How to Care for Pool Filters
- 1). Record your filter's normal operating pressure when you first activate it at the beginning of the pool season. Each filter features a gauge that reads pounds per square inch of pressure (psi), and this number is important in the care of the filter.
- 2). Turn off the filter for a regular cleaning at least once per week during the pool season, and more if you notice debris or dirt building up near the filter or in the water. Only perform maintenance on the filter when the machine is not running.
- 3). Remove the cap, basket and pump of the filter. Empty out all debris and dirt. Rinse all pieces with a soft nozzle from a hose. If the filter features a cartridge, rinse that out as well.
- 4). Remove stains or buildup on the filter pieces as necessary with mild dish soap and warm water. Scrub with a rag or soft-bristle scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap before returning the filter to work.
- 5). Backwash your filter any time the operating pressure of the filter reaches 10 psi above normal. This indicates that there is some buildup or debris in the pipes leading to the filter. Start by deactivating your filter and setting it to "backwash."
- 6). Power up your filter to get water running through the pipes. Observe the water in the clear window installed in the pipes near the setting area of the filter. When the water runs completely clear through the window, turn the filter off again.
- 7). Adjust the setting back to regular filtering and start the filter again. Allow it to run for three seconds and then deactivate it once more. Return the setting to "backwash" and run the filter again until the water runs clear.
- 8). Run the filter on "backwash" three times, pausing to run it on the regular setting between each time. This repeated rinsing will remove all debris and dirt from the pipes. After the third time, deactivate the filter and set it back onto normally filtering for good.
- 9). Replace the filter basket, pump and other pieces you cleaned. Reactivate the filter on the normal setting until the next cleaning is needed.
