Cartridge Filter Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Any pool owner will agree that water cleanliness is the most important issue when it comes to swimming pools. Think about what's in the water: bodily fluids, leaves, bacteria, the occasional stray animal, etc. Your cartridge filter works at peak efficiency to ensure you're not swimming around in all the junk. If you're troubleshooting a problem or just want general guidance on cartridge filter maintenance, keep reading.

Cartridge filters are easy for the average homeowner to take care of, but they also do a great job of keeping water clean and are designed to keep particulate levels at 10-15 microns. However, they sometimes take action.

Here are some common questions pool owners face about cartridge filters.

Pool filters rely on constant and consistent pressure. The operation can become dangerous if the pressure is too high, too low, too fast or too slow. The average optimal range for a filter is about 8 to 15 psi, although this may vary by model. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended psi level for your specific filter.

If the pressure is too high, your ink cartridges may be clogged with debris. If it's too low, you may experience blockages from debris, air leaks, damaged valves, or the filter is too small for your pool.

There are several reasons why your stress may go away. Whatever the reason, it's a good idea to learn how to read a pressure gauge and keep an eye on it. However, the most common cause of inconsistent water pressure is a dirty cartridge. Check the ink cartridges frequently and pressure wash them with clean water every few months. If the pressure inconsistency persists, turn it off and have an expert inspect the interior for more serious failures.

A clip in a cartridge pool filter is a thick metal band that surrounds the filter body. The design commonly used for cartridge filters is the "clamshell", where the two halves are connected by a central clamp that holds the halves together. If it's leaking, it's time to take a closer look at the seal.

A leaking clip is usually caused by high pressure or improper positioning of the clip. Over time, clamps can loosen from vibration, or they can crack from lack of lubrication. Fortunately, these problems are easy to fix if you have the right equipment!

A leaky clip might sound intimidating, but it can be fixed if you follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pump, drain the canister and remove the clip's straps from the body, separating the two halves.

2. Look for the O-ring. It is a gasket made of flexible material that is what creates the seal. Take it out, rinse it with water, and use a cloth to wipe off any dirt that has built up on it and the edge of the tank where it sits.

3. Inspect the ring for any wear and tear - if it is cracked, dry-rotted, or no longer perfectly round, get a new O-ring.

4. If it looks ok, lubricates the o-rings with silicone pool lube and reinstall, properly seats the clamps on the halves and tighten the bolts until you can see the springs making contact.

5. Turn the pump back on and check for leaks.

If you're keen to ensure that the filter element and the entire filter system last as long as possible, here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your pool clear:

Clean frequently - Not just the pump or cartridges, but the pool itself. Skim it with a net every few days. Or consider investing in a robotic pool cleaner that can thoroughly remove any settled debris from the pool floor.

Use a scum duck - It's an oil-absorbing sponge that can be placed in the pool to absorb any grease left by swimmers. This means less oily waste gets into the filter, which is good for the pool and overall equipment.

Deep clean the cartridge - Soak the cartridge in a suitable cartridge cleaning solution overnight to dissolve all oil, dirt, and grime.

Get a pool cover - This is an easy solution to keep all kinds of debris from falling into the pool. The less preventable work a cartridge filter has to do, the longer it will last.

The above describes the troubleshooting and maintenance skills of cartridge filter elements. If you want to buy a swimming pool filter, please contact us.

MAYGO POOL is a professional custom pool pumps and accessories manufacturer. We can provide professional technical solutions for both residential and commercial swimming pools. Since its establishment, MAYGO POOL has successfully developed the main component of CFD hydraulic design - the impeller. Our product range includes pool pumps, sand filters, cartridge filters, filtration systems, and pool accessories. The product is constantly updated and iterative, with more functions and more choices.