A Pool Owner's Guide on How to Clean a Pool Filter

Determine What Type of Pool Filter You Have

Cleaning a pool filter starts by figuring out what kind of pool filter you have. The labels on your filter will always be able to tell you what kind of filter you have.

Cartridge filters are the most common pool filter. They work with lower water pressure and can cover a wider area. They are longer and skinnier than the other filter options.

DE filters are a more advanced form of filtration. They have a powder on the inside that helps filter the water. These filters tend to be bigger and have more components to them.



It's easy to tell if you have a sand filter because you have to fill it with sand! The sand filters will be the most oval-shaped of all three options because it holds more physical materials.

DE Filter Cleaning

DE filters are the most complicated to clean of all the pool filters. Cleaning this filter has to happen more times throughout the year. These are the steps for cleaning your DE pool filter.

First, turn off your pool pump and remove the drain plug. Before you remove the drain plug, place a bucket underneath it to catch drainage that might fall out. This will prevent the drainage from getting all over your equipment.

Next, remove the nut on the clamp with a wrench and take off the lid. When you take the lid off, you can then open the tank. Once the tank is open, remove the manifold and take out each grid inside.

Hose down the grids until they have no more diatomaceous earth (DE) and general debris on them. When the grids are clean, put them back into the tray. Start with the small solo grid.

After you put the manifold back on, close the tank and replace the lid. Make sure the clamp is secure. Put the drain plug back on.



When you have the drain plug on securely, you can turn the pump back on. Once the pump is running, check your filter for the amount of DE you should include. Mix the DE with water and pour it into the nearest pool skimmer.

Cartridge Filter Cleaning

These filters are the easiest to clean. You only have to clean it 1-3 times a year. Every 3 years, you need to replace this filter.

Like other filters, the first step is turning off your pool pump and removing the drain plug so the filter tank can drain. Once draining is complete, loosen the nut on the clamp with a wrench.

After removing the filter clamp, take off the pool filter lid to access the cartridges inside. Take out the cartridges and hose them down, working from top to bottom. This helps avoid damaging the cartridges.



When the cartridges are clean, put them back in the tank. Put the filter lid and filter clamp back on. After clamping everything in place, put the drain plug back in and close the air relief. Once everything is good to go, you can turn back on the pool pump.

Sand Filter Cleaning

While less common than cartridge filters, sand filters are still easy to clean. You only have to replace the sand every 5-7 years. Clean this filter every 5-10 days.

Turn off your pool pump and switch your filter multiport valve to the backwash setting. This makes the water flow in the opposite direction so contaminates are pushed out of the filter.

Once you have the backwash setting on, turn the pool pump back on and run the pump for 2 minutes. The water will come out dark at first. Run the pump until the water coming out runs clear.

When the water is running clear, you can turn off the pump. Switch the valve from backwash to rinse. After the rinse option is selected, turn the pump back on. Run the pump with this setting for 1-2 minutes or the sight glass water is clear.



When the water in the sight glass is clear, turn off the pool pump again. Switch the setting to filter and turn the pool pump back on.

Cleaning with Other Materials

You don't have to use outside chemicals for pool filter cleaning. But, some people like to use extra cleaner to make everything fresh. A clogged pool filter, for example, might need some extra chemicals to get all the gunk out. 

Muriatic Acid is a common material to use when your filter is so dirty that a simple hose off doesn't work. You only want to use muriatic acid once a year. This acid can cause injury, so wear protective material when using it.

This process is most commonly used with DE filters.

When you take out the manifold to clean it, you need to rinse it off with a garden hose first. After putting on goggles and acid-resistant gloves, dilute the muriatic acid with water in a 5-gallon bucket.



Put the manifolds in the bucket, completely covering them with the solution. Let it soak overnight. When it is clean, you can complete the cleaning process as you would otherwise.

Knowing How to Clean a Pool Filter is Easy

Knowing how to clean a pool filter is easy once you know what you're doing. Cleaning a pool filter is only the first step when it comes to making your pool perfect for every gathering.

If you're looking for more biodegradable cleaning products for your pool, LayorCare Pool & Patio Protection has everything you need. We can help your pool stay clean year-round and ready to use.