Prolonging the Life of Your Pool Filter Cartridge Part 3 of 3

7. Do not allow the pressure in the pool filter to rise above 8 – 10 pounds over normal operating pressure – when it does it is time to clean the cartridges. This usually  indicates the cartridge is getting clogged and needs to be cleaned.

8. It is a good idea to alternate between two sets of cartridges. Maintain a backup set of cartridges in the garage or shed so you can replace the older units with newer cartridges, this also allows time for you to soak and clean the cartridges more thoroughly with less down time of the pool. Another benifit is once you have cleaned the cartridge you can allow it to dry and lightly brush is with a soft bristle brush to remove any dry debris that did not come clean with the wash. Then they can be stored and used the next time you need to replace your pool filter cartridge.

9. Use an enzyme treatment to break down the oils that build up on the filter cartridge such as a spray cleaner or soak made for pool cartridges that will dissolve the oils, grease and fungi prior to cleaning the cartridge with the hose.  When using the hose don't forget to hook up the Water Wand for easier cleaning.  The water wand washes several pleats at one time.

10. Place a Skimmer Sock or Filter Saver in the skimmer of your pool, this is a fine net material sock that fits within your skimmer basket to collects debris and tiny particles that can slip through the skimmer basket and the pump basket and build up on your cartridge. Simply empty the Filter Saver as needed, rinse and reuse until they wear out, and then replace them. They are drastically cheaper than replacing cartridges prematurely.

 

~Happy Swimming

Prolonging the Life of Your Pool Filter Cartridge Part 2 of 3

Tip 4
Never use a power washer to clean the filter element as it could easily puncture or damage the media (material) of the element.  Good for me - BAD for you!  This includes using the washer at the car wash...NEVER!

Tip5
Never use bleach or acids to clean the filter element as this will weaken the fibers in the filer cartridge and decrease the lifespan.  Actually, if you didn't wash off the chemicals completely then it could mess up your chemical balance of the pool as well.  If you feel like you really want to use Muriatic acid then mix 1 part acid into a bucket with 20 parts water. Always add the acid to the water not the water to the acid. Again, completely rinse the cartridge prior to replacing in the pool filter.

Tip 6
Maintain proper water chemistry in the pool water.  Improper balance can deteriorate the element  more quickly.

Happy Swimming ~ www.poolcartridgedeals.com

Prolonging the Life of Your Pool Filter Cartridge Part 1 of 3

This week I am going to be giving you suggestions on making your pool filter cartridge last longer, thus saving you money!  We all want to save money these days.

Tip 1:
Clean the elements as needed.  When is it needed? Good question.  When the pressure on the filter gauge is registering 8 - 10 pounds over normal operating pressure it is time to clean those cartridges!  Also, if you have had a big swim party and circulation in the pool is not normal the cartridge could be clogged up and need cleaning.

Tip 2:
Do not allow excessive buildup of debris or dirt. Again, if you have buildup of debris or dirt then the water circulation is going to be impaired and You need to clean the elements.

Tip 3:
Use a soft brush to clean the pool filter cartridge...never use a stiff brush to clean the filter elements as this can damage the pleated material or "media".  You may also want to use a Water Wand that attaches to the garden hose to make cleaning much easier.

Happy Swimming....to be continued

Skimmer Socks - Filter Savers

Skimmer Socks - Filter Savers

Simmer Socks or Filter Savers are a great item to reduce the amount of debris that ends us in your pool filter cartridge.  Filter Savers are made of a stretchy woven material that you place inside your swimming pool skimmer to catch the very small debris, such as pollen, that can escape through the holes in the skimmer basket. Once they escape the skimmer basket they flow into your pump basket, possible escaping those small holes and then doing one of two things: the small debris can clog your impeller or make your pool filter cartridge get prematurely dirty. One important thing to note is that  the Skimmer Sock does not impede the flow of water.  It DOES help you in maintaining your pool.  When the basket is near full simply remove the Skimmer Sock, empty the contents and wash the filter saver out with a garden hose, or throw it away and insert a new one.  

The Skimmer Socks are available on www.poolcartridgedeals.com for just $6 per 5 pack.  Because you are reading this post you may purchase them for just $5 per 5 pack by inserting the code "Blog5" when you get to the last page of the checkout, just prior to inserting your credit card, Paypal or Google checkout information.

Thanks for reading and as always...Happy Swimming! 

Thought for the day: People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar 

~Happy Spring From Debbie~

I'm Back! It's spring time...almost and thinking about your pool opening is just around the corner.  Now is the time to check out your pool filter cartridges and be sure they are in good shape for the spring swimming season.  If your pool has been running all winter even though you haven't been swimming go ahead now and check the condition of the pool filter cartridges.  If needed clean them using a water wand attached to your hose or just use the garden hose.  If they are very dirty you may need to spray with a pool filter cleaner, be sure to rinse thoroughly before putting the cartridge back in the pool filter.  If the media (pleated material) is in poor condition, torn or just won't come clean then it is time to replace the cartridge.  Visit www.poolcartridgedeals for your pool cartridge needs.  Also check out out "Resources" page for informative articles on caring for your swimming pool.  Happy Swimming!