5 Things to Know About Cleaning Your Pool Cartridge Filter

Clean when pressure rises 8–10 PSI above the clean starting pressure That usually means every two to three weeks in summer, less in spring and fall. Don’t rely on a fixed schedule alone.

Hose it off from the inside out Shut off the pump, remove the cartridge, and spray from the center outward so debris pushes away from the pleats. A garden hose with a nozzle works fine.

Soak the cartridge monthly in a pool filter cleaner A hose rinse won’t remove oils and scale. Follow the cleaner’s label, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry before reinstalling.

Don’t wait until the filter looks clogged or the pump struggles By then, your pump is already working too hard. A clean filter keeps water clear and extends pump life.

Never put the cartridge in a dishwasher It ruins the cartridge and wastes your time. Stick to hosing and occasional soaking.