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An in-ground or above-ground swimming pool is a great way to stay cool and make memories during the summer. However, while swimming pools are a ton of fun, they're also a lot of work in terms of upkeep and maintenance. One of the most important aspects of swimming pool maintenance is regularly cleaning your pool cartridge filter.

Your pool cartridge filter is what helps you maintain a clean swimming pool. It filters out waste, particles, and debris, and ensures that your water is as clean as possible. Over time, however, the filter will accumulate so much dirt and debris that it gets clogged, resulting in an ineffective, dirty filter. Therefore, you will need to remove and clean it periodically.

If you're curious about how to clean a pool filter cartridge and why it's so important, you've come to the right place. This article will provide a step-by-step guide for how to clean your pool filter, how often to do it, and what you should use to do it. Let's dive in!

How Often Should I Clean My Pool Filter Cartridge?

How often you need to clean your pool filter will depend on where you live and how dirty your swimming pool gets and also what you consider acceptable in terms of function. If you run a tight ship and don't let a lot of junk get into your pool, your filter won't have to work very hard and won't get dirty as quickly.

If, on the other hand, your pool isn't inside a screen or cage and it's open to nature and you clean skimmer baskets less frequently, your filter will be working in overdrive more often and will need to be cleaned more often.

As a general rule, you should check your pool filter every month to see how dirty it is. In most cases, you will only have to clean it every three to four months. However, depending on your circumstances, you may need to clean it as often as every month or as little as every six months. This is a general recommendation as many factors can change filter cleaning length, including the number of cartridges your system has, the maintenance of your pool, etc.

Materials to Use or Avoid While Cleaning Pool Filter Cartridges

A pressure washer is the main thing to avoid when cleaning pool filter cartridges. Pressure washers spray water with too much force and can damage the mesh lining on your filter. Instead, here's what you'll need to properly clean cartridge pool filters.

• Garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment
• Muriatic Acid
• Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
• Tools to remove the filter from the filter tank

Cleaning Your Pool Filter Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have everything you need for a proper filter cleaning, you're ready to get started!

Turn off the Pump

The first thing you'll want to do is turn off the pump and ensure there's no electricity running to it.

Open the Air Relief Valve

Next, open the air relief valve to release any built-up pressure inside the pump. You should also open the ball valve outside the filter tank to drain it. You might also have a drain plug on the bottom of the tank, depending on the type of tank you have.

Remove the Cartridge Pool Filter(s)

With the pressure relieved and the tank drained, open the filter tank lid to access the filter(s) and remove it. Depending on the type of filter you have, there will be a lock or latch that you need to release to remove the filter(s). Note, some systems contain a single filter while some contain up to 4 cartridges.

Spray Off the Filter

Use your garden hose to spray off the filter and remove debris. Ensure you take your time and spray between the pleats. This is where all the debris is held. 

Spray Down the Filter Tank

When you're finished cleaning the filter, take a few minutes to spray down the inside of the filter housing.

Inspect the Filter and Tank For Damage

Before reinstalling your clean filter into your clean filter tank, take a minute to inspect both components for any signs of damage. Depending on how old your filter and tank are, you may need to replace them or make minor repairs.

Reinstall the Filter in the Tank

If everything checks out, place the filter back into the tank and lock in place. If you need assistance with any of these steps, consult your filter owner's manual for additional instructions.

Deep Clean Your Filter Cartridges

In addition to doing this every three to four months, you should also give your filter cartridge a deep cleaning once or twice per year. To perform a deeper cartridge clean, start by following steps 1 through 6. However, before reinstalling the filter into the tank, follow these additional steps.

• Depending on the size of your filter, fill up either a five-gallon bucket or a small trash can with a mixture of water and a pool filter cleaner, such as TSP.
• You can also use a TSP substitute, such as Klean Strip.
• Put the filter into the cleaning solution, completely submerge it, and let it soak overnight.
• If necessary, do this a second time, if the filter isn't clean enough.
• After one or two soaks in the TSP solution, follow the same steps, but instead of TSP, submerge the filter in a muriatic acid bath. Ensure you dilute the acid as to not cause damage to the filter.
• This will help remove algae, minerals, and other microscopic contaminants that a spray nozzle can't fix.
(some guides suggest using a stronger % of chlorine bleach as a cleaning alternative as well)

Benefits of Having a Clean Cartridge Filter

Now that you know how to clean your pool's filtration system, let's look at why it's so important.

