Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Pool Filters: How to Keep a Cleaner Pool with Proper Pool Filter Cleaning
Your pool filter isn’t just equipment—it’s a silent judge of your neglect. Common mistakes like the “set it and forget it” approach turn filters into clogged disasters. Sand filters compact, cartridges collect grease, and DE filters quit when overloaded with chemicals. Proper cleaning pool filters is key: backwash sand weekly, soak cartridges monthly, and deep-clean DE grids twice a year. Skipping pool filter cleaning leads to murky water, skyrocketing energy bills, and a filter that works harder than it should. Avoid chemical overdoses (sunscreen, algaecide) that gum up filters, and never use a pressure washer—it shreds cartridges. Instead, try hacks like overnight vinegar soaks for cartridges or skimmer socks to trap debris early. Ignoring the pressure gauge is like ignoring a check-engine light; high pressure means clean now. Filters don’t last forever—replace sand every 5 years, cartridges every 2–3, and DE grids when bent or cracked. A cleaner pool starts with a happy filter: maintain it regularly, and it’ll reward you with crystal-clear water. Laziness leads to algae; smart habits (like scheduled cleanings) save time and money. Treat your filter right, and it’ll stop judging you.