Pool Filter Care: Sand, Glass and Cartridge Filters

Your filter does most of the work of keeping the water clear. If it is dirty or worn out, the water will not stay clean however much chlorine goes in.

What the filter does

As the pump pushes water through the filter, it catches dirt, leaves, oils and fine particles. Chlorine kills algae and bacteria, but it is the filter that takes the rubbish out.

Sand and glass media filters

• Water passes through a bed of sand or glass media

• Cleaned by backwashing, which runs water back through the media and out to waste

• Backwash when the pressure gauge climbs well above its clean reading

• The media wears and clumps over time and needs replacing every few years

Cartridge filters

• Water passes through a pleated cartridge

• Cleaned by taking the cartridge out and hosing between the pleats

• A soak in cartridge cleaner every so often removes oils and scale

• Cartridges need replacing when the pleats break down or the pressure stays high after cleaning

Signs the filter needs attention

• Cloudy water that does not clear once the chemistry is balanced

• Pressure that stays high after a clean

• Weak flow from the returns

• Sand or debris coming back into the pool

Which type is best?

Both work well when they are the right size for the pool and looked after. Cartridge filters use less water because there is no backwashing. Media filters are quick to clean and cope well with heavy debris. The right choice depends on your pool and the rest of your equipment.

Let us look after it

We check the filter on every service visit and clean it as needed. When it is due, we supply and fit replacement cartridges, media and new filters.