Pool Filter Cleaning & Replacement

Why Your Pool Filter Is the Most Important Equipment

Your pool filter works harder than any other piece of equipment. Every day, it removes dirt, debris, oils, and contaminants from thousands of gallons of water. Without a clean, functioning filter, your pool water becomes cloudy, chemicals work less effectively, and your pump has to work overtime just to circulate water.

Here in Cypress, CA, pool filters face extra challenges. Our local water has high mineral content that builds up inside filter media over time. Dust from Santa Ana winds loads filters faster than in other areas. Year-round pool use means your filter never gets a break. Regular filter cleaning is not optional if you want clear, healthy pool water.

Most pool owners do not think about their filter until something goes wrong. The water gets cloudy, the pressure gauge climbs, or the flow at the return jets weakens. By that point, your filter is already severely clogged and your pool has been struggling for weeks. Professional filter maintenance prevents these problems and extends the life of your entire pool system.

Different Filter Types and How We Clean Each One

Pool filters come in three main types, and each requires different cleaning methods. We service all filter types and know exactly how to maintain each one for optimal performance:

• Cartridge Filters: These use pleated filter elements that trap debris. We remove the cartridges, spray them down with high-pressure water to remove trapped dirt, and soak them in filter cleaner to dissolve oils and minerals. Cartridges typically last 1 to 3 years before replacement is needed.
• Sand Filters: These push water through a bed of special filter sand. We perform backwashing to flush out trapped debris and occasional deep cleaning to remove buildup in the sand. The sand itself needs replacement every 5 to 7 years.
• DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters: These use a powder coating on grids to filter out even microscopic particles. We backwash to remove the old DE, clean the grids thoroughly, and recharge with fresh DE powder. The grids need deep cleaning annually and replacement every few years.

Each filter type has advantages. Cartridge filters are easy to maintain and do not require backwashing. Sand filters are durable and low maintenance. DE filters provide the finest filtration available. No matter which type you have, we provide expert service to keep it working properly.

Signs Your Filter Needs Professional Cleaning

Your pool gives clear signals when the filter needs attention. The most obvious sign is cloudy or hazy water that does not clear up even with proper chemical balance. When your filter cannot remove fine particles, the water loses clarity. This often happens gradually, so you might not notice until the problem is significant.

Check your filter pressure gauge regularly. When the pressure reads 8 to 10 PSI higher than the clean starting pressure, your filter is clogged and needs cleaning. Running a filter with high pressure forces your pump to work harder, wastes energy, and can damage equipment. Some pools also show weak water flow from return jets when the filter is dirty.

You might notice that you need to add more chemicals than usual to maintain proper levels. Dirty filters reduce water circulation, which makes chemicals less effective. You end up spending more on chlorine and other chemicals without solving the underlying problem. Cleaning your filter fixes this issue and saves money.

If you have been doing regular weekly service but your water still looks dull, the filter is probably the problem. We recommend professional filter cleaning every 6 months for most pools. Heavily used pools or those with lots of trees nearby may need cleaning every 3 to 4 months.

Our Thorough Filter Cleaning and Replacement Process

When you schedule filter service with us, we do more than just rinse off the cartridges. Our complete process ensures your filter works like new. We start by shutting off your pump and carefully removing the filter elements. This lets us inspect everything inside the filter tank, including looking for cracks, damage, or worn parts.

For cartridge filters, we use commercial-grade cleaners and high-pressure washing to remove all trapped debris, oils, and mineral buildup. We check each pleat for tears or damage that would let debris pass through. If your cartridges are worn out, we recommend replacement and can install new ones right away. We keep common cartridge sizes in stock for faster service.

Sand and DE filters get thorough backwashing followed by inspection of internal components. We check the laterals, grids, and manifolds for damage. If needed, we perform a chemical soak to break down oils and buildup that backwashing alone cannot remove. For sand filters, we can test the sand condition and replace it if it has lost effectiveness.

After cleaning or replacement, we reassemble everything carefully, check all seals and o-rings, and test the system for proper operation and pressure. We make sure there are no leaks and that water flows freely through your clean filter. If we spot other issues like a failing pump or damaged plumbing, we let you know so you can address them. We also offer equipment repair services if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions