Skip to Content

Log in / Sign up

Q&A for How to Clean a Cartridge Type Swimming Pool Filter

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do I have to change the sand in a pool filter?

Community Answer

Every other year I skim an inch or so off the top of the sand and then add some new sand to reach the right level.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9
Question

How do I clean a pool if while unscrewing the bottom plug, the water pours out?

Community Answer

I place mine on an upside-down 5-gallon bucket. Stuff a rag into the skimmer part where the water feeds into (out of your pool). If you don't have a skimmer basket, buy a plug to block that intake hose.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 8
Question

We can't get the filter opening top open. How can I clean the filter?

Community Answer

Unplug filter unit and get a helper. Place a rolled t-shirt around the ring nut, having the helper hold the filter base. Twist the ends of the shirt like a twist-tie, hold tight, and turn counterclockwise. Put silicone lube on threads and O-ring before putting back together.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question

Is Cascade detergent a good substitute to clean the filters?

Community Answer

Powder based would be fine. You can use dollar store brand powder and it will work just as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 12
Question

What do I do if my PSI keeps on going up after cleaning my pool filter?

Community Answer

I had the same problem, but found I was not rinsing them enough. Works best for me if I submerge in fresh water in my sink with the stopper in. I fill it up at least 3 times, then I put them in sunlight for 30 minutes, spinning them at least 3 times before putting them back in. No problems since then.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 2
Question

What other solutions could I use to clean my filter?

Community Answer

While it is true that multiple solutions are available, it is advisable to use the solution described above.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use TSP to clean pool cartridges?

SGrosjean

Community Answer

Some people add a small amount of TSP to their cleaning solution when soaking their filters. However, it's important to follow the directions on your cleaning solution, which in most cases will suggest not adding any additional chemicals to the soak.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 0
Question

Why does my filter collect stuff on the inside and not the outside?

SGrosjean

Community Answer

There may be a problem with the direction that the water is being pushed through your filter. Check with the directions for your filtration system and make sure it is connected together correctly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Return to Full Article

You Might Also Like

-

-

.mwimg a.image{display:none}#header_logo{display:none}#cse-search-box{display:none}#cse-search-box-noscript{display:block !important}#cse-search-box-noscript .cse_q{color:#FFF;background-color:#B3CE9C}.wh_search .cse_q{width:88%}#mw-mf-main-menu-button{display:none;visibility:hidden}.header .search{display:none}#search_footer .cse_sa{background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/white_mag.png);background-size:22px}.related_box{display:block;background:#EEE;border:5px solid #FFF;vertical-align:bottom;width:127px;background-size:180px;float:left;height:120px;position:relative}.related_box p{line-height:15px !important;font-size:13px;background-color:rgba(67,95,44,.4);color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;padding:8px;margin:0 !important;position:absolute;bottom:0}#noscript_header_logo{display:table-cell;vertical-align:middle;background-position:50% 77%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/wikihow_logo_230.png);background-size:105px;width:auto;height:51px;padding:0 14px}.articleinfo{display:none}#iorg_free_data{z-index:50;width:100%;position:fixed}#ara_recommendations{display:none}