Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Preparation
• Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the filter
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Above-ground pools offer a lot of fun and exercise in the summer, but they can be expensive to maintain. This article is for those who want to save money or simply reduce waste by cleaning the filter instead of buying a new one.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Preparation

1. 1 Purchase of a quality cartridge filter. It should have a folded fiberglass mat or synthetic filter media, but not paper. The cleaning methods described here will cause cheap synthetic filter media to break, rendering the filter useless.
2. 2 Start the filtering system as you normally would. When the filter becomes dirty, remove it from the pump.

Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the filter

1. 1 Flush out all debris with a garden hose or spray bottle until it dries after removal. Drying will allow the debris to collect kit filter material, because it will be difficult to remove later.
2. 2 Allow the filter to dry completely, preferably in bright sunlight, which has effective algicidal properties.
3. 3 Shake or use an air compressor to remove debris from the filter cloth. You can do this by touching the surface with a stiff-bristled brush or other means. Note that this step is in preparation for the actual cleaning, so it doesn't need to clean perfectly.
4. 4 Save the filters you used to throw in the trash until you have a few to clean up. Because cleaning involves chlorination and is time consuming, cleaning individual filters is not effective. Five gallon / 18.9 liter plastic bucket holds approximately five filters type C.
5. 5 Prepare a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid to soak your filters. Use a solution of 1 part chlorinator to 6 parts water. Submerge the filters in this solution, then put the lid on the bucket.
6. 6 Allow the filters to absorb the solution to kill any microorganisms that have entered the filter media and to remove any organic contaminants. One day is a good start, but 3-5 days will provide the best results.
7. 7 Remove the filters and rinse them in a bucket with clean water. Dip the filters by holding one end and quickly dipping them in and out of water. You should see how in the water appears cloud from the washed substances coming from the filter.
8. 8 Hang or place the filters in bright sunlight and let them dry. Any other dirt that gets on the surface of the filter should be removed with a stiff bristled brush or a cleaning brush.
9. 9 A sealed bucket will help preserve your filters when not in use, and you won't need to add chlorine every time you clean your filters. Some sediment will accumulate at the bottom of the bucket, but this will not affect the cleaning result.
10. 10 Make a solution of hydrochloric acid and water to dissolve the minerals that build up in the filter material, reducing the flow of water that must pass through the filter. In another clean bucket, which closes just as tightly, add about 2/3 of a bucket of clean water, then carefully pour in the appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid, you should get a solution of 1 part acid to 10 parts water.In a typical 5 gallon (19 L) bucket, this would be about 3 gallons (11 liters) of water for 1 ½ part of the acid.
11. 11 Soak filters in acidic solution until bubbles stop. Bubbles are a sign that the acid is interacting with accumulations of substances, and when the bubbling stops, it will mean that the minerals have already dissolved.
12. 12 When you're done, close the container tightly. If they are tightly sealed, the chemicals (acid or bleach) will not loosen and can be reused over several cleanings. Leaving the container open will allow the chlorine to evaporate from the solution, rendering it useless in a short time.
13. 13 Rinse the cleaned filters with plenty of fresh water, then let them dry. Remove any remaining dirt in the folds and they will be ready to be soaked in chlorine solution, if this step followed this soaking, then the filters are ready for reuse in your pool.
14. 14 Use re-cleaned filters.

Tips

• You can use a new filter instead of working with acids, keep a bucket of bleach and use used filters.
• In pools where there are large numbers of people swimming, tanning products and other materials can accumulate, in which case using dishwashing liquid can be the solution that will give excellent results.
• Maintain the chemistry of your pool water to minimize organic pollutants, making the filter much easier to operate.
• Pool filter cleaning chemicals are only sold for cartridge type filter cleaning, but the cost is quite high considering their performance.
• Remove accumulated dirt step by step, clean as much as possible at each step. To reduce the amount of organic contaminants that should have eroded when soaking in chlorine solution, simply brushing the filter after drying in the sun.
• Filters can clog up much more quickly if you use pool clarifiers, as this product causes particles that can clog the filter material much more easily.
• When you take out the filters, store them in a plastic bag or other container to keep insects out of them.
• If there is a high concentration of minerals in the pool water, then using a 5% hydrochloric acid solution to remove calcium deposits in the filter material will increase the filter's performance.
• Discard any filters that are damaged or minor problems as they will not filter effectively.
• Make sure the device (filter / pump) is working properly before using shock or adding chlorine or other chemicals to the pool.
• Remove and clean or replace the filter regularly.

Warnings

• Organic matter trapped in the filter can cause irritation, therefore, do not inhale the dust that occurs when removing debris with a brush or blowing out with compressed air.
• Be careful when using liquid bleach and hydrochloric acid. Add chemical to water, never water to concentrated chemical, and avoid direct skin contact.
• Liquid chlorine is very strongly absorbed into the filter. Do not spill on clothing, keep the bucket tightly closed and out of the reach of children.

What do you need

• Pool filter to start with
• Hard brush
• Large bucket with tight-fitting lid
• Vacuum cleaner or air compressor (optional)
• Liquid chlorination
• Hydrochloric acid (optional)
• Water hose with nozzle