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Owning a swimming pool with sparkling and clean water is a dream nursed by many. However, the maintenance may not be as easy as it sounds. It involves several factors. Installing a good filter and its regular maintenance is one of the key requirements of a clean pool. The filter helps eliminate any dirt or debris in the water. If not filtered, these particles may accumulate on the pool floor and introduce cloudiness in water or even encourage algal growth. Also, this accumulation of dust may have a severe impact on swimming pool hardware. Filtering helps keep the water clean and maintains its healthiness. There are various types of Cartridge pool filters used today including sand filters, bag filters, and cartridges. Cartridge filters are the most popular among them. Like other filtration equipment, these filters also require regular maintenance and replacement. This post introduces you to the working of these filters and maintenance required to keep them in a good working condition.

How Do Cartridge Filters Work?

Cartridge filters are fitted with fine screens that help remove fine particulates in the water.  During filtration, the water is forced through the screen and it filters the particulates. These filters have large surface areas and low operating costs in comparison to bag and sand filters. When you buy cartridge filters from leading brands, many of them assure 99.9% retention of particulates within a stipulated micron rating. However, with time, this efficiency may diminish due to the accumulation of debris in the filter. This can be easily managed through regular maintenance. The next section focuses on the regular maintenance tips for cartridge filters.

Basic Maintenance Tips for Cartridge Filters

As said before, due to the accumulation of debris and dirt, the filter may not perform as expected. To avoid it, you can follow these tips.

• Clean the filter at least once a month. To clean it, remove the filter from its housing, and wash it thoroughly using a garden hose.
• Always clean the cartridge from top to bottom to ensure proper cleansing. Expose the pleats to the hose to remove any debris settled near them.
• Always be careful to maintain a low or medium water pressure as very high pressure may damage the pleats.
• For thorough cleaning, you can soak the cartridge in a tub containing water and filter cleaning solution like Napisan. After soaking overnight, you can rinse it with clean water.  This type of cleaning is only recommended once in three months. As your pool would be without a filter for a whole night, it is always recommended to undertake it only if you have a spare filter to replace.

The above-discussed tips may help you ensure the performance and longevity of the cartridge filter. However, it doesn’t mean your filter doesn’t need a replacement. So, what is the right time to replace your filter? The next section leads you through the pointers that will help you understand it better.

What is the Right Time to Replace the Cartridge Filter?

It is recommended to replace the filter every year. However, it is proven that the cartridge filter may perform for 24 months if it is properly maintained. During the monthly maintenance, you must focus on the following signs:

• Wear and tear on the cartridge
• Damaged pleats
• Microbial or algal growth that cannot be removed through regular cleaning

If you notice any of these signs, perhaps it is time to replace the filter. What are the things to be kept in mind when choosing the right filter? Read the next section to know it.

How to Choose a Cartridge Filter for Your Swimming Pool?

If you are satisfied with the current filter, then it is better to order the same cartridge filter model number. You can see the part number and brand name on the end cap of the cartridge filter. Several leading cartridge filter manufacturers offer similar products. In case, you want to replace the filter, it can be easily done through the following steps:

• Measure the dimensions of the existing cartridge filter: The filters are available in different specifications. They are available in diameter sizes such as 2 ½ ″, 2 3/4″, and 4 ½ ″. Of these, the 2 ¾″size is the most popular.
• Check the material of the cartridge: Cartridge filters are available in different materials. They are made of Polyethersulfone PES, Polypropylene, Cotton, Rayon, and so on.
• Check the material and end configuration of the cartridge: The cartridge gasket can be made of different materials such as Silicon, Buna N, Teflon, and so on. It may possess different types of ends such as single open end, double open end, and so on.

If you are still confused about the selection, it is always better to approach the supplier from whom you have been regularly sourcing these cartridges and other essential pool supplies. Perhaps, they will help you make the right selection. Cannon Water Technology is one of the leading suppliers of cartridge filters for pools, fish tanks, and water treatment systems in the US. The company provides products from industry-leading brands.