Let's take a closer look at the different types of pool filters and how to clean them so that your pool is always ready to serve you.
Different types of pool filters
Three main types of pool filters are available:
- Sand filter
- Cartridge filter
- Diatomaceous (DE) filter
We'll go into more detail about each one and how to clean them below.
Sand filter
As the name suggests, sand filter contains sand particles that trap debris and prevent his entry into the pool. Water can easily flow through the sand, but everything else, like leaves and dirt, gets trapped in the sand.
You'll know it's time to clean the sand filter by checking its pressure gauge. You'll want to test it first and then clean it out once the pressure is up to 8-10 psi.
To clean it, you will backflush by turning off the pump, connecting the backflush hose, and setting the pump valve to the "backflush" position. Then turn on the pump and let it run while watching the water flow through it.
It will be transparent at first, but you will notice that it will darken as the debris is washed away. Once it starts to run clean again, you can turn off the pump and change the valve setting to "flush", which will allow it to run again for about a minute.
Finally, you can reset your pump to normal and you're done.
Cartridge filter
Another popular option is cartridge filters, which force water through a polyester fabric that traps dirt and debris while allowing water to pass through.
As with the sand filter, you'll know it's time to clean the cartridge filter by checking the pressure gauge and seeing that it has risen 8-10 psi.
The cartridge filter does not need to be backwashed. Instead, you just need to turn off the filter, remove the cartridge, and spray it with a hose to clean it. If your filter is very dirty, you can also spray it with pool filter cleaning solution.
When you're done, simply slide the cartridge back into the filter and turn it back on.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filter
DE filters are similar to sand filters in that the water passes through a mesh filter coated with diatomaceous earth powder that traps any debris.
Again, you'll know it's time to clean the DE filter when you see the gauge rise above normal. DE filters also require backwashing for cleaning.
Simply turn off the filter and move the valve to the "backwash" position. Once the water is clear, you can return the valve to its normal position. Buy chemistry for the pool aquadoctor aquadoktor/
You will then need to remove the DE filter and hose it down to remove the DE powder. Once you've done this, you can re-insert the filter, fill with new DE powder, and turn the pump back on.
