How to Tell If Your Pool Filter Needs to Be Cleaned
The filter is one of the most key parts of your pools equipment.
Without a properly functioning filter, EVERY pool, no matter how much chlorine it had, would grow algae.
How can I tell if my pool or spa filter is dirty? 1.
There is not enough water flowing out of the spa and into the pool.
2.
The jets in the spa are not as powerful as they usually are.
3.
The pool vacuum is moving much slower then it normally does, or not at all.
4.
Any algae growing on walls, or a corner area, and places that don't generally get much sun.
5.
The pressure gauge on the filter reads around 10 PSI higher than where it is at clean.
If some or most of these issues are happening to you, then it is likely that your pool filter needs to be cleaned.
It is very important to do more than just back wash your pool or spa filter.
A back wash is used to flush much of the diatomaceous earth off the grids.
The diatomaceous earth is what catches all of the dirt, oil, hair, and other things that get in your water.
Back washing the filter is ok as a temporary fix, but it will not remove the majority of debris in the filter.
Back washing can also cause wear and tear on the internal parts (I.
e.
the grids or cartridges, as well as O-rings, gaskets, and manifolds) which will cause them to need to be replaced sooner.
If a filter clean is needed but you do not have time to do it the right way, back wash the filter, but call someone as soon as possible to clean it.
Never wait more than 1 week after back washing the filter to clean it properly.
In addition you should always call a professional to do a proper filter clean.
They will clean and dispose of the waste in the correct and legal way (this can vary depending on your local county or city laws).
Also, they should inspect the filter and the grids or cartridges for damage.
If anything inside the filter is broken, it will not properly filter small particles out of the water.
If the pool filter is not put back together exactly as it should be, or with any damaged parts, it may not filter properly and will cause a lot of frustration when your pool continues to grow algae.
Lastly, there are also some very real safety issues when it comes to handling your filter.
Proper training on how to disassemble and reassemble your pool filter is essential.
Over 100 Lb.
's of pressure can build in a filter with air in it, and under the right circumstances broken noses, arms, and even brain damage can and has occurred because of improperly taking apart a pool filter.
Without a properly functioning filter, EVERY pool, no matter how much chlorine it had, would grow algae.
How can I tell if my pool or spa filter is dirty? 1.
There is not enough water flowing out of the spa and into the pool.
2.
The jets in the spa are not as powerful as they usually are.
3.
The pool vacuum is moving much slower then it normally does, or not at all.
4.
Any algae growing on walls, or a corner area, and places that don't generally get much sun.
5.
The pressure gauge on the filter reads around 10 PSI higher than where it is at clean.
If some or most of these issues are happening to you, then it is likely that your pool filter needs to be cleaned.
It is very important to do more than just back wash your pool or spa filter.
A back wash is used to flush much of the diatomaceous earth off the grids.
The diatomaceous earth is what catches all of the dirt, oil, hair, and other things that get in your water.
Back washing the filter is ok as a temporary fix, but it will not remove the majority of debris in the filter.
Back washing can also cause wear and tear on the internal parts (I.
e.
the grids or cartridges, as well as O-rings, gaskets, and manifolds) which will cause them to need to be replaced sooner.
If a filter clean is needed but you do not have time to do it the right way, back wash the filter, but call someone as soon as possible to clean it.
Never wait more than 1 week after back washing the filter to clean it properly.
In addition you should always call a professional to do a proper filter clean.
They will clean and dispose of the waste in the correct and legal way (this can vary depending on your local county or city laws).
Also, they should inspect the filter and the grids or cartridges for damage.
If anything inside the filter is broken, it will not properly filter small particles out of the water.
If the pool filter is not put back together exactly as it should be, or with any damaged parts, it may not filter properly and will cause a lot of frustration when your pool continues to grow algae.
Lastly, there are also some very real safety issues when it comes to handling your filter.
Proper training on how to disassemble and reassemble your pool filter is essential.
Over 100 Lb.
's of pressure can build in a filter with air in it, and under the right circumstances broken noses, arms, and even brain damage can and has occurred because of improperly taking apart a pool filter.
