How often should you change your pool filter?

Pool filters are like kidneys that filter out unwanted debris and dirt, leaving you with clean, clear water.

Making sure your filter is working effectively is incredibly important, whether you have an indoor or public pool. In this guide, we look at when you should replace your filter system and how you can keep your water cleaner for longer.

How does a swimming pool filter work?

Pool filters are really simple. The pump pushes water through a narrow space that only allows clean water to pass through, collecting any small dirt particles and removing them from the water.

Types of swimming pool filters

There are many types of swimming pool filters and the right filter often depends on the type and size of pool.

In general, swimming pool filters are divided into three types:

Cartridge filter

A small pool, such as a temporary above ground pool or hot tub, will usually use a cartridge filter. This filter is less effective than sand or glass but is the simplest and cheapest option, making it perfect for smaller pools.

The filter cartridge is usually round and barrel shaped and made from polyester fabric or corrugated paper. The pool with this filter will push water into the cartridge, which will trap any dirt.

However, most swimming pools opt for a filter pump that uses sand or glass media. Here, the filter is part of the pump system itself, filtering out any dirt as it passes through and returning clean water to the pool.

Sand filter

Sand filters work by allowing water to pass through a container of sand (usually silica or the kind used for swimming pools, not just from the beach). Smaller water particles will pass through, but larger particles will be trapped, providing clean water.

Glass filter

Glass filter media work in a similar way. However, glass filter media tend to be more efficient and can capture particles about 1/4 the size of a sand filter. Therefore, they tend to be more effective.

How long does a swimming pool filter last?

Your pool pump system can pump 230 – 260 liters of water every 8 hours. Like everything else, pool filters become less effective with age! As your filter ages, it becomes clogged, dirty and ineffective.

How long a pool filter lasts will depend on how much dirt it needs to clean. Assuming you maintain your pool properly, the average filter life is:

– Filter cartridge – approximately 2,000 working hours in 2 to 4 years.

– Sand filter material – about 3 to 7 years

– Glass filter media – approximately 7 to 15 years

When to clean swimming pool filter?

If the quality of your pool filter has deteriorated, it may not necessarily need to be replaced. All filters need to be cleaned regularly to ensure they can operate at full capacity.

If you are using a cartridge filter, remove it and wash it thoroughly with a stiff brush and hose, using a dedicated cleaner if available. Try to do this once a week for optimal filter life.

To care for your glass or sand pump filter system, you perform a process called backwashing. Most pump systems will come with a backwash option, which allows water to flow back through the filter, removing any dirt that may have clogged it.

You should look to backwash your pool filters whenever the pressure rises from the normal level of around 250 – 300 lb./cm3.

How to know when the filter needs to be replaced?

As mentioned above, some symptoms of a poor filter performance can be due to a lack of cleanliness. However, there will often come a time when cleaning the filter is not enough and it needs to be replaced.

Here are some signs to look for when considering a filter change:

Rapidly deteriorating performance

If your filter becomes clogged or stops cleaning more often than expected, even with regular backwashing, its quality may suffer.

Expiry date

Filter cartridges will typically have an expiration date due to their design. However, all filters have an expiration date. If it has passed, it is best to replace the filter.

Filter is damaged 

This applies to the filter cartridge, which can tear over time. If this happens, you will need to replace the filter.

How Often Should You Change Your Pool Filter?

You should replace your pool filter whenever it deteriorates, reaches the end of its expected lifespan, or shows signs of damage. Typically, symptoms will begin to appear every five years, but the interval can range from every year to every 15 years.

When to replace sand filter

Sand filters will typically last about three to seven years, depending on use.

If you regularly clean and backwash your filter and only use your pool seasonally, you may need to replace it after at least five years. While sand filters can work well for several more years, we recommend replacing them at this time to maintain a healthy pool system long term.

When to change glass media filter

Glass filter media is known for its longevity – if well cared for, it may not need replacing for over a decade!

Glass filter media can last longer than sand media. However, we also recommend replacing them every 5 years to keep your pool system running efficiently.

When to replace the filter cartridge

You can usually tell by sight if your filter is working, but you should always replace it after it has reached its expiration date. This date is usually one or two years, depending on the brand, if you see a tear in the filter, it will need to be replaced.

Pool filter clogged too quickly? What to do?

Ultimately, the lifespan of your filter depends on how much dirty water it needs to clean. If you want to increase the lifespan of your filter, make sure you take care of your pool regularly and follow the cleaning rules.

Pool water quality management

The most important thing is to maintain the right chemical balance every day. Having the right chemicals will prevent algae from forming and help to handle other dirt and debris, reducing the stress on your pool filters.

Be aware that while clarifiers and similar products may make your pool look clean, they can clog your filter more. Ultimately, there is no substitute for regular chemical management.

Maintain cleanness in pool for usage

The more a pool is used, the dirtier it is likely to become.

Pool users will bring contaminants into the pool, which will eventually end up in the filter. These can include body lotions, shampoos, drinks, and more.

If you want to take care of your pool, you can take steps to minimize people’s impact.

– Shower before entering the pool – Showering before entering the pool will remove some of the contaminants that end up in the filter.

– No eating or drinking – people are encouraged to enjoy any food or drink before or after the pool, not while swimming!

Pool Filter Maintenance When Not in Use

Another thing to consider is what happens to your filters when they are not in use. If you use your pool seasonally, make sure your cartridge filters are stored properly when the season is over. Also, check them before the next season starts, as they can sometimes degrade over time even when not in use.

Pump filtration systems should still run regularly during the off-season to keep chemicals from building up in the water. Therefore, you need to monitor your filters during the off-season. For your pool in general, investing in a cover and properly sealing your pool will also help keep your filters running efficiently.

Choosing the best pool filter 

Filters are an important part of your swimming pool, so you need to get a quality piece of equipment. Making sure you choose a good pool filter will save you a lot of money and effort in the long run.

Family pool filter

When it comes to home pool filters, they generally fall into two categories:

– Side mounted filter

– Filter on top

Both are essentially the same, except that the valves and other features are located on the top or side of the filter. Whether you need a top or side mounted filter usually depends on how your pool is set up – it should be obvious which one will be suitable..

Many home filters will come with similar features, so the most important thing to look out for is pressure. Make sure the filtration system you choose can handle the force of your pool pump. Also, make sure it is of solid construction, as any cracks will cause you headaches.

Commercial Pool Filters

Commercial pools have additional requirements when it comes to pool filters. First of all, they are usually larger and used more frequently, so they require more pressure. However, there are also issues such as the length and frequency of use. Filters require constant maintenance, much more so than a home pool.

Filter media 

Most filters will require you to purchase the media separately, as this will need to be replaced more often than the actual mechanism.

Most filters that work with sand media will also work with glass. If your filter uses cartridges, you will need to continue using the cartridges.

In general, sand filter media is a good choice in most cases. However, if you are willing to pay more, glass filter media is more effective at removing small particles and can last longer, so it is often worth the investment.

Where to buy swimming pool filters?

Currently, Song Phung is distributing Emaux V-top valve swimming pool filter columns. This is a line of swimming pool sand filter products that are very popular in the Vietnamese market because:

• Using the latest pool filtration technology, reinforced with fiberglass, both convenient for transportation and resistant to corrosion by environmental conditions.
• Convenient design during operation, maintenance and servicing 
• The valve handle has the function of controlling the functions of the filter tank with 1.5″ connection ports. This is the standard size, ensuring the device can connect to a variety of devices.
• Can be applied for both household and industrial use

See more: How To Choose The Right Bilge Pump For Your Boat

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Translator: Duong Nguyen Hoang Khang