Pool Filter Cleaning FAQ

A dirty pool filter cannot effectively remove debris, bacteria, and contaminants from your water. This leads to cloudy water, algae growth, increased chemical usage, and can damage your pump. Regular cleaning maintains water quality and extends equipment life.

Neglecting filter cleaning causes pressure buildup that can crack filter tanks, damage pump seals, and burn out motors. You'll also see cloudy green water, skin irritation, and spend 2-3x more on chemicals trying to compensate.

Dirty filters allow microscopic particles, bacteria, and algae spores to recirculate. This causes cloudy water, green tints, eye irritation, and can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli even with proper chlorine levels.

Yes. Clogged filters fail to remove pathogens, leading to recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Common symptoms include ear infections, skin rashes, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems.

Absolutely. Clean filters reduce chemical costs by 30-50%, lower energy bills (pumps work more efficiently), and prevent expensive repairs. A $150-200 cleaning can save $500+ annually.

Professional cleaning provides thorough deep cleaning impossible with DIY methods, proper inspection for damage, correct reassembly, and extends filter life by 2-3 years. We also identify problems before they become expensive repairs.

Professionals have specialized equipment, cleaning solutions, and experience. We can clean a filter in 1 hour that takes homeowners 3-4 hours. We also spot worn grids, cracked manifolds, and other issues you might miss.

With quarterly professional cleaning, DE grids last 7-10 years, cartridges last 3-5 years, and sand media lasts 5-7 years. Without cleaning, these lifespans are cut in half.

Dramatically. Most customers see crystal clear water within 24-48 hours after a professional cleaning. Many describe it as "like a new pool."

Yes. We use professional-grade acid solutions that dissolve calcium, mineral deposits, and oils that home cleaning cannot remove. This restores filter efficiency to near-new levels.

We recommend quarterly cleaning (every 3 months) for optimal performance. Heavy-use pools, pools near trees, or pools with pets may need more frequent cleaning.

At minimum, clean your filter twice per year - once in spring before pool season and once in fall. However, quarterly cleaning provides significantly better results.

Watch for: pressure gauge 8-10 PSI above clean baseline, cloudy water despite proper chemicals, reduced return flow, filter running longer to clean pool, or green tint that won't clear.

Yes. Summer brings more swimmers, sunscreen oils, pollen, and debris. Pools used daily in summer often need monthly rinses and professional deep cleaning every 6-8 weeks.

Backwash sand filters every 1-2 weeks, but this only removes surface debris. Deep cleaning every 3-4 months removes oils and fine particles that backwashing misses.

For cartridge filters, yes - excessive cleaning can break down the pleated material. For DE and sand filters, regular cleaning is beneficial. Monthly cartridge cleaning is the maximum recommended.

DE Filters: Large tank with bump handle or backwash valve, uses white powder. Cartridge Filters: Cylindrical tank with pleated elements inside. Sand Filters: Round tank with multiport valve on top, contains sand or glass media.

DE filters provide the finest filtration (2-5 microns), ideal for crystal-clear water. Cartridge filters offer easy maintenance (10-15 microns). Sand filters are most durable but filter larger particles (20-40 microns).

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters use fossilized diatom powder as the filter medium. The powder coats grids inside the tank and captures particles as small as 2 microns - the finest filtration available.

Cartridge filters contain pleated polyester elements that trap debris. They're easy to maintain, don't require backwashing, and are popular for their balance of filtration quality and convenience.

Sand filters use specially graded silica sand or glass media to trap debris. Water flows through the sand bed, which captures particles. They're durable and low-maintenance but provide less fine filtration.

Yes, but it requires matching the new filter to your pump and pool size. Converting from sand to cartridge is common for better filtration. We can advise on the best option for your pool.

Filter size should be based on pool gallons and pump flow rate. General rule: 1 sq ft of filter area per 10,000 gallons. Oversizing is better than undersizing for cleaner water.

Professional DE cleaning involves: 1) Releasing pressure 2) Removing the manifold 3) Extracting and separating grids 4) Hosing off debris 5) Soaking in acid solution 6) Inspecting for tears 7) Reassembling 8) Adding fresh DE powder.

Add 1 lb of DE powder per 10 sq ft of filter area. A typical 48 sq ft filter needs about 5 lbs. We include fresh DE powder with every cleaning service.

This indicates torn grids, damaged manifold, or improper assembly. Stop running the pump and call for service - continuing to run can clog your lines and damage your plaster.

