Results for "cartridge filters"

Filters Easy 15 minutes reading 328 👍 0

How Pool Filters Work: Sand, Cartridge & DE Filter Guide

Pool store tried explaining the difference between sand, cartridge, and DE filters for 20 minutes and I walked out more confused than when I went in. My sand filter is dying and I need to pick a replacement but every type seems to have major trade-offs. How do these three actually compare?…more

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Filters Easy 30-45 minutes 577 👍 1

Do I Need to Backwash a Cartridge Filter? Complete Guide

Around $150 is what my pool store quoted to service my cartridge filter and I'm wondering if I can just backwash it myself like other filters. Is this possible or do I need to clean it differently?…more

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Filters Easy 30 minutes 253 👍 0

How to Clean Pool Filters: Complete DIY Cleaning Guide

Replaced my pool filter cartridge but now I'm standing in the pool supply store aisle staring at all these cleaning products with no clue which ones I actually need. I've got a cartridge filter system and I'm honestly not sure how often I should be cleaning them or what the actual process looks like.

I keep seeing conflicting info online - some people say weekly, others say monthly. And I have no clue if I'm supposed to just spray them off or if there's more involved. Would love some straightforward guidance on timing and the actual steps so I don't mess anything up!…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 246 👍 0

Do Cartridge Pool Filters Need DE? Complete Guide

During pool season, is it dangerous that I'm getting conflicting advice about using DE powder with my cartridge filters when I've got kids swimming daily? My pool store said it might help with clarity, but I'm reading mixed reviews online. I've been cleaning my cartridges regularly and they seem fine, but my water isn't crystal clear like I want it. Some people swear by adding DE to cartridge systems while others say it's pointless or even harmful. What's the real story here? Will DE actually help my filtration or am I just wasting money and potentially creating problems?…more

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Filters Medium 1–2 hours research and planning; installation time varies 34 👍 1

Cartridge vs Sand Filter: Is Switching Worth It?

Three summers of hauling cartridges out of my filter housing, blasting them with a hose, and letting them dry in the backyard — and I'm at my breaking point. The funny thing is it only really feels unbearable when it's above 85°F outside, because that's when the algae pressure picks up and I'm pulling the cartridges every couple of weeks instead of once a month. During the cooler shoulder season the system works fine and I barely think about it.

My neighbor runs a sand filter and swears he just backwashes it every few weeks and forgets about it. Replacement cartridges for my setup run me somewhere around $100–$150 a pop, and they don't last as long as I'd like. I'm seriously considering making the jump to sand — but I want to know what that conversion actually costs, whether I'll regret the water clarity trade-off, and whether the long-term math actually works out in my favor.

Is converting from cartridge to sand a genuinely smart move for a medium-sized in-ground pool, or am I just reacting to a hot-weather frustration? What are the real trade-offs I should be thinking through before I commit?…more

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Filters Medium 45 minutes 561 👍 0

How Pool Cartridge Filters Work: Complete Troubleshooting

Spent another spring weekend dealing with my cartridge filter acting up again, and I'm done getting ripped off at the pool store instead of fixing it myself. The guys there always want to sell me expensive new cartridges or additives, but I feel like if I understood what's actually happening inside the filter, I could maintain it better.

What's the step-by-step process of how water gets cleaned as it passes through? I know there's some kind of fabric material involved, but I want to understand the nitty-gritty details of how particles get trapped and what size debris these things can actually handle.…more

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Filters Easy 30 minutes 430 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Filters Last? Replacement Guide & Signs

After following my pool filter manual religiously for years, I'm baffled why it says replace every 6 months when mine still looks spotless after twelve. Have cartridge now but considering switching. How long do different filter types actually last before they need replacing? What are the signs it's time for a new one?…more

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Filters Easy 3-4 hours including soak time 331 👍 0

Can You Clean Pool Filters with Vinegar? Complete Guide

Looked at my pool filter after buying my first house and honestly have zero clue if I need some expensive cleaner or if vinegar works. My cartridge filter has some white buildup on it that looks like calcium deposits, and I've heard people mention using vinegar as a cleaner around the house.

