Posted by Bath & Spa Parts Online
Read Disclaimer At Bottom Before Attempting Repairs To Your Pool/Spa/Bath Product!
When should a cartridge element be cleaned?
For swimming pools, clean the cartridge when the filter canister pressure reaches 8 PSI above the initial system or new cartridge starting pressure. For spas, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. If Baquacil is used as a sanitizer, the filter element must be cleaned with Baqua Clean before any cartridge cleaner is used (Step 4).
What is the procedure to clean my cartridge?
- Remove the cartridge from the filter housing following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a garden hose with a straight flow nozzle to wash down the filter element. Work from the top down, holding the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, and wash all the pleats with emphasis between pleats.
- Rinse until all dirt and debris are gone.
- For all spa cartridges and elements used in swimming pools where perspiration, suntan lotions, and other oils are present, soak the element for at least one hour (overnight is most effective) in
- a commercial filter cleaner; or
- one cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) to five gallons water; or
- one cup dishwasher detergent to five gallons of water.
- Rinse the cartridge again to remove oils and cleaning solution.
- If the filter has a coating of algae, calcium carbonate (residue from calcium hypochlorite), iron, or other minerals, soak the cartridge in a solution of one part muriatic acid to twenty parts water until all bubbling stops.
-
WARNING: Failure to remove all oils and cleaning solution before acid soaking will result in a permanent restriction of water flow and cause premature cartridge failure
- Rinse the cartridge clean and reassemble housing.
NOTE: It is not recommend to use diatomaceous earth (DE) with cartridge filters. DE particles will become trapped in the body of the media and shorten cartridge life. If desired, a cellulose fiber (synthetic DE) can be used in moderation.
WARNING: Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when using acid and chlorine. Do not add water to acid. Do not mix chlorine and acid.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained here is here to assist you with your pool, spa, or bath. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable in these
types of repairs please contact a qualified technician or contractor to assist you. The use any of the information contained herein is completely AT YOUR OWN RISK.
These instructions are primarily intended for use by qualified personnel specifically trained and experienced in the installation and repair of pools, spas, or baths,
electrical equipment and related system components. Installation and service personnel may be required by some states to be licensed. Persons not qualified should
not attempt to install this equipment nor attempt repairs according to these instructions. Please remember that water and electricity DO NOT MIX. If you are not
capable of performing a repair yourself, please contact a local spa professional or a licensed electrician in your area. This information is presented for
informational purposes only, and we will not be held liable for any injuries that may result from the troubleshooting or installation of any components.
Continue reading this article only with the affirmed understanding of what you just read.
