Pool filter cleaning

Signs your filter needs cleaning

• Filter pressure is high: about 8–10 PSI above its normal "clean" reading is a common sign
• Weak flow from the return jets
• Cloudy water that won't clear even when the chemistry is balanced
• The pump sounds strained or louder than usual
• Debris or dirt blowing back into the pool
• It's been a while, especially after a storm, a green-pool recovery or pollen season

What our filter service includes

We service all three common filter types: cartridge, sand and DE (diatomaceous earth).

Cartridge filters

• Shut down the system safely and release the pressure
• Remove the cartridge(s) and clean them thoroughly, rinsing debris, oils and fine dirt from the pleats
• Inspect the cartridges for tears, crushed pleats or worn end caps
• Check the O-ring and tank for wear, and lubricate where needed
• Reassemble, restart and check for leaks, then note the new "clean" pressure reading

Sand filters

• Backwash and rinse to flush trapped dirt out of the sand bed
• Check the multiport valve and its gasket for leaks and bypassing
• Watch the pressure and the water for signs the sand is channeling or worn out
• Let you know when the sand is due for replacement, with a quote before any work

DE filters

• Backwash and recharge with the right amount of fresh DE powder
• Take the filter apart periodically to clean the grids thoroughly, since backwashing alone doesn't get them fully clean
• Inspect the grids and manifold for tears or cracks that let DE powder blow back into the pool
• Check the O-ring, valve and tank for leaks, then note the new "clean" pressure reading

On our Manta Ray and Dolphin weekly plans, routine filter cleaning and rinsing is included as needed. You can also request a one-time filter cleaning.

How often should a filter be cleaned?

It depends on your pool's size, how much it's used, and how much debris falls in. Here at the Beaches, sand, pollen, sunscreen and summer storms all put extra load on filters. Rather than following a fixed calendar, we watch the pressure gauge and the water and clean it when it needs it. That's often more frequently in spring and summer.

When filter parts need replacing

Cartridges don't last forever. Over time the fabric breaks down, pleats get crushed, and cleaning stops restoring good flow. Filter sand wears too: the grains get rounded and clumped, so the filter traps less dirt and the water stays hazy even after backwashing. In DE filters, the fabric grids eventually tear or clog for good; a sign is DE powder showing up on the pool floor. In every case, we'll show you what we found and quote the replacement before we do anything.