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How can I tell when
a Filter Cartridge needs to be replaced?
With no moving parts or
electrical switches to fail, Filters Cartridges do
not have a defined end-of-life. Instead media will
gradually plug up over time.
In a typical spa, the culprit that plugs the media
is perspiration and body oils combined with soaps,
chemicals, and very fine particulate. In a swimming
pool, the loading is primarily debris along with
suntan lotions and organic matter, such as, algae.
Assuming the Filter is properly maintained and
correctly sized to the pump, determining when the
Filter Cartridge is exhausted depends primarily upon
three factors:
- Shorter cycle time between cleanings
- Low water flow rate and high differential
pressure
- Catastrophic failure such as a tear in the media
or center core collapse.
All three are dependent
upon proper pool or spa water chemistry and
following a routine maintenance schedule. Filter
elements are plastic and should be handled and
maintained accordingly.
How do I maximize the
life of a filter cartridge?
- Clean the elements per
manufacturers cleaning instructions
- Never use a stiff brush to clean the media
- Maintain your pool or spa water chemistry in
proper balance
- Alternate two sets of filter cartridges when
cleaning
For
swimming pools, clean the cartridge when 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 (or
other biguanide such as SoftSwim) is used as a
sanitizer, the filter element must be cleaned with
Baqua Clean before any cartridge cleaner is used.
What is the
procedure to clean my filter 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 the
pleats.
- Rinse until all dirt and debris is 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 tri sodium phosphate (TSP) to five
gallons of water
- 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 hypo chlorite),
iron, or other minerals, soak the cartridge in a
solution of one part muriatic acid to twenty parts
water until all bubbling stops.
- Rinse the filter cartridge clean and reassemble
housing.
Filter cleaning
instructions for chlorine users.
The life of your Pleatco
Replacement Filter Cartridge depends upon you the
consumer. Our heavy duty Polyester filter cartridge
elements will show maximum longevity with proper
care and maintenance. Here are some helpful hints to
help you get the most out of our product.
The best indications of a “soiled” filter cartridge
in need of a cleaning are an increase in pressure
within the cartridge’s housing canister or a visible
decrease in the system’s water flow rate. Generally
an increase in pressure of 8 pounds per square inch
(PSI) or greater above the filer’s normal operating
pressure (as prescribed in the manufacturer’s
owner’s manual) indicates the need to clean the
cartridge.
The filter cartridge can be cleansed of coarse dirt
and debris by pressure washing inside and out with a
garden hose. Fine particles of dirt are more easily
removed from the filter pleats when the cartridge is
dry. Therefore after hosing the cartridge, allow the
filter to dry and either CAREFULLY BUSH. Do not –
scrub the pleated surface areas or apply a stream of
compressed air to the filter’s outer surface to
remove fine particles.
Algae, suntan oil, and body oils can form a coating
on the filter pleats which may not be thoroughly
removed by hosing. Such a film of algae and/or oils
will rapidly clog up the filter’s pores thereby
greatly reducing filtration. Therefore, it is
imperative to remove such materials from the filter
element as soon as possible. We recommend soaking
the cartridge in a solution of commercially
available filter element cleaner to remove algae and
/or oils from the filter media. Follow the
manufacturers’ directions for the proper use of such
(surfactant, soap) – cleaning solutions. Allow one
hour for soaking and then hose the cartridge
thoroughly before re-installing in the filer. If
clogging persists due to either algae or oils
readjustment of water chemistry is necessary to
combat the problem.
Excessive calcium or mineral deposits on the filter
media can be removed by treatment with a muriatic
acid soaking solution. Use commercially available
20% muriatic acid and add to water in a 1 to 1 ratio
to make a 10% muriatic acid solution. CAUTION: Make
sure to use a plastic container and take extreme
care when handling acid solutions as they can be
harmful to eyes, skin, and clothing. After cleaning
the cartridge, flush the filter element with water,
and remember to dispose of the acid solution
properly.
A spare “stand-by” filter cartridge is an excellent
investment. It provides convenience and a well
maintained clean cartridge assures you that your
filter will always be ready to operate at peak
efficiency.
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