Why You Should Clean Your Pool Filter Regularly
By filter cleaning we are not referring to your regular backwashing and rinse routine, but rather the process of chemically cleaning your filter. Regular attention to your filter will result in better circulation in your pool, effective distribution of chemicals, less opportunity for corrosion and scaling. All in all, the result will be improved water clarity and that's what pool and spa owners strive for all season long. So remember to give your filter a little TLC this season.

Not sure if your filter needs cleaning? A few surefire signs, including a cloudy appearance and a rise in pressure, will alert you to the fact that your filter needs some attention. You can see a pressure rise just from debris collecting on the filter, and it becomes more and more difficult for the pump to push the water through the filter."

What ever sanitization system you use for your pool, it's important to maintain regular filter cleaning to keep all systems and products performing at their optimum. The point of the filter is to get rid of the particles in the water, so you're not going to do as good of a job if your filter is all gunked up. Backwash when the pressure increases 8-10 psi above the starting pressure. For sand filters be aware that backwashing too frequently will reduce the sand filter's performance, since a sand filter will trap smaller and smaller particles over time.

So how do you best clean your filter? Every sand filter needs the addition of chemicals to "break down all the oils and greases. A cartridge filter needs to be hosed off, then soaked." To optimize filter operation, chemically clean the filter twice a season. A clean filter ensures better circulation, which means clearer, cleaner water. And who doesn't want that?

And while it is true that backwashing and rinsing will eliminate grime that becomes stuck in the filter element, it just isn't enough (You can backwash on a regular basis, but you also need to chemically clean the filter).

Using a filter cleaner such as BAQUACIL D.E. & Cartridge Filter Cleaner or BAQUACIL Sand Filter Cleaner dissolves and unplugs D.E. filter grids and cartridge elements.

Though often overlooked, filter cleaning is a simple pool care procedure that, when performed, yields many benefits. An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, so give the filter the care it deserves, and then get ready to make a splash.

Clean Your Spa Filter

Clean your spa filter at least once every 4–6 weeks with BaquaSpa Filter Cleaner.** Here’s how:

Remove cartridge or elements from filter housing and rinse with water.
Add 5 gallons of water to a clean plastic or rubber bucket.
Add 16 ounces (1 bottle) of BaquaSpa Filter Cleaner to the bucket.
Place cartridge or elements inside bucket and allow to soak for at least 24 hours. Make sure the cartridge or elements are completely immersed in the solution.
Using appropriate personal protection equipment (rubber gloves and eye protection), remove the cartridge from the cleaning solution and thoroughly rinse it with a garden hose.
Reassemble filter and resume normal operation.

To properly dispose of the filter cleaning solution, add 6 ounces of BaquaSpa pH Increaser to neutralize the solution; dilute with water. Then flush away to a sewer using plenty of water.

**A degreaser/TSP (trisodium phosphate) should not be used for filter cleaning with BaquaSpa or other biguanides.

BAQUACIL Core Product Family

	BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT A highly effective polymeric swimming pool sanitizer and algistat that contains no chlorine and is highly stable in use.

	BAQUACIL SHOCK AND OXIDIZER A non-chlorine oxidizer used to oxidize organic compounds (swimmer waste) from the pool water in order to clarify it. Not compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL ALGICIDE Algicide used to prevent algae growth in pools. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL TEST STRIPS 3-in-1 strips that provide quick, accurate test results for BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT, pH, and Total Alkalinity levels
	BAQUACIL EASY START KIT All the products a pool owner needs to convert a swimming pool to chlorine-free BAQUACIL Pool Care System. Two individual kits: one suitable for pools up to 10,000 gallons and one suitable for pools up to 20,000 gallons. Includes a BAQUACIL Pool Care CD-ROM and rebate coupons off future purchases of BAQUACIL related products.

	BAQUACIL PLASTER POOL EASY START KIT Convert your plaster pool to the chlorine-free BAQUACIL Pool Care System with this new kit. Perfect for plaster pools up to 20,000 gallons.

	BAQUACIL WINTERIZING KIT This new kit contains the products you will need to prepare your pool for the cooler months ahead. It contains one bottle of BAQUACIL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT, one bottle of BAQUACIL ALGICIDE (16 oz.), one bottle of BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER, and easy to follow directions for closing your pool.

Baquacil Balance Chemicals

All BAQUACIL Balance Chemicals are compatible with chlorine pools.

	BAQUACIL pH INCREASER High-purity, highly active dry alkaline product used to raise pH. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL pH DECREASER High-purity, highly active dry acid product used to lower pH and total alkalinity. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL CALCIUM HARDNESS INCREASER High-purity beads (prills) used to raise calcium hardness. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER High-purity, low-dusting product used to raise alkalinity to the recommended level. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

Pool Safety

Chemicals are necessary to control bacteria and algae to maximize the life of your pool and its equipment. However, in concentrated form, chemicals can be hazardous. Always handle and use them with care. Refer to the product’s label for safety and handling information. The Pool & Spa Products Business of Arch Chemicals, Inc. wholeheartedly endorses safety guidelines. Here are a few good suggestions to follow:

Keep all containers of chemicals in an upright position.
(Note: BAQUACIL® Oxidizer and BAQUACIL AD Oxidizer are strong oxidizers. The BAQUACIL® Oxidizer and BAQUACIL AD Oxidizer containers have a vented cap. Storing BAQUACIL Oxidizer and BAQUACIL AD Oxidizer on its side or upside down may result in leakage or rupture. This could start a fire if it touches combustible materials. Always triple-rinse the BAQUACIL Oxidizer and BAQUACIL AD Oxidizer container in regular pool water
before you dispose of it.)

In case of spill or accidental contact, follow the label directions.

Do not overdose products. Follow all label directions carefully.

Keep all chemicals out of reach of children.

Store chemicals in a cool, well-ventilated area away from combustible materials. Do not store chemicals in a motor vehicle.

Never mix concentrated chemicals together. Always add each by itself. Always add chemicals to water; never add water to chemicals.

Keep containers closed when not in use, and use each cap only with its own container.

Avoid contact with skin or eyes. Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when handling concentrated chemicals.

Add only the amount of chemicals specified.

When adding chemicals, always read label for specific instructions. Many chemicals are added by spreading them around the water’s edge or around pool inlet while the filter is running.

In case of contact or accidental swallowing, follow the emergency advice on the label, and contact your doctor or poison control center.

Do not intentionally drink large amounts of chemically treated pool water.

Keep concentrated chemicals off your grass, shrubs and other growing things.

Do not backwash chemically treated pool water into your vegetable gardens.

Dispose of excess product and empty containers per label instructions. Do not pour any dispensed product back into the container. Do not reuse an empty container.

FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION, call the poison control center nearest you, or dial 1-800-654-6911.

Baquacil Support Products

	BAQUACIL CHLORINE NEUTRALIZER A reducing agent that eliminates free available chlorine and/or bromine from water prior to conversion. Not compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL METAL CONTROL Chemical used to tie-up dissolved metals, preventing discoloration of pool water and staining of pool sides and bottom. Not compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL FILTER CLEANER An acid-based liquid cleaner for cartridge, diatomaceous earth, and sand filters. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL D.E. & CARTRIDGE FILTER CLEANER Strong acid based cleaner filter cleaner. Cleans and frees up plugged diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter grids and cartridge filter elements. Cleans in 30 minutes. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL SAND FILTER CLEANER Strong acid-based filter cleaner that dissolves and removes debris, scale, rust and organic waste from sand filters. Detergent is incorporated in formula to enhance cleaning power for a thoroughly clean filter. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL FLOCCULANT Can be used to clarify pool water either as a filter aid or by broadcasting product in the water. This will pull together small particles and will settle them to the bottom where they can be easily removed by vacuuming. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL WATER CLARIFIER Clarifier used for the elimination of haze. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL FOAM DISPERSER Silicone-based antifoam for the elimination of foaming in pools and spas. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL SURFACE CLEANER Highly concentrated gel used to remove metal stains, oil, scale, and dirt above and below the waterline. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL POOL CLEANING KIT Kit includes BAQUACIL Filter Cleaner, BAQUACIL Surface Cleaner and a handled cleaning pad to be used with the BAQUACIL Surface Cleaner. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL COVER CLEANER Effectively cleans away soil and other debris to prevent unnecessary deterioration of pool and solar covers. Compatible with chlorine pools.

	POOL AND SPA CLEANING PADS WITH HANDLE Handled cleaning pads to be used with BAQUACIL SURFACE CLEANER.

	BAQUACIL PERFORMANCE ALGICIDE A low foaming algicide for the treatment of persistent algae. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL PREMIUM ALGICIDE This product is a treatment used to fight reoccurring algae, allowing you more time to enjoy your pool. Not compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

	BAQUACIL FILTER AID Assists the filter in clarifying dull or cloudy water. This product can be used with all filter types. Compatible with chlorine/bromine pools.

Pool & Christmas Village 650 G.A.R. Highway (Rte 6) Swansea, MA 02777
508-676-3850