When it comes to swimming pool filters, there are two options to choose from: cartridge filters and sand filters. Let’s discuss how cartridge filters work.
Cartridge filters are cylindrical structures with a cartridge placed inside the filter housing. The cartridge is made up of a plastic cylinder which is surrounded by mesh-like material that’s pleated and capped on both ends. When the water flows into the filter, it flows through the pleats, and the debris gets trapped in the filter. The clean, filtered water then returns back to the pool.
As the filter collects dirt and debris, it will need to be cleaned. The cartridge is removed from the tank, sprayed down with a hose, and then placed back in the tank. This is where cartridge filters differ from sand filters. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing as sand filters do. This wastes less water and therefore makes cartridge filters more energy-efficient than sand filters. The mesh of a cartridge is also finer than the filter media that would be placed in a sand filter. This allows cartridge filters to capture dirt and debris as small as 10 to 15 microns as opposed to a sand filter which can only capture debris from 20 microns.
How to Maintain a Cartridge Filter
Maintaining a cartridge filter is effortless considering it doesn’t require backwashing. It’s time to clean the cartridge when the needle on the pressure gauge at the top of the filter points towards “clean filter”. Follow The Pool Team’s recommendation on how to clean your cartridge filter and maintain your pool like a pro!
- Switch off the pool system.
- Twist the pressure release valve at the top of the filter to open it. This allows the water to drop to the bottom of the filter in order to remove the cartridge.
- Hold down the release buttons on the locking ring and twist to remove.
- Remove the top half of the filter housing.
- Remove the cartridge from the filter housing.
- Hose it down in between the pleats to remove all the dirt and debris. Remember not to use the hosepipe on full pressure so as to not damage the cartridge.
- Replace the cartridge back in the filter housing making sure to align it with the inlet at the bottom of the filter.
- Replace the top half of the filter housing.
- Twist the locking ring back into place until it clicks into position.
- Switch the pool system back on and keep the pressure release valve open.
- Allow water to spurt out of the pressure valve before closing it. This ensures the filter has filled up adequately. You’re set to go!
The Pool Team stocks various size cartridge filters to suit the size of the pool, as well as all the spare parts to maintain your filter. Contact a professional at any of The Pool Team stores for further advice on your personal cartridge filter solution.
2 years ago
