Owning a pool is great, but in order to be able to enjoy it and keep it swimmable, you need to make sure your swimming pool filter is in great condition.
Otherwise, debris and other unwanted things can accumulate in the water. So let’s discuss how often you should clean or place your swimming pool filter.
That way, your pool stays sparkling clear for a longer time period.
How Long Does A Pool Filter Last?
When it comes to deciding how to often change pool filters, the first point of reference you need to understand is the lifespan.
The range of when you should replace your pool filter is the minimum period of time that a filter typically lasts.
Keep in mind that a pool pump system handles up to 70,000 gallons of water in an 8 hour period. That’s a lot of stress on the system.
Just like with anything else, pool filters get tired out after a while. When a pool filter has reached old age, it starts to clog and becomes less effective at cleaning dirty water.
So if you are keeping your pool maintained consistently, you can expect to replace your filter according to a few averages.
Cartridge filters last around 2000 working hours, this equates to about 3 years on average.
Sand filters last between 3 and 5 years. And a glass filter lasts between 7 and 10 years.
When Should You Clean Your Pool Filters?
One of the ways to prevent the need for total replacement is to have your pool filters regularly cleaned by professionals.
This ensures they are working to full capacity and increases longevity. If you want to clean it by yourself, you can clean a cartridge filter by rinsing it thoroughly with a brush and hose.
Try to do this at least once per week. For a glass or sand filter, you want to perform something called backwashing. This lets water run the opposite way and unclog dirt that gets caught in the filter.
On average, you should clean any type of pool filter at least once per week.
Signs That Your Filter Needs To Be Replaced
Aside from old age, there are some symptoms that tell you that your pool filter has reached an end.
This means that standard cleaning will no longer be enough and you need to get a new unit that way your pool stays clean.
1. Performing At A Low Level
If you are cleaning your filter correctly and it’s still not filtering properly, then it could be on its last leg.
Consistent clogging, even with backwashing, means that it’s probably time to replace your filter.
2. Expired Filters
If the use by date has already occurred, then the filter cartridge is likely ineffective. Thus a replacement is in order.
3. A Damaged Filter
If the filter has incurred some kind of unusual damage from overuse, harmful debris, or other sources, then the wear and tear will add up. Eventually, the filter’s mechanical components simply won’t work anymore and it needs to be replaced.
How Often Should You Change The Pool Filter?
As already discussed, no matter what kind of filter you have, 10 years is usually the maximum time that any filter can last. Knowing how often to replace pool filters will keep the pool clean and swimmable.
But you should pay careful attention to how well your filter is working. If your pool stays murky or debris continues to float around, even after cleaning, then it’s time to call a professional.
Your pool filter probably needs to be cleaned, if not replaced. If you fail to do this, you could end up with dirty water.
This means bacteria, algae, and funguses can build up in the swimming pool. This can cause allergens, sicknesses, and all kinds of nasty effects.
It’s never worth it to use a pool filter longer than its intended use.
Making Sure Your Pool Filter Lasts Longer
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your pool filter. The estimates above of how often to change a pool filter are approximate.
By taking proper care of it, you can extend the lifespan a little bit. Here are some ways to do that:
Keep The Pool Quality High
Make sure you’re maintaining the chemical balance of pH and chlorine every single day. This puts less stress on your pool filter.
Encourage Your Swimmers To Stay Clean
It’s a good rule of thumb to rinse off before entering the pool. Having an outdoor shower or even a makeshift cleaning station like a garden hose can work.
The point is that human swimmers bring in all kinds of stuff that’s really bad for your pool filter. It can make it clogged up. That means you have to replace it faster.
Before getting into the pool, try to make sure that you don’t have any shampoos, bodily oils, makeup, or other particles that could ultimately damage the filter.
In addition, avoid bringing food and drink into the pool. Swimmers are designed to process and clean water.
That means soda, popcorn, and other food and drinks could add harm to the components of the system.
Caring For The Pool When It's Not In Use
When you’re not using your pool, store your cartridge filters somewhere where they can be kept dry at moderate temperatures. In addition, using a pool cover can help protect your filters throughout the seasons that you’re not using it.
Clean Or Replace Your Pool Filter
If you think it might be time to perform some maintenance on your filter or even have it replaced, contact a pool cleaning service in Atlanta GA. Make sure that your pool is clean, safe, and pretty all year round.
