Although the low cost of filter cartridges allow for regular replacement, there are a few simple things you can do to extend the life of your swimming pool filter cartridges and at the same time ensure that your swimming pool stays as clean and crystal clear as possible.
Through the cycle of daily use a filter cartridge begins to collect debris. This is after all what the filter is supposed to do. Everything that is captured by your filter is debris that would otherwise be sharing the pool with you and your loved ones.
As debris begins to collect on the cartridge it becomes more difficult to move water through the filter system. As a result, it puts additional stress on your pump and decreases the amount of water that moves through the filtration system.
The performance of your pool filter cartridge can be improved greatly while at the same time extending the life in three simple steps.
Step 1: Rinse the Loose Debris
The first step is to gently rinse any debris off the cartridge. It’s important to not use too much pressure to do this because too much pressure can actually push debris further into the cartridge. So in other words, don’t spray it too hard and NEVER use a spray nozzle. Your goal in step one is to simple rinse off the larger debris.
Step 2: Soak In a Cartridge Cleaning Solution
An alkaline based cartridge cleaner solution can break down the debris collected on your cartridge. Although acid solutions can break down the dirt, they don’t break down the body oils and lotions that can trap the dirt in your cartridge.
An alkaline bnased solution will break down the dirt in addition to the body oil and lotion so that dirt doesn’t stick to it and impair the performance of your pool filter cartridge.
You must make sure that the bucket you are using to soak your cartridge is free from any chemicals or dirt so that you don’t accidentally damage your cartridge or make it dirtier than it was. If the bucket is too small to submerge the entire filter simply soak one side and then rotate to soak the other.
Step 3: Rinse Again
After you have completed the two steps above you will one again want to rinse any remaining chemicals and debris. You will want to spray the water parallel to the cartridge and not directly into it so that you don’t inadvertently drive more debris into your cartridge.
By following these three simple steps you will ensure the long life of your filter and the highest quality water available in your pool or spa.
