As its name suggests, the filtration system helps keep your pool water clear. If it is faulty or clogged, it will no longer be able to clean your pool or prevent algae from growing. Worse still, you will strain the filtration and risk damaging it.

As you will have understood: in addition to using chlorine and a cover to protect your pool from dirt, maintaining your pool filter ensures healthy and clean water but also the longevity of your entire filtration circuit . Provided that you carry out this cleaning correctly and regularly!

Are you wondering how to maintain your pool filter? Depending on the type of filtration you have, cleaning requires several steps. To help you with this operation, Aboral provides you with its advice and best practices to keep your equipment healthy and enjoy clear water all year round. Follow the guide!

When should you clean your filtration system?

Wondering when to service your filter ? In reality, it will depend on several factors such as:

– The rate of limestone in the water;

– The volume of water to be filtered;

– The type of filters (sand, cartridge or diatomaceous earth filter).

If your filtration device has a nanometer , a high pressure (between 1 and 1.5 bars) indicates that the sand is starting to clog. Finally, the presence of dirt inside your pool means that the filtration power is too low.

 

How to clean your swimming pool filter?

1. Clean your pool's sand filter

To clean your pool's sand filter , it is important to first understand how this device works. As its name suggests, this type of filter retains various types of dirt using sand. Over time, some of these impurities - which could not be removed - end up clumping together in the sand. Result? Filtration becomes less effective and the quality of your pool water may suffer.

To avoid this, Aboral recommends that you follow these steps:

  1. Stop the device and open the “sewer” valve;
  2. Position the multi-way valve in the wash or backwash position;
  3. Restart the pump for about ten minutes, then turn it off when the water becomes clear. During this step, reversing the current helps to unclog the sand and eliminate it.
  4. Stop the pump again;
  5. This time, position the multi-way valve on rinsing;
  6. Restart the pump for 3 minutes;
  7. Stop the pump and set the valve to filtration;
  8. Complete the operation by restarting the device. During washing, your pool may empty of water. To avoid air suction, simply make sure that the water level remains above the skimmers.

After backwashing the filter , check that the sand is not clogged. If this is the case, you will need to descale the pool filter . This operation is generally carried out at least once a year: in the fall, before wintering or when restarting once winter is over.

To descale the filter, carry out a chemical cleaning . On the market, you will find a set of specific descaling products, to be poured directly into the sand in the tank.

Do not hesitate to ask your pool professional for advice on obtaining the most suitable treatment product for cleaning the filter !

 

2. Clean your pool's diatomaceous earth filter

Considered the most efficient filtration system , the diatomaceous earth filter combines the principle of action of sand and that of a star-folded membrane (like that found in cartridge filters).

Maintaining the diatomaceous earth filter is quite similar to that of the sand filter. In fact, it also has a backwash function . You can therefore wash and rinse the filter and repeat this operation twice in a row to remove all the impurities.

Approximately every two years, Aboral recommends that you detach the various elements of the device in order to descale them. To do this, immerse them for at least 24 hours in a descaling and degreasing product then rinse it using a high-pressure water jet .

Finally, place them back in the device and pour the sufficient quantity of diatomaceous earth powder into the tank provided for this purpose.

 

3. Clean your pool’s cartridge filter

Less efficient than the types of filters mentioned above, the cartridge filter is often used for mini-pools . Above-ground pools (Intex, Gre, Bestway) and spas are also equipped with them.

To clean the filter of your Intex pool, spa or mini-pool, here is the procedure to follow: 

  1. Remove the filter cartridge after stopping the pump and closing the valves;
  2. Remove any dirt that has accumulated in the folds of the membrane using a high-pressure water jet. To thoroughly clean the cartridge and remove dirt, consider purchasing a brush.
  3. Clean the walls of the tank and replace the cartridge inside the tank.
  4. Restart the filtration.

Is your cartridge scaled? Don't hesitate to soak the cartridge for around 48 hours in a descaling product designed for this purpose before rinsing it and putting it back in the device.

In addition to keeping the water clean, cleaning the pool filter is essential. If you don't do it, many operating problems can arise, which could cost you more in the long run. To maintain impeccable water quality and prevent algae from growing inside your pool, don't forget to regularly treat your pool (chlorine, bromine, salt, etc.), clean it automatically (robot vacuum cleaner) and protect it with a cover.

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