Nobody Likes a Dirty Pool

Aside from manually sweeping your swimming pool, your filter cartridge is the only thing that helps you keep it clean. Like the air filter in your HVAC system, a filter cartridge removes harmful and disgusting things that you do not want to swim around in. Therefore, it's important to clean your filter system unless you enjoy swimming in nastiness.

A Healthier Swimming Experience

A clean filter will also make your swimming experience cleaner and healthier. Pool filters remove harmful bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.

High Pressure

Dirty filters will cause your pump pressures to run higher because water can't push through your filters properly. Every system is different, but a typical clean filter pressure system will run between 5 psi- 15 psi (again, depending on filter numbers, pump speeds, etc.). It's a good idea to get a baseline of your running PSI when your filters are clean. If this typical PSI is running at 10 - 15 above normal, your filters are plugged.

Crystal Clear Water

Clean filters will pull cloudiness out of your water quicker and more regularly. If your pool seems to maintain a slight cloudiness, especially after heavy use, you will benefit from filter cleaning.

When to Replace Your Pool Filter Cartridge(s)?

While cleaning and maintaining your filter will prolong its lifespan, it will eventually give out. In most cases, a cartridge filter will last two to four years, but regular cleanings can extend its lifespan to five or six years. It all depends on how often and well you clean and maintain your filters. 

Your pool's plumbing system consists of many different components, including pipes, pumps, filters, valves, and more. While each component plays an integral role, none of it would be possible without pool valves. Valves control the flow of water to and from your pool and filter and play an integral part in flow control, filtration, and much more. 

In the world of pool valves, you have two basic options - actuated or manual. Actuated valves operate automatically via sensors and electronics, whereas manual pool valves operate without electricity. Instead, they open, close, and direct water according to outside forces that affect them.

While actuated and manual pool valves are the broad categories into which all pool valves fall, there are many different types of valves. This article will explore what those valves are, the differences between manual and actuated valves, and more. We'll also look at where to get the best pool valves in the industry. 

What is a Pool Valve?

As we said before, pool valves are an essential part of your pool's plumbing system. They are small pipe fittings, usually with a handle or knob on them that you can twist or turn to open and close. Pool valves have two options - open or closed - and the option you choose determines if water can flow through the valve or not. 

Most pool plumbing systems have multiple valves that perform different tasks, including: 

• Diverting water to or away from your pool heater.
• Diverting water to or away from your pool filter.
• Diverting water to or away from your pool pump.
• Controlling the direction of water flows in your pool's plumbing system.
• Controlling how fast water flows in and out of your pool filter.

Without pool valves, water will either sit inside your pool and stagnate or flow randomly in every direction. This could result in water flooding your pump, heater, or filter but never returning to the pool, resulting in flooding and damaged components. Additionally, without pool valves, none of these components would operate how they're supposed to, negating all the positives of your pump, filter, and heater. 

Pool valves are especially important if there's an issue with an individual part of your pool's plumbing system. The valve allows you to turn off water to that specific component rather than having to shut down the system altogether. You can also determine whether or not water flows to your heater by diverting it away from the heater if you want to save on your power bill. 

What is a Manual Pool Valve?

Manual pool valves are the most common type of pool valves on the market. Manual valves require hands-on operation if you want to open or close the valve. In other words, if you want to divert the flow of water one way or the other, you will have to manually turn or twist the valve to open or close it. 

Different Types of Manual Pool Valves

There are several different types of manual pool valves, and each one will have a different apparatus for controlling the flow of water. 

Gate Valves

A gate valve is often the largest type of valve on your swimming pool's plumbing system. A gate valve typically has a round wheel-like handle that you turn clockwise or counterclockwise to open and close. Because of how heavy-duty gate valves are, smaller swimming pools don't need them, and they are typically reserved for larger ones. 

Ball Valves

A ball valve is the most common type of pool valve. It has a handle on top of it that you rotate a quarter-turn clockwise or counterclockwise to open or close. You can use ball valves at every point of your pool's plumbing system to control the flow of water. There are two basic types of swimming pool ball valves: 

• Diverter Ball Valves

As the name indicates, a diverter valve diverts the flow of water from one direction to another. For instance, it might divert water away from the pool heater and towards the filter or vice versa. 

