Keeping your pool water pristine is much easier said than done. That’s why knowing some easy tips and tricks to take your backyard oasis from cloudy to clear is so important. One way to do this is through cartridge cleaning.
This method involves removing your pool cartridge from the filter housing and giving it a good rinse. This is an essential task as a pool owner since this cartridge helps your pool remove debris and maintain proper pH levels. Plus, cartridge cleaning can be done in three easy steps, as quickly as one afternoon.
Step One: Safely Remove The Cartridge
Before you can clean the cartridge, you must remove it from the filter housing and handle it carefully to avoid damaging any components.
- Locate the filter housing that holds the cartridge filters.
- Check the pool pressure by examining the gauge on the filter housing. When the cartridge is clean, it should typically read at approximately 10 PSI. If the cartridge needs cleaning, the indicator will read eight to ten PSI higher.
- Turn off the pump. Depending on whether your pool uses an automatic or manual timer, this may require different sub-steps.
- Close the inlet and outlet valves where possible.
- Remove the filter housing cover and gently rock the cartridges until they can be easily picked up. Then, place them on a flat surface.
Pool cartridges can be cleaned every two to four months, depending on their size and usage. Even if the PSI hasn’t changed on the filter housing, we recommend assessing the cartridge at least once per season.
Step Two: Clean the Cartridge
While this might seem the most straightforward step, cleaning the cartridges in a particular way is critical to avoid damage. You’ll want to get your hands on an alcohol-based biodegradable powder made of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP). Industry professionals use this solution to eliminate stains and fight mould growth, and it can be purchased at a local pool retailer.
- Rinse the cartridge with water from your garden hose. Keep the water flowing at a 45-degree angle, and gently brush away any excess debris. Avoid using a pressure washer, as this can damage internal components.
- Submerge the cartridge in the TSP cleaning solution and water and leave it to soak.
- Rinse the inside of the filter housing. You could add some TSP cleaning solution while rinsing to maximize cleanliness.
Another Way to Clean the Cartridge Filter
Open the draining valve at the bottom of the cartridge housing and close the pump output. This will flush out any debris. Doing this monthly can decrease the frequency at which you’ll have to clean the cartridges.
Step Three: Return The Cartridge To The Filter Housing
Finally, once the cartridge and filter housing are rinsed and look clean, they can be reassembled while both are still wet.
- Reinstall the cartridges back into the filter housing and ensure the bottom piece of the housing is in the correct place.
- Place the lid on the filter housing and tighten the clamp.
- Clean your pool thoroughly and fill it up for the next step.
- Check the pool pressure on the gauge of the filter housing to determine the PSI.
When to Replace (Rather Than Wash) Your Cartridge Filters
Your pool filter housing gauge should read 10 when cartridges are clean and 20 when they need to be cleaned. If you clean the cartridges and the PSI sits between these numbers, at 15 or higher, that could indicate that your cartridges need replacing.
Cartridges or Cleaning, Benson Pools Has You Covered
By regularly cleaning your cartridge filters, you ensure crystal-clear water, extend the life of your pool equipment, and avoid unnecessary costs. At Benson Pools, we understand the value of a pristine pool and how to ensure it stays that way. Contact us today for expert pool maintenance and cleaning services.
