Cleaning Your Pool Filter

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (D.E.) FILTERS - Your D.E. filter should be disassembled and cleaned at least once a year, but under most circumstances it should be cleaned twice a year. The elements inside consist of a series of plastic grids covered with a cheesecloth-like fabric. This fabric will collect impurities, oils, and excess D.E., which may cause your grids to clog or break, impeding the flow of the water through the filter.
After cleaning, it is advised pool water enzymes and phosphate removal liquids be added to the pool, which will help stop phosphate build-up, waterline ring, clogged filters, chemical odors, and eye irritation.
NOTE: D.E. Filter clean up is a very messy job. It is common to have a muddy grayish puddle and residue left over. A water hose can be used to spray off each grid individually. This gray residue will dissipate over time or can be sprayed down with water hose occasionally to speed up process.

SAND FILTERS - Your sand filter should be cleaned at least once a year. The sand collects impurities, oils, and excess dirt, which may cause your filter to clog or clump, impeding the flow of the water through the filter. The sand clean is done by opening the top of the filter and removing any visible clumps (most filters), and then soaking the sand separately with acid, enzymes, and filter cleaner. The cleaning solutions are backwashed out of the filter and the enzymes will stay and circulate through the pool.

CARTRIDGE FILTERS - Your cartridge filter should be cleaned at least twice per year. The paper/fiber elements collect impurities, oils, and excess dirt, which may cause your filter to clog and crush or impede the flow of the water through the filter. The filter clean is done by soaking/dipping the cartridge separately in acid, enzymes, and filter cleaner. The cleaning solutions are rinsed off with a water hose and the enzymes will stay and circulate through the pool.