The same way you clean your home surfaces and fixtures regularly, your pool needs the same attention.
A dirty pool isn’t hygienic to use; it can cause sickness caused by harmful organisms which have accumulated overtime.
Also, a dirty pool is unattractive, displeasing and not a good way to receive guests.
I want to assume that we all agree that cleaning the pool regularly is a must and not an option.
I am sure as pool owners or aspiring pool owners; we have heard about a lot of pool cleaning agents and supplies.
However, in this article, we will learn about cleaning pool filters with Dish soap.
What is Pool Filter Cleaning?
Failure to take care of your pool filter regularly can cause dirt accumulation, which allows the growth of black algae on the pool’s surface. The pool filter keeps the water flowing into the pool clean and clear. Water comes from the pool pump through the filter into the pool. The filter separates the dirt, debris and harmful bacteria from the water before allowing it into the pool.
Before cleaning your filter, you need to understand that there are three different types of filter. Once you have understood the difference between these commercial filters, you are one step closer to carrying out a thorough cleaning of your pool filter. The three types of filters include cartridge filters, sand filters, and diatomaceous earth filters.
How Do You Clean a Pool Filter with Dish Soap?
After you must have determined the type of filter, you are using for your pool, we can now start cleaning our pool filter. We have provided a step-by-step guide to help you do the cleaning properly and effectively. Let’s dive in!
- Remove the filter cartridge and place it in a pool of warm water. Include one cup of liquid dish soap in the water.
- After adding the liquid soap, hold the cartridge in the soapy water and soak for about 8 hours or fewer.
- Remove the soapy water and rinse the cartridge properly.
DIY Pool Filter Cleaner
Instead of paying a lot of money getting your filter cleaned regularly, these DIY techniques can help you save some cost.
Step One
You can carry out the cleaning without a few supplies or cleaning items. Don’t worry, they are not too expensive and also easily accessible. Check out the list below in bullet points:
- Large tub for cartridge filters
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pair of hand gloves,
- Garden hoses,
- A plastic cup and tub for sand and earth fillers, respectively.
- Some additional sand and cartridge
Step Two
Once the necessary items for cleaning a dirty pool filter are in place and within reach, we can proceed with the cleaning. The first thing to do is to take some precautions by shutting off the pump, filter and breaker. Ensure that it is removed from the power source.
Step Three
Change the position of the filter to the backwash position. Mount your discharge hose to the water outlet and loosen it up totally.
Step Four
You can now switch on the pump and filter again. Water will start gushing out via the backwash valve and once it is clear, turn the pump and filter off.
Step Five
Switch back your backwash valve to its original position. Gather your hose and make sure there is no water left inside.
Step Six
We will need to open the air relief valve in this step, but we have to turn on the pump and filter before that. Then turn the valve off when the water starts to come out properly.
Step Seven
The next thing to do is to take off the manifold of the filter. Handle it carefully to avoid any breakage. Make use of a plastic cub listed in the requirements above and get rid of the sand. Do this until the filter comes off.
Step Eight
Take your garden hose and rinse out all the sand remaining in the filter. After you are done, replace the sand, following the manual provided by the manufacturer.
Step Nine
Restore the filter and manifold back to its original position. Don’t forget to fill the tanks with sand before returning the manifold.
Step Ten
The last thing to do is backwash the tank with the new sand. Ensure the filter works efficiently for about thirty minutes and then you are good to go.
When to Clean Pool Filter?
The pool filter needs to be cleaned when dirty. It is straightforward! The main question you should be asking is how do you do when the pool filter is due for cleaning. We have three types of filter as mentioned under a section above.
The cartridge filter is the most common type of filter. If you are using a cartridge filter, you can easily detect when your pool needs to be cleaned before it becomes clogged or appears dirty.
The other two types of filter require a closer look and some monitoring. You need to understand how to read the filter’s pressure gauge. This is the only way you can detect when the pool filter is due for cleaning.
In addition, cleaning the filter any how or any time may damage the pool filter unexpectedly. This is why most pool owners use cartridge filtration systems for their swimming pools.
Conclusion
You can save some bucks by following our guide on cleaning pool filters with a dish soap. Instead of hiring someone or purchasing overpriced pool cleaners, you can clean your pool filter regularly with the few steps listed above.