← Pool Care & Troubleshooting GuideClogged or Dirty Filter
A rising pressure gauge is your filter asking for attention. The fix depends on whether you’re running sand, cartridge, or DE.
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Sand & Cartridge Filters
- Check the pressure gauge; a reading 8 to 10 psi above the clean start-up pressure usually means it’s time to clean.
- Backwash sand filters until the sight glass runs clear, or remove and hose down cartridge elements between the pleats.
- Replace cartridge elements entirely once a season, or sooner if they no longer clean up well.
- Consider a filter cleaner soak for cartridges to break down oils and scale that hosing alone won’t remove.
Safety note: Always shut off the pump before opening a filter housing to relieve pressure first.
DE Filters
- Backwash the filter and recharge it with fresh diatomaceous earth powder through the skimmer per the manufacturer’s dosage.
- Inspect the grids or fingers for tears if pressure climbs quickly after backwashing, since torn grids let DE bypass into the pool.
- Clean grids thoroughly with a hose and a filter degreaser once a season to remove oils that plain backwashing won’t clear.
- Track pressure over time; a filter that needs backwashing far more often than usual likely has damaged media.
Safety note: Never release backwash water containing DE powder directly into storm drains; check local rules for proper disposal.