There are cases when the pressure won’t increase even though the filter is dirty, such as if there is a hole in the filter that water can easily flow through. However, in most cases, high pressure is a good sign that your filter needs cleaning. Unless your pool gets very dirty, very often, this should only occur once or twice a year.
Turning these off before you remove your filter will ensure that water will drain from the filter compartment and that there will be no risk of shock while you are cleaning out your filter.
You will know that you have successfully released the valve when you hear pressurized air coming out of it. In most cases, you will turn the valve counterclockwise until it won’t move any more to release the pressure in the system. [5] X Research source
There are a variety of types of clamps that may be used on your filtration system. Follow the instructions that came with the system to properly detach the lid of the filter compartment if it is unclear to you. [6] X Research source
It’s best to inspect the filter right away after removing it so that you don’t waste time cleaning a filter that should just be thrown away.
When spraying down the filter, be sure to get in between the pleats on the filter. This is where a lot of large debris can collect. [8] X Research source Drying will allow the collected debris to set into the filter media, making it more difficult to remove later. [9] X Research source
The amount of time it takes for the filter to dry completely will vary. It could take an hour or two in hot weather or several days if the weather is cool or humid. Preferably put the filter in bright sunshine, which will be most effective at killing algae and bacteria that is in it.
Even simply tapping or brushing the filter after it has dried in the sun will reduce the amount of organic contaminants that need to be broken down in the chemical soak.
If the filter looks oily, which can occur due to the use of sunscreen, then a chemical cleaner should be used. If there are mineral deposits on the filter, which can appear as dusty, white areas, then an acid bath should be used to dissolve them.
In most cases, the chemicals that get on your filter come from the people’s skin. Either perspiration or sunscreen and other skin products will be deposited on the pool filter if they are washed off the skin.
The containers you need vary on the exact type of cartridge filter you have. For example, a 5-gallon (18. 9-liter) plastic paint bucket will hold about five type C cartridge filters that are used for small pools. However, larger style filters that are taller will need to be soaked in a plastic garbage can.
Only fill the container about halfway, so that the liquid doesn’t overflow once the filters are put into it.
You need to allow the filters to soak to dissolve any oils and kill any microorganisms that are trapped in the filter media, and to break down any organic contaminants. One day is a good start, but 3 to 5 days will provide better results.
Once clean, hang or place the filters in bright sunlight and allow them to dry thoroughly. Any more dirt that is trapped on the surface of the filter should be brushed off, using a stiff-bristled paint or parts cleaning brush, or the filters will need to be cleaned in acid to get rid of minerals.
Muriatic acid is similar to hydrochloric acid. It can dissolve many plastics and metals, as well as skin.
Using a 5% muriatic acid solution to remove calcium deposited in the filter media will increase the filter’s performance if high concentrations of minerals exist in your pool water. Too many minerals in the filter reduces the rate that water can pass through the filter. This makes the filtration system work harder than it should have to.
Shake any remaining collected dirt from the pleats, and they are ready either to proceed to chlorine soaking, or if this step has followed the chlorine soaking, they are ready for reuse in your pool.
Allowing the containers to remain open will allow the water to evaporate out of your solution, rendering it overly strong in a short time. You should vacuum the pool once a week to keep it in good shape. [23] X Research source Vacuuming helps to maintain the color of the pool water. Otherwise, it may become Tahoe blue or gray. It is an affordable method because most vacuums cost less than $200. [24] X Research source
