How to clean your swimming pool filter?

As its name suggests, thefiltration systemallows you to keep your pool water clear. If it is defective or clogged, it will no longer be able tosanitize your poolor prevent the development of algae. Worse still, you will strain the filtration and risk damaging it.

You will have understood: besides using chlorine and a cover to protect your pool from dirt,maintaining your pool's filterensures not only healthy and clean water but also the longevity of your entirefiltration system. Provided you carry out this cleaning correctly and regularly!

Are you wondering how to maintain your pool filter? Depending on thetype of filtrationyou have, cleaning requires several steps. To help you with this task,Aboraloffers its advice and best practices to keep your equipment in good condition and enjoy clear water all year round. Follow the guide!

When should you clean your filtration system?

Are you wonderingwhen to perform maintenance on 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 filter device has ananometer, 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

Toclean your swimming pool's sand filter, it is important to first fully understand how this device works. As its name suggests, this type of filter traps various dirt particles using sand. Over time, some of these impurities – which could not be evacuated – end up clumping the sand together. The result? Filtration becomes less effective, and the quality of your pool water may suffer.

To avoid this,Aboralrecommends that you follow these steps:

1. Stop the device and open the “sewer” valve;
2. Set the multi-port valve to therinseor 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. When washing, your pool may lose water. To avoid air intake, simply ensure that thewater levelremains above the skimmers.

After performing thefilter backwash, check that the sand is not clogged. If this is the case, you will need to proceed with thepool filter descaling. This operation is generally carried out at least once a year: in the autumn, before wintering, or when restarting after winter is over.

To proceed with descaling the filter, carry out achemical cleaning. On the market, you will find a range 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 cleaningthe filter !

2. Clean your pool's diatomaceous earth filter

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

The maintenance of thediatomaceous earth filter is quite similar to that of the sand filter. Indeed, it also has thebackwash function. You can thus proceed with washing and rinsing the filter and repeat this operation twice in a row to evacuate all impurities.

Approximately every two years, pool specialist 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, replace them in the device and pour the sufficient quantity ofdiatomaceous earthinto the designated tank.

3. Clean your pool’s cartridge filter

Less efficient than the filter types mentioned previously, thecartridge filteris very often used formini-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 thefilter cartridgeafter stopping the pump and closing the valves;
2. Remove accumulated dirt from the membrane folds using a high-pressure water jet. Tothoroughly clean the cartridgeand dislodge dirt, consider getting a brush.
3. Clean the walls of the tank and replace the cartridge inside the tank.
4. Restart the filtration.

Is your cartridge clogged with limescale? Feel free tosoak the cartridgefor about 48 hours in a descaling product intended 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 treat your pool (chlorine, bromine, salt, etc.), clean it automatically (robot vacuum cleaner) and protect it with a cover.