The purpose of a pool cartridge filter is to clean your pool water by capturing debris and decontaminates in the folds of the filter. With time these folds will become clogged, water will not flow thru the filter as easily, and pressure within the filter will increase. Operationally, with water flow down, you will not be turning you pool water as frequently and your pool decontaminates will start to build up. It's time to clean your filter. As a general rule of thumb, your filter should be clean at least once a month during the summer and every other month if your pool is operational during the winter. Although this description is specific to a Hayward cartridge filter, many of the steps can apply to other models of cartridge filters.
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Thomas Posted: 6/25/2022
New pool last year, today chemicals are good, but many particles floating throughout pool and it’s cloudy under water. I have good pressure. I cleaned the filter. Still have same problem. Help meReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/27/2022
Use a clarifier or flocculant to get rid of the floating particulates.Reply
Buddy Short Posted: 9/25/2019
Just replaced my 4 filter cartridges and O ring. Followed the excellent instructions given. Pool pump seems to be working fine but unfortunately I am still not getting any pressure build up in my filter. Reading remains at zero. Could there be debris clogging my skimmer lines? Looking for suggestions?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 9/26/2019
Hello Buddy - There could be a clog in the skimmer line, a suction side air leak, or a clogged/damaged impeller. Check out our video titled "How to Identify and Correct Low Water Pressure".Reply
mcalex Posted: 2/13/2019
Step 10.5: Invert the filter and give it a second spray-down whilst turning to get the most stubborn particles out. This time around any residue in the bottom should be easier to remove. Ensure that you return the filter to the holder in this inverted position (I.e. switch it each time it's cleaned) to ensure even wear and tear on the filter material.Reply
InyoPools Posted: 8/16/2018
Hello Chris - Most laundry detergents have phosphates and will create a lot of suds. I'd recommend a phosphate free granular dishwasher detergent.Reply
Chris Posted: 7/22/2018
TSP is pretty strong stuff. How about 3 tablespoons of laundry detergent in a 5 gallon bucket? Soak one end a few hours, then the other.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/11/2017
Anonymous (heavy cartridge) - A typical upper half of a filter would weigh under 10 lbs. The cartridge with water in it might weigh 15-20 lbs. A typical cartridge generally lasts 2-3 seasons and cost around $65.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/8/2017
Wow! That looks a real pain. How heavy is the upper half of the filter housing? Was looking at replacing my old sand filter, but don't think I will now. What is the cost of each of those cartridges? Seems like it would be very expensive!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/8/2016
joko3rd - The Hayward filter model number you gave me, DE4820, for a cartridge filter is actually a DE filter that uses grids. Did you mean one of the Hayward SwimClear C2030, C3030, C4030, C5030, C7030 filters that use four cartridges? The cartridges are listed in Key #13 according to the model size you have. Note: you will have to order 4 of these.Reply
joko3rd Posted: 7/6/2016
I have a Hayward model #DE4820 filter system. I want to replacethe 4 filters inside What is the model number for these filters.
