5 Steps to Clean a Pool Filter Cartridge the Right Way

Use a garden hose with a gentle nozzle, not a pressure washer. High-pressure water shreds the fabric over time.

Spray between the pleats from both sides until the water runs fairly clear. This removes loose debris without damaging the material.

Soak the cartridge in a filter cleaner solution for a few hours. Follow the bottle directions—skipping the soak is a common mistake.

Rinse the cartridge again after soaking, then let it dry completely in the shade. Drying in direct sunlight can degrade the fabric.

Do not scrub the cartridge with a brush. This pushes dirt deeper into the pleats; water and chemistry do the cleaning work.