• Multiport Ball Valves

A multiport valve is often used inside of a swimming pool filter and serves three main purposes. First, there's a port that directs water into the filter. Next, a second port takes water that has just exited the filter and directs it back into the filter for debris removal. Finally, a third port removes water from the pool altogether when it's too dirty to clean. 

You can also adjust multiport ball valves to simply recirculate water without filtering it, if you want to give your pump and filter a break. 

Check Valves

Finally, there are also check valves on your pool system. Check valves are like one-way streets for pool water. The valve is designed so that water can pass freely through it, but, once it's past the valve, it cannot flow back through it. In other words, check valves are backflow prevention valves that help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of your pool. 

What is an Actuated Pool Valve?

While manual valves used to be the only type of valve available, actuated pool valves have started to take over. Actuated valves, also known as pool valve actuators, are valves that feature controls that open and close the valve automatically. In most cases, the mechanism that opens and closes the valve is controlled electronically, although some are controlled by compressed air or water. 

Every type of manual pool valve is also available as an actuated valve, depending on your preferences. Because actuated valves are more expensive than manual ones, most people opt for manual valves anywhere that the valve is easily accessible. As such, the most common place for an actuated pool valve is for the multiport valve inside the pool filter. 

What are the Differences Between Actuated and Manual Pool Valves?

Actuated and manual pool valves fulfill the same purpose of controlling and diverting the flow of water. They even do so using the same interior mechanisms that open and close accordingly. The difference between the two, however, is in how these mechanisms are controlled. Manual pool valves require manual operation, while actuated valves open and close automatically as needed. 

Regardless of what type of pool valves you need, PVC Fittings Online is the place to get them. From basic PVC ball valves to brass gate valves, they have everything you need to ensure you have a fully functioning swimming pool plumbing system. 

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. 

If you're lucky enough to have an above-ground or in-ground pool at your home, it's important to properly care for and maintain it. While there are many practices and factors that go into pool maintenance, the type of pool filter you use is one of the most important. When it comes to pool filters, there are two basic types available: aftermarket and OEM. 

OEM (original) pool filters and cartridges are considered the better option between the two, but they're also more expensive. Aftermarket pool filters, while being more affordable, may not last as long or do as good of a job as an OEM filter. There's also a chance that an aftermarket brand isn't compatible with your pool. 

If you know you need a new pool filter but aren't sure which option is right for you, you've come to the right place. This article will explain the difference between aftermarket and OEM pool parts and filters and how to decide which option is right for you. Let's "dive" in! 

What Are OEM Pool Parts?

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and refers to the parts that originally came with your pool. In the case of your pool filter cartridge, the OEM filter is whatever the pool professional installed for you when you first purchased your pool.

On average, pool filter cartridges last for three to four years, but they can give out sooner depending on how much you use your pool. Traditionally, when cartridge filters needed to be replaced, the only option was to go back to the original manufacturer and purchase a replacement filter.

What Are Aftermarket Pool Parts?

aftermarket pool equipment refers to any pool filters and replacement parts that are not the same as your original brand. For instance, if you had a Polaris filter cartridge originally installed on your pool, aftermarket filter cartridges would be any filters other than Polaris.

Also referred to as aftermarket parts, aftermarket filters, and pool parts sometimes have an unwarranted reputation as not being as good as their OEM counterparts. However, as long as the aftermarket products you choose are high-quality and compatible with your pool and cleaner, they'll get the job done.

What's the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Pool Parts?

While both OEM and aftermarket pool filter cartridges perform the same task and get installed the same way, there are a few differences you should know about.

Warranty

Warranty coverage is something that all pool owners should consider when replacing their pool filter cartridges. If something goes wrong with your filter and it gets damaged or causes damage to another part of your pool, such as the pump, it likely won't be covered by warranty if you were using an aftermarket filter. If you're using an OEM part, however, the damage may be covered under warranty.

Price

While warranty coverage is a good reason to buy OEM, price is typically a good reason to buy aftermarket. OEM filter cartridges and parts can cost two or three times as much as their aftermarket counterparts. This is because major manufacturers have had a monopoly on the pool industry for so long and are used to being able to charge whatever they want.

However, as aftermarket parts are gaining in popularity, OEM prices have come down slightly but are still much higher than aftermarket ones.

