It is important that pool owners know how often to participate in pool filter cleaning. Pool filters need to be cleaned in order to function properly. The process of cleaning your pool filter can be messy and dangerous. It is recommended that pool owners contact highly trained professionals to clean and treat their pools and their pool filters.
The length of time to go between pool filter cleanings all depends on the type of pool filter a pool is using. A professional pool cleaning service can provide this maintenance and will also schedule the next cleaning with a pool owner before they leave. The most popular type of pool filter is a DE pool filter. Its popular because it catches more debris and junk than other filters. It can also maintain large and small pools and is a huge asset when it comes to keeping the pool crystal clear and safe to swim in.
It is recommended that a DE pool filter that pool filter cleaning take place at least once per season. This means once per summer in regions where pools are only used during the warmer months. For those who use their pools year round, they should consider pool filter cleaning four to five times a year. It is recommended that filter cleaning be done by a professional as the process can sometimes be quite dangerous. Filters are complicated, electrical devices and should they not be properly handled can have dangerous effects that cause expensive repairs or even worse serious injury to those in the area.
Sand filters are relatively low maintenance. The pool filter cleaning process in a sand filter is easy and only requires a short visit from a pool cleaning professional. Sand filters require a backwash about once a week. This is a process that only takes ten to twenty minutes and most homeowners can manage it themselves although most professionals do not charge much for this process. They usually include a backwash in a package that also includes chemical treatment, scraping, skimming and other pool cleaning services. Even though a sand filter is relatively easy to clean it still does not catch as much debris or danger as a DE pool filter. Still, sand filters are very popular as they are low maintenance and work well in family and indoor swimming pools.
Once a year a sand filter needs to be chemically cleaned. This sand pool filter cleaning process can be done by a professional skilled at mixing these chemicals and adding them to the filter. The sand in a filter only needs to be changed every three to five years or so. It is best to consult a professional about this as most filters can use their sand for a really long time. Another thing to keep in mind is that sand filters actually work better when they are slightly dirty. This means less gunk in a pool. A pool cleaning professional understands this and will not charge for or clean a functioning, albeit dirty, sand filter.
Cartridge filters are a bit more complicated when it comes to the pool filter cleaning process. They require pool owners or their hired professionals to keep an eye on PSI pressures. Once the pressure reaches 8 or above it is time to clean the filter. The filter needs to be removed and first rinsed and then treated with dangerous and harsh chemicals. This is why it is recommended that pool owners ask professionals to do these jobs. These chemicals are harsh and can burn skin and eyes if used incorrectly. Rubber gloves are essential for this job. Once a cartridge has been cleaned it can be reassembled and then reintroduced into the pool.
Many cartridge filters are cleaned and sterilized using a product called Baqacil. Once Baqacil has been used, it needs to be used with each cleaning even if other cleaners are going to be used as well. This treatment needs to happen first otherwise the filter can become damaged. When purchasing a pre-owned cartridge filter it is a good idea to ask if it was previously cleaned with Baqacil. This part of the pool filter cleaning process is essential for a well maintained cartridge filter.
All pool filters require regular maintenance and regular pool filter cleaning. This is necessary for properly functioning pool filter. Each filter type has its own dangers and own complicated processes which is why it is highly recommended that pool owners seek out the help of pool cleaning professionals. These professionals practice care and understand the chemicals used as well as the appropriate amount to use. They are cautious and will ensure that the equipment does not become damaged in the process and also that the waste from a pool filter is properly disposed of. For those looking to learn how to clean a filter, it is not recommended to attempt your pool filter cleaning without first learning how from a professional.