Cleaning Pool Filters: Avoid Pressure Washer Damage, O-Ring Care, Pump Basket Checks & Bleach Mix Dangers
Cleaning pool filters requires care to avoid costly mistakes. Never use a pressure washer on pool filters—it shreds delicate pleats, turning cartridges into useless colanders. Instead, rinse gently with a hose and soak in filter cleaner. Always maintain the pool filter O-ring by greasing it with silicone lubricant to prevent leaks and cracks. Don’t skip pump basket cleaning—clogs here strain your system, reducing efficiency. Over-cleaning filters can backfire; follow manufacturer schedules to avoid stripping essential debris layers. Most critically, never mix bleach and filter cleaner—this creates toxic chlorine gas, risking health and equipment damage. Treat filters like precision tools, not dirt-covered sidewalks, to save money and keep your pool crystal clear.