Material and Bands

While price and warranty information are important, it's more important to consider the quality of the filter cartridges themselves. Quality often comes down to two factors - the material of the filter and the band count.

The band count refers to the bands that wrap around the entire length of the pool filters. They keep the filter pleats from moving around while they're filtering your water, and the more bands you have, the more stable the pleats will be. Therefore, if you choose an aftermarket brand, make sure it has enough bands to get the job done.

When it comes to the actual material of the pool filters, there are several options to choose from. A combination of microfiber and either polyester or nylon mesh are the best materials for pool filters. As long as the aftermarket filter you choose has this combination of materials, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Durability and Filtration Performance

Finally, it's also important to consider durability and overall performance when comparing OEM and original pool filter cartridges. In general, as long as aftermarket filters are the same size and have high-quality bands and materials, they will perform as well as OEM parts for a fraction of the price. They will last just as long, too!

Are OEM or aftermarket Parts Right For Me?

In general, it's always safer to choose original pool parts if you're on the fence about which parts to choose. OEM parts that are exactly the same as those you're replacing will certainly be compatible and work with your pool. However, if you talk with a pool parts professional and they assure you that certain aftermarket parts are ok for your situation, you can use aftermarket parts. 

Another option is to choose aftermarket replacement pool filter cartridges that are high-quality and work with any system and filter housing. If you prefer to go this route, consider choosing a Unicell pool cartridge filter from PVC Fittings Online. Unicell makes some of the finest replacement filter cartridges in the industry that are just as good, if not better, than your OEM cartridges.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Aftermarket Pool Parts 

If you're leaning towards buying aftermarket pool parts, such as a Unicell pool filter cartridge, here are a few factors to consider before making your purchase.

•Do your homework on the brand in question and make sure they are a reliable distributor.
•Check Google reviews on the brand in question to see how their products are performing.
•Make sure the parts you choose are the same size as the parts you're replacing.
•Beware of aftermarket brands attempting to pawn their products off as original when they're knock-offs.

As long as you keep these things in mind when you're purchasing aftermarket replacement filter cartridges, you are good to go. 

Well water pressure tanks are very valuable commodities for a modern plumbing system. They ensure that water flows evenly and steadily throughout your home at all times. However, these pressure tanks get put under a ton of stress and pressure, and will usually need to be replaced every five to seven years. When the time comes, you can save a lot of money by installing your own well pressure tank.

To replace your old well pressure tank and install a new one, you'll first have to get the old one out of the way. Next, remove the water line from the old tank and connect it to the bottom of the new one. After you set your new tank into place, you can reconnect the water line on the bottom of the tank to the water line, and you're good to go.

Installing a well pressure tank isn't overly difficult, but it's important to be meticulous and precise. You should also take precautions to stay safe during the process because you will be working with water and electricity simultaneously, which can be dangerous. However, as long as you follow the instructions and advice in this article and your jurisdiction's codes, you should have no trouble installing your own well pressure tank.
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A thermostatic mixing valve is a type of valve that is used in mixing hot and cold water to get the desired temperature. They are often found in showers, sinks, and other household plumbing fixtures. Different types of thermostatic mixing valves can be purchased for homes or offices. Some are more common than others, but all have their own benefits. The most popular type of thermostatic mixing valve is the 2-handle model which has one handle for hot water and another for cold water. This type of valve tends to be easier to install because there is only one hole needed in the wall instead of two like you would need with a 3-handle model.
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A well pressure tank creates water pressure by using compressed air to push down on the water. When a valve is opened, the compressed air in the tank pushes out the water. The water is pushed through the plumbing until the pressure drops to a preset low on the pressure switch. Once the low setting is reached, the pressure switch communicates with the water pump telling it to turn on so that more water can be pushed into the tank and house. To determine the proper size well pressure tank needed, you’ll need to consider pump flow rate, pump run time, and cut-in/cut-out psi.
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Under your kitchen sink, you’ll see a curved piece of pipe. Check under your bathroom sink, you’ll see the same curved piece of pipe. It’s called a P-Trap! A P-Trap is a u-shaped bend in the drainpipe that connects a sink’s drain to a home septic or municipal sewer system. How do you know which P-Trap is the correct one for you? To determine the correct size, you must distinguish between the bathroom and the kitchen sink. When deciding which material to use, look at the existing material and replicate that in your replacement P-Trap.
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