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Do-It-Yourself Guide For Properly Cleaning Your Pool Filter Cartridge

Generally, pool filter cartridges need to be cleaned only once or twice per season. This is another reason why many pool owners choose this type of filter over others. The most basic method for cleaning pool cartridge filters is to hose them off. This means you don’t even have to touch them.

But that’s just basic. If you want to maximize the lifespan of your swimming pool filter cartridges, you have to follow some proper cleaning and maintenance guidelines. Let’s go over the steps.

Step #1: Rinsing

Turn off your pools pump supply (all of it) and carefully remove the pool filter cartridge. Using a high-powered water hose, rinse it thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If you don’t have a high-powered water hose, a simple garden hose should suffice. Just be sure to thoroughly remove all traces of dirt. When you’re done rinsing, leave the cartridge filter in a warm area to dry. Sometimes I use a blow dryer to hasten the drying process.

Step #2: Soaking

After the filter cartridge is dry, shake it violently to loosen any remaining particles or debris. Pour some chlorinizer into a bucket of water. The bucket should contain enough water to completely soak the filter cartridge. Safely place the cartridge in the solution and let it sit for about 2 to 4 days.

Step #3: Re-Rinsing

Remove the filter cartridge from the bucket. Rinse it thoroughly again using clean water. You could also hose it down if you can. Set it aside to dry.

Step #4: Re-soaking

You won’t be using chlorinizer this time. Instead, put a small amount of muriatic acid in to a bucket of water (make sure the bucket is full of water). Place the pool filter cartridge in. Leave it in the solution for a few seconds or until the muriatic solution stops bubbling. Take the cartridge out and rinse it with clean water. Set them aside to dry and then they will be ready for re-use again.

Safety warning: Muriatic acid is a very harmful substance so make sure to handle it with care. Be sure to protect your skin and eyes. Do not breathe in its fumes either. Wear protective gloves and goggles. A regular face mask can keep you from inhaling much of the fumes.