Swimming pools are a ton of fun, but they're also a lot of work to clean and maintain. Luckily, thanks to pool pumps and filters, you don't have to do all the work and scrubbing yourself. Pool filter cartridges remove dirt and debris from your pool water as it recirculates through the filter via the pump.
However, pool filter cartridges see a lot of use and abuse and have limited lifespans. On average, pool filter cartridges last for one to two years, depending on how heavily you use your pool. With proper maintenance, a filter cartridge can even last up to three years!
If you want to know more about pool filter cartridges and how to get the most use out of them, you've come to the right place. This article will examine how different things affect pool filters, maintenance tips, and tricks, and where to get the longest-lasting filters on the market. We'll also explain how to know when it's time to replace your filter with a new one.
What Exactly Does a Pool Filter Do?
A pool filter works exactly like an air filter on a furnace, fan, or air conditioner. It works together with your pump filter to clean the water in your pool and to keep it that way. Here's what happens:
• Your pump turns on and draws water towards it.
• Before water reaches the pump, it passes through your filter, which removes debris, dirt, and other particles.
• The pump then pushes the water back into your pool.
• This process repeats for as long as the pump is running, which means your water is constantly recirculating.
Different Types of Pool Filters
While all pool filters work by the same premise, there are different types that filter things differently.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are the most common and effective types of pool filters. These filters contain pleated polyester material that traps particles as they pass through them. Cartridge filters are some of the lowest maintenance and longest-lasting filters on the market, as the cartridges themselves can last up to ten years, while each filter lasts two to three. Cartridge filters are also more affordable than their glass and sand alternatives.
Glass Filters
Glass filters are very similar to sand and cartridge filters in how they operate. Rather than having pleated polyester, however, glass filters have a glass media. They can last for up to five years and are some of the most effective but expensive filters on the market.
Sand Filters
Finally, you can also choose sand filters for your pool. Sand filters use a layer of sand to trap and remove debris and other unwanted particles from water. Sand filters can last up to ten years, while the tank that holds the sand can last up to 15 or 20 years.
Things That Put Your Pool Filter at Risk
There are a number of things that can put your pool filter at risk and speed up its demise. In most cases, these risks are chemicals that you use to clean the pool, or that accidentally spill into it.
• Using too much chlorine during cleanings
• Oil and petroleum products
• Suntan or body lotion
• Perfume
• Using the wrong type of chlorine or impure chlorine
Signs You Need to Replace Your Pool Filter
The number of years a pool filter can last is simply an average and a rough estimate. Therefore, it's important to know what signs to watch out for that indicate your filter is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Frays and Tears
Frays and tears in your filter cartridge are the most obvious signs that you should replace your filter. Frays and tears happen from repeated use when objects are constantly passing through the filtration material.
Crushed Pleats
In addition to frays and tears, crushed or flattened pleats are another common sign of filter wear.
An Obviously Dirty Pool
Your pool filters one and only job is to clean your pool water. Therefore, if your water is obviously dirty or discolored, your filter isn't doing its job. As such, you should replace it with a new one so that you can once again have clean pool water.
High Filter Pressure
As water gets pumped through your filter cartridge, its exit velocity shouldn't be too different than when it entered. However, if your filter is dirty, water will have a difficult time passing through it and come out more forcefully than it should. Therefore, you can check your water's exit velocity from the filter to see if your filter is dirty or not.
Pool Filter Maintenance Best Practices
If you want to get the most life out of your filter, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some things to remember.
Clean Your Filter Regularly
In the same way that your filter is responsible for cleaning your pool, you're responsible for cleaning your filter. Remove and check your filter every other week for debris and buildup, and use a garden hose to wash it when necessary. It's also good to soak the filter in a cleaning solution made specifically for cartridge filters periodically.
Don't Run the Filter Non-Stop
Most people mistakenly believe that you should run your filter non-stop. However, running your filter around the clock for no reason will only speed up its demise. Instead, hire a pool technician to help you understand when you should run your filter, how long you should run it, and at what speed. That way, your pool filter will do the maximum amount of good with the minimum amount of effort.
Don't Make Your Filter Do All the Work
While your pool filter is the main agent when it comes to keeping your pool clean, it isn't the only one. You can ease the stress and strain on your filter by using your skimmer and chlorine correctly. Better yet, hire a pool cleaning professional to clean your pool every week or every other week.
Choose a High-Quality Cartridge Filter
In addition to pool filter maintenance, you can get the most life out of your filter by purchasing high-quality ones. Unicell pool filters from PVC Fittings Online are some of the best and longest-lasting on the market. Rather than base their longevity on years, Unicell filters last for twelve to fifteen cleanings, which can be up to three years.