Is it safe to clean pool filters with vinegar? If so, how would I go about doing it? The pool store mentioned something about different types of filters having different cleaning methods, so I want to make sure I don't damage anything. Any guidance would be really appreciated!…more

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Filters Easy 30 minutes 389 👍 0

How to Clean Pool Cartridge Filters - Complete Guide

Since following that popular YouTube tutorial on cleaning my cartridge filters, they're somehow more clogged than before and my flow rate dropped even worse. My current filters are showing signs of debris accumulation and reduced flow rates, indicating it's time for cleaning.

What's the correct methodology for cleaning these filters, and what frequency should I maintain for optimal filtration performance? I want to ensure I'm following proper procedures to maximize filter lifespan while maintaining water quality standards.…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 469 👍 1

How Long Do Pool Cartridge Filters Last? Replacement Guide

Between my pool store saying 2-4 weeks and everything online claiming 2-4 months, I'm completely lost on when to actually replace my cartridge filter. How long between cleanings? When do I throw them out completely and buy new ones?

Running my pool daily during summer. Want to stay on top of maintenance but not waste money replacing too early.…more

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Filters Medium 45 minutes 213 👍 0

Do I Need a Sand Filter for My Pool? Complete Guide

Since my pool water keeps turning cloudy even after cleaning, is it dangerous for my kids who swim almost daily? My pool has been a constant headache and I'm wondering if switching to a sand filter would solve my problems, or if there are better options out there.

I keep hearing different things - some people swear by sand filters because they're supposedly low-maintenance, others say cartridge or DE filters work better. My pool isn't huge but gets decent use, and honestly I just want something that actually works without me having to mess with it constantly. What's the real deal with these different filter types and how do I know which one would work best for my situation?…more

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Filters Medium 2-4 hours 285 👍 0

Can You Run Pool Filter Without Sand? Safe Alternatives

Before I discovered my sand filter was the culprit, my pool was eating through chlorine way faster than it should even with perfect 2.5 ppm levels and 7.4 pH. When I opened up the filter tank to check, I discovered that most of the sand has somehow disappeared - there's maybe 20% left at the bottom.

I'm waiting for a sand delivery that won't arrive for another week, but my pool is getting cloudier by the day. The filter is currently running with just the remaining sand, but I'm worried about potential equipment damage. Are there any safe alternatives I can use temporarily, or should I just shut down the system until I get proper sand? I've heard about filter glass and zeolite but don't know if they're compatible with my setup.…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 323 👍 1

How to Tell If Your Pool Cartridge Filter Is Bad - 7 Signs

Nobody can explain why my test strips show perfect chemistry levels but my pool water looks like chocolate milk. Filter cartridge looks grayish and the pleats seem a bit beat up. Tried cleaning it but water quality isn't improving.

How do I know when it's actually time to replace the cartridge versus just needing a better cleaning? What should I be looking for?…more

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Above Ground Easy 30 minutes 293 👍 0

How Long Above Ground Pool Filters Last - Complete Guide

Got called out by my husband for never replacing our pool filter in three years and now I'm wondering if that's why our water keeps getting cloudy. Got an above ground pool and want to know how long each type lasts before I'm throwing money away.

Specifically looking for info on cartridge, sand, and DE filters. When do you actually need to replace vs just clean? Don't want to replace too early but also don't want nasty water.…more

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Filters Medium 45 minutes 503 👍 0

Can I Clean Pool Filter With Bleach? Safe Methods Explained

Somewhere in my garage looking at this disgusting pool filter with brown sludge and nasty buildup caked all over the pleats, wondering if bleach is safe. Is this actually safe to do?

I have what I think is a cartridge filter (it's the white pleated kind), and I'm worried about damaging it or my pool equipment if I use the wrong cleaning method. The pool store told me about expensive filter cleaners, but I'm wondering if regular bleach from the grocery store would work just as well. Should I dilute it somehow, and are there any types of filters I should avoid using bleach on?…more

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