Cartridge Cleaning Leads to Cleaner Pool Water in Three Easy Steps

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.

Signs that Your Pool Cartridge Needs Cleaning

Before getting into the steps, it helps to know when cleaning is needed. Here are some early signs your filter is working harder than it should:

• Pressure gauge reads 8 – 10 PSI above normal
• Water looks dull or cloudy
• Reduced water flow from returns
• Filter cycles are running longer than usual

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. 

1. Locate the filter housing that holds the cartridge filters. 
2. 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. 
3. Turn off the pump. Depending on whether your pool uses an automatic or manual timer, this may require different sub-steps.
4. Close the inlet and outlet valves where possible.
5. 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.

1. 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.
2. Submerge the cartridge in the TSP cleaning solution and water and leave it to soak.
3. 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.

1. Reinstall the cartridges back into the filter housing and ensure the bottom piece of the housing is in the correct place.
2. Place the lid on the filter housing and tighten the clamp.
3. Clean your pool thoroughly and fill it up for the next step.
4. Check the pool pressure on the gauge of the filter housing to determine the PSI.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Cartridge Filter?

Most cartridges need cleaning every two to four months, but that range isn’t fixed. How often you clean really depends on how your pool is used and what ends up in the water.

• Consider your pool usage. More activity (kids, guests, frequent swimming) means more oils, sunscreen, and debris getting trapped in the filter. If used often, your pool might require cartridge cleaning every two months.
• Environmental factors also matter. Pools surrounded by trees and pollen require more frequent filter cleaning. After a heavy storm, your filter may fill with fine debris and call for a sooner-than-usual cleaning.
• Watch the pressure gauge. When the PSI rises 8 to 10 points above your clean baseline, it’s time to clean the cartridge. That’s a better indicator than sticking strictly to a calendar.

You can also build in a simple routine:

1. Check pressure weekly.
2. Do a quick rinse monthly during peak season.
3. Perform a full cleaning every few months.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Pool Cartridge Regularly?

Over time, a dirty cartridge can reduce overall system efficiency, increase maintenance costs, and shorten the lifespan of both the filter and the pump. Regular cleaning doesn’t take long, but skipping it tends to create bigger issues that are harder (and more expensive!) to fix later.

• Water flow slows down. You may notice weaker return jets or longer filtration cycles. That’s because water is struggling to pass through the debris-packed filter.
• The pump works harder to maintain circulation. Over time, this extra strain can lead to higher energy use and increased wear on the system.
• Filtration quality also declines. Instead of capturing fine particles, the clogged cartridge allows them to circulate back into the pool. That’s when water starts to look dull or cloudy, even if your chemical levels are correct.
• You need to add more chemicals to keep the water balanced. In reality, the issue isn’t the chemistry; it’s the filter not doing its job properly.

When Your Pool Cartridge Needs to Be Replaced Instead of Cleaned

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean my pool cartridge filter without removing it?

You can quickly flush the system through the drain valve, but a proper cleaning requires removing the cartridge completely.

Is it safe to use a pressure washer on a pool cartridge filter?

No. A pressure washer can damage the filter and reduce its effectiveness.

What is TSP, and is it necessary for cleaning pool cartridges?

TSP stands for Trisodium Phosphate: a cleaning agent for pool cartridges that helps break down oils and organic buildup. It’s not always required, but it’s useful for deeper cleaning.

How long should I soak my pool cartridge in a cleaning solution?

A few hours are usually enough. However, heavily soiled cartridges may benefit from an overnight soak.

Can I use household cleaners instead of a pool-specific solution?

It’s not recommended, as some household cleaners can damage the filter or leave residue.

Why is my pool still cloudy after cleaning the cartridge filter?

Aside from a dirty filter, cloudiness can be caused by other issues like chemical imbalance, algae, or worn-out cartridges.