What is a Cartridge Filter?
How does a Cartridge Filter Work?
Cartridge filters have a core of polyester or plastic which are encased by high strength polyester and together make up a cartridge. The water enters the filter and must pass through the cartridges before being sent back to the pool. Cartridge filters occupy a large surface area that allows them to capture and remove large amounts of dirt and debris from the pool water.The pool cartridge filters are designed to remove dirt and debris particles down to the 10 micron size, which is about the size of pollen.
Benefits of a Clean Cartridge Filter
Save Money
A clean Cartridge filter costs less to operate
Use Less Energy
Your pump won’t have to work as hard when your Cartridge filter is clean
Use Fewer Chemicals
Water flows through a clean Cartridge filter more freely
Cleaning Your Cartridge Filter
Cartridge pool filters do not come with backwash capabilities, and the only way to clean a cartridge filter is to disassemble the filter, and manually clean the cartridges inside the filter. Manufacturers suggest that cartridge pool filters should be cleaned when the pressure on your gauge reads 8 to 10 psi higher than the original starting pressure. Cleaning your cartridge filter every 3 to 6 months provides optimal performance of the filtration media. In some cases, where pools receive more than normal debris (due to overhanging trees, plants or shrubs, as well as rain, dust storms and bather usage), in these cases, cartridge filters may need to be cleaned every 3 months.
When to Replace Your Cartridges
Agood sign that your cartridge filter may need to be replaced is when one or more of these five things occur; the bands are broken, fabric is worn and tattered, pleats become flat, endcaps are discolored and cracked, or the psi reads the same or only decreases a touch after cartridges are cleaned.
Cartridge filters are designed to trap debris and small particles, and perform at their peak when the fabric is clean, open and uniform. Over time the filaments become saturated, and as they are unable to get thoroughly cleaned they begin to hinder water flow. This is why it is important to replace your cartridges on a consistent basis. A cartridge filter’s lifespan varies on the pool conditions such as wind, dust, plant debris, tree debris and bather load. Manufacturers give cartridge filters a media life of around 3 years when used under normal conditions. We find that living in Arizona provides above normal conditions. The extreme heat of an Arizona Summer combined with the excessive amount of dust, pollen and debris that enters your pool reduces the lifespan of most cartridges to 1.5 to 2 years.
Cartridge Filter Service and Maintenance
Full Service Includes
- Disassemble filter and remove cartridge(s)
- Fully clean the inside of the filter tank
- Thoroughly flush and clean cartridge(s), top to bottom, with garden hose, removing dirt and debris from the surface of the filter elements
- Inspect cartridge(s) for broken bands, worn fabric, damaged pleats and cracked end caps
- Lubricate filter tank O-ring with silicone based lubricant
- Reassemble cartridge filter
+Clean the pump pot basket and pool skimmer basket (as needed)
Cartridge Filter Plans and Pricing
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View our pool filter plans and choose the one that works best for you.
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One Time Visit
Single Cartridge- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 3 months; total visits (x4)
- Savings $0
6 Month
Single Cartridge- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 6 months; total visits (x2)
- Savings $10
4 Month
Single Cartridge- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 4 months; total visits (x3)
- Savings $30
3 Month
Single Cartridge- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 3 months; total visits (x4)
- Savings $60
One Time Visit
Multiple Cartridges- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 3 months; total visits (x4)
- Savings $0
6 Month
Multiple Cartridges- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 6 months; total visits (x2)
- Savings $20
4 Month
Multiple Cartridges- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 4 months; total visits (x3)
- Savings $45
3 Month
Multiple Cartridges- Includes “Full Service” of Cartridge filter
- Cartridge Filter Cleaned every 3 months; total visits (x4)
- Savings $80
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my pool Cartridges?
Pool cartridge filters should be replaced when; the bands are broken, fabric is worn and tattered, pleats become flat, endcaps are discolored – cracked, or the psi reads the same/changes a little bit after they are cleaned. The extreme weather conditions that Arizona swimming pools must endure makes most cartridge filters effective for around 2 years. Cartridge filters should be cleaned and examined regularly to ensure maximum efficiency.
When should I have my Cartridge filter cleaned?
Manufacturers suggest cleaning your Cartridge filter when the pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 psi higher than the starting pressure. Signs that your Cartridge filter needs to be cleaned are: A pool that stays dirty and isn’t able to keep up with normal use, and an automatic pool cleaner that moves slowly.
What size pool Cartridges should I use?
The cartridge size that is required for your pool’s filter is determined by the size of your filter. The size of your filter can be found on the filter’s information tag listed on the outside of your filter.
How long do pool filter Cartridges last?
Pool filter cartridges that are not exposed to excessive dirt, plant and tree debris can last around 3 years. Excessive debris trapped within the pleats of the cartridge can increase the pressure placed on the cartridges. The increased pressure can damage the internal workings of the cartridges and lead to broken bands, worn and tattered fabric and flattened pleats. Cartridges exposed to excessive amounts of debris, over time, are unable to remove small particles and debris as intended and may last for 1.5 to 2 years.
How can I prolong the lifespan of my Cartridge filters?
You can increase the lifespan of your Cartridge filters by reducing the amount of debris entering into your filter. You can do this by removing or trimming back any trees and plants next to or within close proximity of your pool. This along with a consistent cleaning schedule, for your Cartridge filter, will get you the maximum amount of life out of your pool’s cartridges.
How long should I run my pool pump?
You should run your pool pump long enough so that the water in your pool can turnover 2 to 3 times in a 24 hour period. Pool water turnover equals the amount of time all the water in the pool takes to cycle through the filter. A good rule of thumb for Arizona pools is once the temperature goes above 90°, run your pool pump for the corresponding amount of hours equal to that days highest temperature. Ex: 90° = 9 hours, 100° = 10 hours, 110° = 11 hours
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We hope you found our Cartridge filter FAQs helpful. If you have a question that has not been answered here, feel free to drop us a line. We may even post it on our website.