Need a Cartridge Filter Cleaner? This Simple Guide Shows You How!

Okay, so, I’ve got this pool, right? And like any pool owner, I know the pain of keeping that water looking like it belongs in a postcard. A big part of that is the filter, specifically the cartridge filter. I used to dread cleaning it, but I’ve got it down to a pretty simple routine now. Figured I’d share my process, might save someone else a headache or two.

First things first, I turned off the pool pump. No one wants a face full of pool water or, worse, an electrical issue. Safety first, always. Then I went ahead and released the air relief valve on the filter tank. Usually, it’s on top, and it hisses like an angry cat – that’s how you know it’s working.

Next, I removed the clamp or, depending on the filter model, unscrewed the top of the filter housing. It’s pretty straightforward, just a bit of elbow grease. Once that’s off, I carefully pulled out the cartridge. Let me tell you, these things can get nasty. All kinds of gunk and debris get trapped in there.

With the cartridge out, I grabbed my garden hose. No fancy pressure washer needed, just a regular hose with a spray nozzle. I started spraying the cartridge from top to bottom, making sure to get in between all those pleats. That’s where all the dirt likes to hide. I rotated the cartridge as I sprayed, ensuring every inch got a good rinse. The water running off started out murky but turned clear after I had rinsed the cartridge thoroughly.

After rinsing, I inspected the cartridge. If it looked pretty clean, I just popped it back into the filter housing. But if it was really grimy, I would have to use a filter cleaner. This is basically a solution that helps break down the oils and other stubborn stuff that water alone can’t remove.

• I followed the instructions on the cleaner bottle. Usually, it’s just soaking the cartridge in the solution for a few hours or overnight.
• After soaking, I gave it another good rinse with the hose.

Once the cartridge was clean, either just from hosing or a deep clean, I carefully put it back into the filter tank. Then I secured the top of the housing, either by screwing it back on or fastening the clamp.

Finally, I turned the pump back on, opened the air relief valve until a steady stream of water came out, and then closed it. And that’s it! A clean cartridge filter, ready to keep my pool water sparkling. It’s a bit of work, sure, but way cheaper than calling a pool guy, and honestly, it’s pretty satisfying to do it yourself.