Thanks
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k9kid Posted: 6/14/2016
Have 20x44 pool de6000 filter,pool problems very few,cartridge 22yrs old replacing now,most pools get ph 7,7.5 ph up and ph down is all I use, very little do I add at one time- its all about filtering time and chlorine,backwash several times run filter 5 min. then backwash again. all this at different times thur summer my pool is perfectly clear. pool on timer 9hrs and 2pounds powder clor bright EVERY DAYReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/9/2015
Kuria - Try inserting a large screwdriver between the two parts of the tank and gently prying them apart at a couple of places.Reply
Kuria Posted: 8/7/2015
Hi, Very well written steps. I am trying to open my filter which is the exact model shown in the steps but the lid does not come off. Is there any trick to get it open. i am new to this.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/27/2015
opening pool - There are several steps to follow when you open up a pool. See our series of guides starting with "How To Maintain A Swimming Pool Part 1 (Chemicals)" for more information.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/25/2015
We are trying to open our pool and we've cleaned the cartridge and shocked it but the water is still not clearing. Is there something we aren't doing?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/8/2015
edhoff - You might try soaking the cartridges in a TSP solution overnight. See "How To Chemically Clean a Pool Cartridge Filter", then rinsing that solution out good with a hose. Don't know if that would get everything out that would affect your pond. I don't know how fragile your pond elements are. It might be safer to use new cartridges.Reply
edhoff Posted: 6/7/2015
I have a sta-rite s8m150 I want to put on my pond/ How do I remove all clorine from the cartridges?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 11/10/2014
Filter soak - I would soak your cartridge filter in a TSP solution to get the embedded chemicals and debris out of the folds. See our guide on "How To Chemically Clean a Pool Cartridge Filter" for detailed instructions.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 11/9/2014
We're cleaning our filter to put it away for winter. Is there a home solution that we can soak it in?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 3/18/2014
experio - It sounds like your system needs to be primed. The system lines to the pump have air in them and your pump is not able to suck water into the pump. See our guide on "How To Prime a Pool Pump" for further instructions.Reply
experio Posted: 3/12/2014
Thanks for great instructions on cleaning the pool filter. I was able to do clean filters, but my problem is that after putting everything back, I started the pump, kept the air valve open - but it seems no pressure is building up at all. Left it running for 15-20 min, and still pressure reading shows 0 psi (no outflow of air/water from the air valve)... am I doing something wrong here? Should I be checking something else?Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/28/2013
I have a 24' x 16' above ground pool that I've had problems with in terms of keeping the water chemistry balanced. Recently, I threw in apparently way too much Alkalinity Up (the container said I needed 7 lbs. for my size pool - I put in 5 lbs. but I guess you're not supposed to put it in all at once) and now the problems are worse! The cartridge filter got very clogged up with blue gunk...it is the same color as the liner! Is my liner dissolving because of the chemicals - into the filter (and who knows where else?) Help!!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/26/2013
ellen - If the cartridges were filtering during those four year, four years is stretching the life or a typical cartridge. But try the TSP soaking for 24 hours. It is used to get the body and tree oils and general gunk out of the creases. Follow this up with a 10-1 muriatic acid soak for an hour to clean out the mineral build up. That should give you a much cleaner filter cartridge.Reply
ellen Posted: 6/24/2013
hi,have an older pool with an almost unheard of filter - "modufilter", by the Wet Institute, and have finally found cartridge filters on-line that will fit. will it or will it not extend the life of the cartridge to do the TSP soaking? pool gets very little use and last set of cartridges were bought in summer of '09, so that's about four years. is that average life span or will they last longer if I TSP?
have many issues this year with cloudy water, dirty walls, sweep kind of poopy, but think all are probably due to the worn out cartridges. if not, may be back in touch. but would like your opinion of the TSP and longevity
thanks.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/14/2013
TRI-CLOPS - Some suggestions - If you are vacuuming very dirty water and it appears to return to the pool, check the cartridges. There is nothing in the filter to collect (and dispense) debris back to the pool except the cartridges. Make sure the cartridges are set correctly onto the bottom manifold. Check that there are no rips in any of the cartridges. Clean out the bottom of the tank. If you're vacuuming relatively clean water and it is returning dirt and debris back to the pool, have someone check your vacuum suction line. You may have developed a leak in this line that sucks in dirt when you vacuum.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/13/2013
