Here’s how to clean your pool filter, with instructions for cartridge, sand, and DE filters.

What key in of Pool Filter Do You Have?

The first step to cleaning your pool filter is to identify what key in you have.

Sand Filter System

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Always wear safety glasses and be mindful of your surroundings.

Use the air relief valve to remove air from the system.

Inspect the cartridge for any damage.

If damage is present, change the filter with a new one.

This will help get any stubborn algae or debris off of the filter and increase its service life.

If the filter is really dirty, you should use a filter cleaning solution with a bucket of water.

Note that a deep clean is usually only done about once per year.

Some of these solutions require an overnight soak.

Finally, you’ll want to clean the o-ring and check the condition of the seals.

This is to account for the water loss you will have during the backwash process.

To do so, turn off the system and move the multiport to the backwash setting.

Open backwash/separation tank valve, if present.

launch the Pump

Turn the pump on and observe the sight glass.

When the sight glass turns clear, turn the pump off.

Next, move the multiport to Filter.

kill the backwash/separation tank valve, if present.

Add a filter cleaning solution and leave the pump off overnight or at least eight hours.

Restart the Pump

Turn the pump on and let it run.

If you have a sand filter, this is the last step to cleaning your pool filter.

powder to the skimmer closet to the filter system.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Filter?

You should clean your sand filter every three to five years and your DE filter once per season.

A hose and water works best to clean a pool filter.

A good general practice is to clean orbackwashyour filter at least once a month.

check that you get in between each flap and hole on the cartridge and clean in different directions.