5 Things to Know About Replacing Your Pool Filter Cartridge

Replace your pool filter cartridge once a year For most residential pools, yearly replacement is the right interval. It gives the best balance of cost and performance.

Cartridges wear out even with regular rinsing Fibers break down, pores clog permanently, and flow drops over time. After a year, you lose filtration efficiency.

Running an old cartridge makes your pump work harder A worn filter reduces water flow, forcing your pump to work harder. You also end up using more chemicals to compensate.

Two seasons works only for light-use pools If you have a light-use pool and clean it obsessively, you might stretch it. But for average backyard pools with regular swimming, stick to one year.

A replacement costs $30–$60 and is cheap insurance Don’t wait until the cartridge looks frayed or falls apart. Set a calendar reminder and swap it annually at the start of the season.