Pool Filter Cleaning & Replacement

Your Filter Is Your Pool's Most Important Part

Your pool filter does the heavy lifting when it comes to water quality. It catches dirt, debris, oils, dead algae, and microscopic particles that make water cloudy. Without a clean, working filter, your pool would turn into a swamp no matter how many chemicals you add. That's why regular filter maintenance is so important.

Most pool owners don't think about their filter until something goes wrong. Water turns cloudy. Pressure builds up. The pump works harder. Flow slows down. These are all signs your filter needs attention. But you shouldn't wait for problems. Regular cleaning keeps your system running efficiently and prevents bigger issues down the road.

We clean and replace all types of pool filters for homeowners across Monterey Park. Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE filter, we have the tools and expertise to service it properly. Our thorough cleaning process restores your filter's performance and extends its life.

Three Types of Pool Filters

There are three main types of pool filters, each with different maintenance needs:

• Cartridge filters: These use pleated paper cartridges to trap particles. They're easy to maintain and provide excellent filtration. Cartridges should be cleaned every 4-6 weeks and replaced every 1-2 years depending on use.
• Sand filters: These push water through a bed of special sand that catches dirt and debris. Sand filters need backwashing every few weeks and a complete sand replacement every 5-7 years.
• DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters: These use a fine powder made from fossilized organisms to filter out tiny particles. They provide the best filtration but require the most maintenance. DE filters need backwashing and fresh DE powder added every few weeks, plus grid cleaning 1-2 times per year.

We service all three types. During routine weekly cleaning, we check your filter pressure and recommend deep cleaning when needed. This proactive approach prevents problems before they start.

How We Deep Clean Your Filter

Basic rinsing isn't enough to truly clean a filter. Over time, oils, minerals, and organic matter accumulate deep in the filter media. These deposits restrict flow and reduce filtration effectiveness. Our deep cleaning removes everything and restores your filter to like-new condition.

For cartridge filters, we remove the cartridges and thoroughly rinse them with high-pressure water. Then we soak them in a professional filter cleaning solution that breaks down oils and mineral deposits. After soaking, we rinse again and inspect for tears or damage. If cartridges are worn out, we recommend replacement.

For sand filters, we perform a thorough backwash cycle followed by a rinse. If your sand is old or your filter isn't performing well, we may recommend a sand change. This involves draining the tank, removing old sand, and refilling with fresh filter sand. It's messy work but makes a huge difference.

For DE filters, we backwash to remove old DE powder and trapped debris. Then we open the filter tank, remove the grids, and clean them individually with a hose and specialized cleaning solution. We inspect each grid for tears or damage and replace any that are worn. Finally, we reassemble everything and add fresh DE powder.

Regardless of filter type, we always check O-rings, gaskets, and other seals during service. These small parts wear out over time and cause leaks if not replaced. We carry common replacement parts and can handle most repairs on the spot.

Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning or Replacement

How do you know when your filter needs service? Watch for these warning signs:

High pressure gauge reading: Most filters operate between 10-25 PSI. If your pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI higher than normal, your filter is clogged and needs cleaning.

Cloudy or dull water: Even with proper chemical balance, a dirty filter can't keep water crystal clear. If your water looks okay but not great, the filter is probably the issue.

Weak return jets: Clean filters allow good water flow through return jets. Weak flow usually means the filter is restricting circulation.

Visible damage: Torn cartridges, cracked grids, or sand in your pool means filter media needs replacement immediately.

Don't ignore these signs. A clogged or damaged filter forces your pump to work harder, wastes electricity, and can lead to expensive equipment failure. If you're experiencing other pool problems, check our equipment repair service to see if we can help.

Recommended Filter Maintenance Schedule

Different filters need different maintenance frequencies. Here's what we recommend:

Cartridge filters: Basic hosing off every 4-6 weeks during swimming season. Deep chemical cleaning every 3-4 months. Complete cartridge replacement every 1-2 years or when damaged.

Sand filters: Backwashing every 2-4 weeks or when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above normal. Complete sand replacement every 5-7 years.

DE filters: Backwashing and fresh DE powder every 3-4 weeks. Grid removal and deep cleaning 1-2 times per year. Grid replacement as needed when torn or damaged.

These are general guidelines. Your specific needs may vary based on pool use, debris load, and water conditions. We monitor your filter during regular service and recommend cleaning or replacement at the right times.

Common Questions About Filter Cleaning