What’s a Filter Clean for, really?
The Pool Filter
What is a pool filter, exactly? Is it the "basket thing" on the side of the pool, the little cleaner that runs around the bottom, or the giant canister at the equipment pad that just seems to take up space?
Well, since third time's the charm, we're going to go with #3.
Your pool filter, usually the largest piece of equipment you have, is, simply put, the thing that ensures no debris circulates back into your pool. You could think of it as the liver for your pool. Water comes in, bad stuff comes along with it, and the filter catches the bad stuff before allowing that water to go back out.
How do I take care of my pool filter?
To give the easiest answer possible, you take care of your filter in 2 ways:
Cleaning it regularly (at least 2x/year)
Ensuring nothing is broken (this is checked when it's being cleaned)
If you don't keep your filter clean, you'll notice several side effects that impact the health of your pool:
Increased or decreased water pressure. If you have features like water features, spillways, jets, etc., you'll notice that these won't get the same pressure they used to.
Increased cloudiness. If your filter is dirty, it won't matter how many chemicals you put in your pool - particles aren't being removed or captured, and therefore are staying in the water you swim in
For DE Filters - manifolds can crack and grids can tear due to the extra internal pressure
- Stress on your equipment. As your pressure fluctuates, your pumps have to work harder to give the same output, which causes them to degrade quicker over time.
What We Recommend
At the very least, we recommend cleaning your filter or having your service company clean it twice per year, once in spring and once in fall. This allows you to capture any leaf fall and remove those excess leaves from your pool system to ensure they don't stay there for months on end. If you do this, the very least you'll sacrifice is a bit of time and a bit of money. If you don't, your pool service will become less effective, your equipment will wear and tear quicker, your electricity bill will go up, and your pool won't be as clean in the swim season.
All in all, while it may seem like an added expense, keeping your filter clean is a necessary piece of pool maintenance. Take it from us - we've seen some pretty dirty ones!