I just bought a house with an in ground pool. It has a TRI-CLOPS filter system. I have researched and learned how to open the pool, had a water test done added chemicals etc. The problem I am having is when I try to vacuum the pool, it goes right through the filter system and blows debris and sediment, like a gray cloud right back into my pool. I can't get the water to clear up from being cloudy, so I am stumped?? ANy ideas??Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/20/2013
Ahhhh - It sounds like your cartridge is getting clogged with whatever is suspended in the water. I talked to a filter rep and he suggested two partial solutions. Vacuum off the bottom for the denser particles. This all goes out the waste line - bypass filter if you can. Vacuum out 2-3 inches of water and refill. You may still have to keep re-cleaning your filter for a while but hopefully less often. Another suggestion is to use a TSP solution to help clean out the fine residue in the creases of the filters.Reply
Ahhhh Posted: 5/20/2013
I opened our pool a little early this season and the water was more green than our grass. I shocked and used algeside and the water turned blue in hours. Unfortunately it also got very cloudy. The ph was low so I added ph up and shocked again. The chlorine was low so i added enough to bring the levels good. Once the pool was balanced I added a clarifier. After all of this the water became quite milky. The main issue i am dealing with now is my pump runs really well for 7-10 minutes then slows to a stop. I take out the filter, spray it and replace it and the same flow, great for a few minutes then trickle to nothing. The same happens with a brand new filter. I have also checked all connections on both the pump and pool. I know its the cartriges getting clogged but it must be something clear or white because while i can see a slight change im color, they look almost like new. I have been going at this for about a week now anda kinda stumped. Thanks in advance.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 1/8/2013
mimi - Cartridges get clogged with minerals like calcium that don't rinse out with a normal hosing. Try soaking your cartridge with a TSP solution. TSP can be purchased at must local stores. Do not use muriatic acid as this tends to set the contaminates. If this doesn't work, you may have to purchase a new cartridge.Reply
mimi Posted: 1/7/2013
I just started cleaning my green pool (shock treatment, algaecide, etc). Ive cleaned the filter inside and out, did everything Ive read about, but everytime I put the filter back the pool intake stops pulling debris. I tested the pool without the cartridge and it pulls great, skimmer and all. Any suggestions??Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 10/15/2012
Eval, Yes - the Fix-a-Leak manufacturers recommend pulling the cartridge filter and circulating water through an empty tank when using Fix-a Leak.Reply
Eval Posted: 10/15/2012
I have just cleaned my cartridge filters which were quite dirty but would like to know if it's ok leaving them out for a couple of days since I need to introduce "fix a leak treatment" prior to re installing cartridges.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/6/2012
artnum52 - Some of the extra chemicals used to clean a pool sometime coat the folds of a filter. Try soaking the cartridge in an diluted acid solution.Reply
artnun52 Posted: 8/1/2012
When I clean and replace the cartridge on my filter, it goes right to 25 -35 lbs pressure. The filter is only 4 months old. I have had to hose it done 4 times in the last 2 weeks. The pool is not green, the water is fine. What could be sending the pressure up so quickly?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/27/2012
green pool - The chemicals you used to clear you pool may be clogging your cartridge. Try placing your cartridge in a weak solution of muriatic acid (1 part acid to 10 parts water) for 10 -15 minutes. Rinse well and let dry before reinstalling.Reply
green pool Posted: 7/26/2012
My pool was deep green when we tried to open it this year. I know we did not close it properly the year before. We could not get decent flow through our sand filter and the service company said the filter needed replacing and them pump was too small. We put in a new pump and a C900 filter. The pressure when a cartridge is new is about 10 PSI. WE clean it a few days later around 20. We can get the cartridge looking clean, but when I reinstall it the pressure is still around 20 psi. I've replaced the cartridge once already after less than a month. What else can I do?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/26/2012
kenjen - Try getting as much of the debris out of your pool with a hand net so it doesn't keep clogging the filter. Even so you are going to have to clean your cartridge filter repeatedly (like every day) until your pool is clean of the debris. Try shocking the pool a couple of time and add algaecide if the pool contains algae. Make sure your pool chemistry is under control. See our How To Guides for more information on cleaning up a dirty pool.Reply
kenjen Posted: 6/23/2012
recently i purchased a home with a pool. i never owned a pool before. been here 3 months and the pool is very dirty i noticed when we had the pump and motor on for long periods of time we had a large electric bill is that normal. i have a mytilus fmy cartridge filter NSF, challenger high head pump me plus pac fab 1, ac smith centurion switchless motor, model t104p3 24 hour dialtime switch, challenger pac-fab 1 hp self prime pump. i am not sure if previous also had a heater. i am not sure if all items where changed before move. should i upgrade everythingReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/1/2012
DLHall - Organic stains are difficult to remove. Try rubbing a Vitamin C tablet on a test spot. If that works, buy ascorbic acid to remove the stains.,
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