Filter maintenance 101
Everything Sydney Pool Owners Need to Know
Your pool filter is the heart of your water circulation system — and if it’s not working properly, your pool won’t stay clean, no matter how much chlorine you add. Whether you have a cartridge filter or a sand filter, regular maintenance is key to clear, healthy water.
At Poole’s Pools, we help homeowners across Sydney choose, clean, and service their pool filters — and today, we’re breaking down how each type works, how to maintain it, and which is best for your pool.
🧼 What Does a Pool Filter Do?
Your pool filter removes dirt, leaves, oils, and microscopic particles from the water. Without it, your pool would quickly become cloudy, unsanitary, and unsafe to swim in.
There are two common types of filters in Australian pools:
- Cartridge Filters
- Sand Filters
Each has different cleaning methods, costs, and performance levels.
🌀 Cartridge Filters
How it works:Water passes through a pleated paper-like filter cartridge, trapping debris as small as 10–15 microns.
Pros:
- Great for fine particles
- Lower water usage (no backwashing required)
- Compact and ideal for smaller yards
Maintenance:
- Remove the cartridge and hose it off every 4–8 weeks
- Soak in filter cleaner 1–2 times per year
- Replace the cartridge every 1–2 years (depending on use)
Signs it needs attention:
- Pressure gauge is rising
- Water flow is weak
- Water is cloudy despite proper chemicals
💡 We recommend cartridge filters for plunge pools, spas, or homes with limited drainage.
🌴 Sand Filters
How it works: Water is pushed through a bed of specially graded sand (or glass media), which traps debris 20–30 microns in size.
Pros:
- Easier long-term maintenance
- Better for larger pools
- Media lasts up to 5–7 years (glass) or 3–5 years (sand)
Maintenance:
- Backwash the filter every 2–4 weeks to flush out debris
- Replace the media when it no longer filters efficiently
- Inspect the multiport valve, laterals, and tank every year
Signs it needs attention:
- Water looks dull or dirty
- Backwashing doesn’t improve pressure
- Filter media is clumping or channelling
💡 Sand filters are ideal for family pools and homes with large surface areas or lots of leaf debris.
🛠 Which Filter Is Better?
| Feature | Cartridge Filter | Sand Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | Finer (10–15 microns) | Larger (20–30 microns) |
| Cleaning Method | Hose off | Backwash |
| Water Usage | Low | Higher |
| Maintenance Frequency | More frequent | Less frequent |
| Cost Over Time | Cartridge replacements | Sand/glass every few years |
| Best For | Small pools, spas | Large pools, leafy yards |
🔧 Filter Maintenance Services in Sydney
At Poole’s Pools, we offer:
- Cartridge cleaning and replacement
- Sand/glass media changes
- Backwash and valve inspections
- Filter troubleshooting and upgrades
📍 We service all areas across Greater Sydney.
📞 Need Your Filter Checked?
Don’t wait until your pool turns green — let us clean or replace your filter before the season peaks.