Cleaning a Pool Cartridge Filter

There are an assortment of cartridge filters on the market. When replacing them, be sure to write the number of the cartridge down (located on the top of cartridge) so we know the proper size. If you cannot find a number, clean cartridge, let it dry, and give us a call toll free at 1-407-834-2200 or contact our support department so  we can match it up  properly. Be sure to turn your pool timer off at the breaker switch, or remove the on and off timer keys so your pump doesn’t start when you have the filter out. Please note that since the writing of the article we have come up with an even more detailed guide on How to clean a swimming pool cartridge filter.

Although industry standards vary, filter cartridges should be replaced every 12 - 16 months. I replace mine once a year just to be safe. Choose a birth-date or holiday in order to spark your memory that it is time to replace your cartridge or service your DE filter.

Before Cleaning Your Filter there is a good chance that your feet will get wet, make sure you aren’t wearing a pair of Florsheims’ and a tailored suit. Wear casual clothing that can get wet and perhaps a little dirty depending on how long it’s been since you’ve cleaned your filter. This is what you will need to clean a cartridge filter: 


Please note that since the writing of the article we have come up with an even more detailed guide on How to clean a swimming pool cartridge filter.

1. Garden Hose
2. Spray Nozzle or Filter Flosser - Available in hardware stores in the garden department. These particular nozzles eject a strong, steady stream of water that cleans your filter more efficiently than a standard nozzle. Don’t use a regular garden hose nozzle as it will not clean the filter thoroughly.
3. Magic Lube O-ring Lubricant
4. Safety glasses or goggles
5. Pen to make notes in book

Cleaning Hayward And Standard Pump Cartridge Filters

1. Put on safety glasses or goggles to prevent debris from spraying in your eyes.
2. Turn off motor either from your timer box or breaker switch.
3. Open up the release valve on top of housing, and drain plug at bottom of housing (not all filters have one of  these) to let out excess water and lower pressure. Close when drained.
4. Turn handle on top of housing counterclockwise, pulling gently on it as you unscrew it. Continue to turn handle until you can pull off the upper housing. If the top doesn’t come off easily, gently rock it back and forth while pulling at the same time. If it still is troublesome and nothing you do can separate the top from the bottom, the clip that connects the inner bar to the handle may be broken. It is best to call for service to fix this.
5. Set upper housing on ground in a clean area and then lift the cartridge out of the housing and place it on a flat surface. Keep it away from the house as dirt may spray on the walls of your house and / or surrounding area. Ideally, you should set it on a flat walking stone or concrete area so it doesn’t tip over when cleaning.
6. Attach the spray nozzle to your garden hose; making sure the nozzle is in the off position. Before you attach the nozzle, turn the water on to make sure there is no debris, or lizards in the hose. Trust me, if there is small critter in the hose napping in stale, warm water and you turn the hose on with the nozzle attached; well, it just isn’t pretty! Turn on hose and slowly open the valve until a nice, steady stream of water comes out.
7. With hose and nozzle firmly in one hand, hold the filter at its top with the other hand. Spray out the debris from top to bottom in one section until you have covered the entire circumference of the filter. Don’t get too close as you may get a face full of dirt. Next, turn the filter upside down and repeat. Repeat the entire process, each time getting a little closer to the filter with the water stream, paying close attention to dirt and excess debris in between the grids. Repeat as often as necessary until filter is clean.

Reassembly And Ramping Up The System

Insert filter into housing and put back together. Be sure to lubricate gasket and put a dab of lubricant on top of metal post to make it easier to tighten handle. Loosen air valve about two turns to let excess air out of system when turned on. Make a mental note of where the needle on the pressure gauge is sitting before turning on.

NOTE: When putting top of filter housing back on, position it with the pressure gauge facing you so you will always have a good visual. Pay attention to where the release valve is so when you open it to release air, it doesn’t spray water on the timer or electrical boxes.

Empty pump basket and then put basket into motor housing. Remove nozzle from garden hose and set hose inside pump basket. Turn water on until it overflows. You are getting rid of excess air in the system. Remove hose and put pump lid back on after lubricating gasket. Do not over tighten, although the lid should be firmly seated so no air comes in when pump is running. Turn on pump and open release valve. As pump primes, water will begin to flow into filter pushing excess air and water out of release valve, so stand a safe distance away. Once all of the air is out, turn off motor, tighten release valve, and turn pump back on.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that your water level is a least 2” - 3” above the bottom of the skimmer port. If it is too low, the skimmer will suck in air when running and your pump will never prime. Now that you are done, go to the end of this chapter for instructions on how to check and adjust your pressure gauge.

Replacing Your Pool Filter Cartridge

Some manufactures recommend replacing a filter every 16 - 24 months. If your pool is screened in and has minimal debris coming into it, you might get away with it. However, I have seen very few filters last longer than a year in Florida. Again, this is a minimal investment that ensures you don’t have problems with your pool.

Replacing Your Filter Tip

Pick a holiday, birthday, or special day in your life, and replace your cartridge filter, or, have your DE filter cleaned every year around that time.