With proper maintenance, DE grids last 7-10 years. Signs of wear include visible tears, fabric separation from frames, or persistent DE blowback despite proper assembly.

Common causes: running pump with low water, high pressure from clogged grids, improper chemical balance (low pH attacks fabric), age, or rough handling during cleaning.

Pool-grade DE is safe when handled properly. Avoid inhaling the powder when adding. It's non-toxic but can irritate lungs if breathed in large quantities. Always add DE through the skimmer, not directly.

Yes, cellulose fiber and perlite are DE alternatives. They're slightly more expensive but biodegradable and some consider them safer. Filtration quality is comparable.

Professional cartridge cleaning: 1) Remove cartridge(s) 2) Rinse with high-pressure water 3) Soak in degreaser solution for oils/sunscreen 4) Acid soak for calcium 5) Final rinse 6) Inspect for damage 7) Reinstall.

Replace cartridges every 2-3 years with proper maintenance, or when you notice: fraying pleats, crushed sections, cracks in end caps, or when cleaning no longer reduces pressure.

Consistently high pressure indicates: cartridge needs cleaning, cartridge is worn out and needs replacement, undersized filter for pool, or obstruction in the system.

Occasional diluted bleach (1 cup per 5 gallons) can help with algae, but regular bleach use degrades the pleated material. Enzyme-based cleaners are gentler and more effective for oils.

Collapsed pleats result from: running pump without water, excessive pressure from dirty cartridge, age, chemical damage, or low-quality cartridge material. Replace immediately.

Most residential filters have 1-4 cartridges. Larger pools and spas may have 4-8. Check your filter manual or count the number visible when you open the tank.

Yes! Having a spare lets you swap immediately and clean the dirty one at your leisure. It also means never running without filtration while waiting for cleaning or replacement.

Sand filters require: 1) Regular backwashing (every 1-2 weeks) 2) Periodic chemical cleaning with filter cleaner 3) Professional deep cleaning to remove oils 4) Sand replacement every 5-7 years.

Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above clean baseline, or every 1-2 weeks during swimming season. Backwash until the sight glass runs clear (usually 2-3 minutes).

Replace sand when: water clarity diminishes despite backwashing, you see channels in the sand, sand is coming into pool, or it's been 5-7 years. Glass media lasts longer (10-15 years).

Recycled glass media is a modern alternative to sand. It filters finer particles, requires less backwashing, resists channeling, and lasts 2-3x longer. We recommend it for all sand filter replacements.

Sand in pool indicates: broken lateral pipes inside filter, cracked standpipe, or wrong sand size. Stop running and have it inspected - running can damage the pump and plumbing.

Yes! Adding 1-2 cups of DE through the skimmer coats the sand and improves filtration from 20-40 microns down to 5-10 microns. Backwash normally to remove.

Normal operating pressure varies by system (typically 10-20 PSI). Mark your "clean" pressure after backwashing. Backwash when it rises 8-10 PSI above that baseline.

Common causes: filter needs cleaning, filter media is worn, pump not running long enough (need 8-12 hours daily), wrong filter size, or chemical imbalance affecting filtration.

High pressure means restriction: dirty filter (most common), closed return valves, clogged impeller, or undersized plumbing. Clean filter first - if pressure stays high, call for service.

Low pressure indicates: air leak on suction side, clogged skimmer/pump basket, low water level, pump problem, or large tear in filter allowing bypass.

Air in the filter comes from: low water level, loose pump lid o-ring, crack in suction plumbing, loose fittings, or failing pump shaft seal.

If your pool stays green after shocking, the filter is likely too dirty to remove dead algae. Have the filter professionally cleaned, then shock again. Run pump 24/7 until clear.

Filter leaks come from: damaged tank o-ring/gasket, cracked tank, loose clamp band, drain plug issues, or cracked valve. Most are simple o-ring replacements.

Short cycling (filter rapidly turning on/off) indicates: timer issue, overheating pump, electrical problems, or pressure switch malfunction. This is often pump-related, not filter-related.

Persistent cloudiness means: filter can't keep up (needs cleaning or is undersized), chemical imbalance, high calcium, or not running pump long enough. Start with filter cleaning.

Professional pool filter cleaning in the DFW area costs $125-$250 depending on filter type and size. DE filters cost more due to complexity and powder replacement. We offer discounts for quarterly service plans.

DE filter grid sets range from $200-$500 for parts, plus $100-$200 labor. Complete grid replacement is needed every 7-10 years with proper maintenance.

