Cleaning your pool filter needs to happen on a regular basis. These instructions will work with most filter cartridge systems. Most experts recommend a three-step process for this. Right after you remove the filter from the housing, the first step in the process is to get rid of the loose dirt and debris on the filter itself. Don’t let the filter dry before you do this. The dried dirt will stick to the filter like glue. Once you have the filter out of the housing, use a flow of water to get the debris off the filter cartridge. Don't put it under a high-pressure spray however. That can actually put the dirt deeper into the cartridge. The idea is to knock off the loose stuff before you do the deep cleaning process.

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Allow the filter to dry thoroughly in the sun. That will give the sun a chance to kill off any algae hiding in the filter. Once dry, gently shake the filter to remove any loose debris that your original rinse did not get off. After you get the loose dirt off the filter, you need to prepare an alkaline cartridge cleaner solution in a clean 5-gallon bucket. This solution will get into the depths of the filter and break up any debris left inside. You should at least leave the filter to soak overnight. It is better to give it a full day or two if possible.

After soaking, pull the filter out and rinse it off under a gentle flow of water. This will remove the debris that the soaking solution loosened up. Do the rinsing process multiple times until the water is running clear. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it again. The drying process will give you a second chance to shake any residue from the filter. After the drying complete, you are ready to use the filter again.

Many people choose to have three or four of their pool filters on hand. They can use the filters until they install their last clean one. When that happens, they can go through the cleaning process for the dirty ones with plenty of time for soaking and drying. They can get a dirty job done in a single cycle instead of repeating it multiple times throughout the pool season. Those living in warmer climates can have larger numbers of spares on hand for convenience.

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