribute water on the surface of 250 pounds of sand. It is solidly built from a molded plastic tank, resistant to ultraviolet and corrosion. The drain located on the bottom of a tank allows to empty easily the filter for wintering or replacement of sand.
Pros
- Six-position valve facilitates maintenance
- Distributes water evenly for efficient operation
- Easy to winter
- Good capacity for land pools
Cons
- More bulky than other terrestrial pool filters
Best Pool Catridge Cleaner FAQs
What Clogs The Cartridge Filters?
The cartridge filter in your pool keeps the water clean and safe. When water passes through the cartridge filter, the filter elements catch floating debris in the water. Over time, the filter collects oil, dirt and calcium accumulate on the filter elements, which can clog the filter. This can be difficult to clean with a hose or conventional filter cleaner. When this happens, you should soak and rinse the cartridge filter in hydrochloric acid.
Can I Clean Pool Filter Cartridge With Bleach?
To remove a stain from an item of clothing, you can soak it in bleach, does that mean you can soak your cartridge in bleach? Companies that sell pool chemicals do not recommend this, as bleach can damage the fibers of your filters and thus shorten the life of the filter. Cartridge manufacturers offer a variety of products to help keep your filters clean. Some pool owners make cleaning solutions from detergents or vinegar, which over time soften your filters.
CONCLUSION
Cleaning the pool cartridge filter is a simple job you can do yourself to help keep your pool system in perfect condition. The best time to clean the filter is when your pressure gauge shows 10 pounds per square inch, which exceeds the normal operating level. When that happens, it’s time to clean the filter.
The role of your pool filter is to capture small pieces of debris floating in the pool water and weed them out. Subsequently, dirt accumulates in the cartridge elements and needs to be cleaned. First, determine if you need to clean the filter. When the filter reading shows that the PSI (pounds per square inch) is more than 8-10 PSI higher than normal for your filter, it’s time to clean up a bit.
You can check the correct PSI range in the user manual, but the best approach is to know what is “normal” for your pool when working with its specific features and equipment configuration. To obtain this baseline level, check the PSI when the cartridge is new or immediately after deep cleaning.
