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Converting Above Or Below Ground Pools To Salt Water Systems
Saltwater pool conversion" might sound like there is a lot involved. If you're wondering how you convert to salt, it really doesn't involve any big procedures...
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How Often Do I Clean My Pool Filter?
How Often Do I Clean My Pool Filter?
Keeping your pool filter clean isn’t just about the calendar—it’s about recognizing the signs that it needs attention. The longer you can safely go without cleaning your filter (and without causing any problems), the better.
Table of Contents:
The #1 Indicator to Clean Your Filter
Watch the Pressure Gauge
Every filter has a “clean pressure” baseline—the PSI reading when the filter is completely clean. Yours may differ from your neighbor’s since every pool system is unique. If you don’t know it - unfortunately, most people probably don’t - now is the time to determine this critical number.
What is my Clean Baseline?
Do a thorough filter cleaning, then note the PSI on the pressure gauge when you restart the pool system. Write it down or, better yet, label it directly on your filter with a weatherproof marker.
When to clean your filter?
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning once the pressure rises 7–10 PSI above your baseline clean pressure. Check your manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Want to automate this?
Get a wireless digital filter pressure gauge with an app. Set your baseline pressure, choose how many PSI you’ll allow before getting an alert, and let the system notify you when it’s time to clean. You’ve got more important things to worry about!
More Common Indicators That Call For Cleaning Pool Filter
After Water Clarity Treatments
If the water looks dull, cloudy, or has fine sediment that won’t settle, you might use a Clarifier or Floc treatment to help the filter capture those particles. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as sometimes additional filter-cleaning chemicals will be required to allow the “sticky” captured particles to get removed from the filter.
After a “Green Pool” Recovery
If you just shocked your pool and went through the process of getting the water back from green to blue, all that dead algae ends up somewhere—usually in your filter. Clean your pool filter thoroughly, as soon as possible. In severe cases, you may need to clean the filter more than once.
After Phosphate Treatments
Some chemical treatments, like phosphate removers, specifically call for cleaning or backwashing the filter a few days afterward. Always follow the product instructions for optimal results.
After Installing an Ozone Generator
Believe it or not, you’ll probably need to clean your pool filter soon after installing an ozone generator. Ozone acts as a micro-flocculant, causing the finest particles to bind together and be able to get captured by the filter. Even with a clean pool, filter pressure may rise, requiring a cleaning soon after. (It’s a good thing though—you’ll be left with high-definition water clarity!)
Stick to a Time Limit
Even if everything looks fine—good pressure, crystal-clear water—it’s best to clean your filter at least every six months. A deep clean ensures hidden buildup doesn’t sneak up on you. Sunscreen, oils, lotions, and other residues often build up over that period. Consider using filter-cleaning chemicals for your seasonal filter maintenance as well.
In Summary
- Clean when pressure is 7–10 PSI above your clean baseline.
- Clean after certain chemical treatments.
- Clean after “green pool” recovery.
- Clean at least every six months, no matter what.
Follow these rules and your filter stays efficient, your water stays sparkling, and your equipment lasts longer.
FAQs
The most reliable indicator is when the pressure gauge reads 7–10 PSI above your clean baseline pressure.
Yes. Dead algae from a green pool recovery typically collects in the filter and should be cleaned out as soon as possible.
Yes. Treatments like clarifiers, flocculants, and phosphate removers often require cleaning or backwashing the filter afterward.
Even if water clarity and pressure are good, it’s best to clean your filter at least every six months to prevent hidden buildup.
Yes. Ozone can cause fine particles to bind together, which may increase filter pressure and require cleaning shortly after installation.
Tagged Products
Instant, phone-based filter diagnostics. The CirrusSense screws into any 1/4" pressure port, and connects via Bluetooth to the Pool Filter Pro app, so you can get alerts to back-wash or clean your cartridge.
Who We Are:
At Discount Salt Pool, we're pool owners who want to help other pool owners enjoy the simplicity and the savings of saltwater chlorine generators. Unlike the pool store or pool pros, we're not the last step of a long & overpriced distribution chain. We're lifelong swimming pool enthusiasts & experts with decades of experience in the industry who want to give other pool owners direct access to the best pool technology that's out there- along with unlimited access to our friendly customer support and online DIY resources. Discount Salt Pool is a BBB member with an A+ rating.
Did You Know?
DiscountSaltPool.com is America's largest specialty provider of saltwater swimming pool equipment. Since 1997, we've helped hundreds of thousands of people convert their pool to salt! Order online today, come visit our Texas headquarters, or call in for personalized help and recommendations.