Replacement cartridges cost $50-$150 each depending on size and brand. Multi-cartridge systems can cost $200-$600 for a complete set. Quality brands last longer.

Sand replacement costs $150-$300 including labor. Upgrading to glass media costs $250-$450 but lasts twice as long and filters better.

Absolutely. Professional cleaning saves time, extends filter life, identifies problems early, and provides better results. The $150-200 cost prevents $500+ in repairs and saves on chemicals.

Yes! Quarterly plan customers save 15% per cleaning. Bi-annual plans save 10%. Pool service companies receive volume discounts - call for bulk pricing.

You can do basic maintenance, but professional cleaning provides deeper cleaning with commercial solutions, proper inspection, and expertise. DIY misses oils and minerals that reduce efficiency.

Basic supplies: garden hose with nozzle, filter cleaner/degreaser, acid wash solution (for calcium), protective gloves and eyewear. For DE filters, also need replacement DE powder.

DIY cleaning takes 2-4 hours including soaking time. Professional cleaning takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours because we have commercial equipment and experience.

For oils/sunscreen: enzyme-based cleaners or TSP. For calcium/scale: muriatic acid diluted 10:1 or commercial filter acid wash. Always rinse thoroughly between solutions.

Use ONLY a garden hose. Pressure washers destroy filter pleats and can damage DE grids. High pressure forces debris deeper into the media rather than removing it.

For cartridges, a 12-24 hour soak in filter cleaner helps dissolve oils. For DE grids, 1-2 hours in acid solution is sufficient. Never leave in acid overnight.

Yes! Keller is our home base. We provide same-day pool filter cleaning throughout Keller and surrounding areas including Southlake, Colleyville, and North Richland Hills.

Absolutely. Southlake is one of our primary service areas. We clean all filter types for residential and commercial pools throughout Southlake.

We serve: Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Roanoke, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Bedford, Euless, and Fort Worth. Call for other areas.

Yes! We offer same-day service for most of our service area. Call before noon for same-day service. Emergency services available.

Call us at (817) 897-8929 or use the contact form on our website. We'll confirm your appointment within 2 hours and provide a 2-hour arrival window.

Yes. We service HOA pools, apartment complexes, hotels, fitness centers, and commercial properties. Volume discounts available for multiple locations.

Clean your filter 1-2 weeks before opening your pool for the season. This ensures maximum efficiency when you start circulating water and adding chemicals.

Yes! Fall cleaning removes summer buildup before it hardens over winter. It also lets us inspect for damage that should be repaired before next season.

For winter: clean thoroughly, drain all water from tank and plumbing, remove drain plugs, store cartridges indoors if possible, cover equipment. We offer winterization services.

Yes. Water left in filters can freeze and crack tanks, damage grids, and burst plumbing. In North Texas, properly drain filters when temperatures drop below 32°F.

In North Texas, run your pump when temperatures are below 35°F to prevent freezing. Otherwise, run 4-6 hours daily in winter to maintain circulation.

Pump and filter must be matched. General rule: pump GPM should not exceed filter's maximum flow rate. Oversized pumps damage filters and waste energy. We can assess your setup.

Run your filter 8-12 hours daily to turn over all pool water at least once. In summer with heavy use, run 12+ hours. Variable speed pumps can run 24/7 at low speed.

Turnover rate is how long it takes to filter all pool water once. Ideal is 1-2 turnovers per day. Calculate: Pool gallons ÷ pump GPM ÷ 60 = hours per turnover.

A humming pump indicates: stuck impeller (debris or debris), bad capacitor, seized bearings, or electrical issue. This is a pump problem, not filter-related. Turn off power and call for service.

Never run your pump without the filter properly installed. You can run briefly with cartridge removed for cleaning, but extended operation without filtration breeds bacteria and algae.

Filter media is what actually traps debris: DE powder, cartridge pleats, or sand. Quality and condition of media determines filtration effectiveness. Old/dirty media can't filter properly regardless of pump operation.

Yes. Dirty filters allow bacteria, parasites, and algae to thrive. Common issues: ear infections, skin rashes, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Children and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk.

Absolutely. When filters can't remove algae spores, they multiply rapidly. Green pool water is often a filter problem, not just a chemical problem. Clean your filter before treating algae.

We don't recommend it. Even if water looks clear, dirty filters may not remove harmful microorganisms. If pressure is high or water seems off, have the filter cleaned before swimming.

Dirty water uses up chlorine faster. Clean filters remove organic matter that consumes chlorine, making your chemicals more effective. Clean filters = lower chemical costs.