How to Clean Your Pool & Pool Filter
Work top to bottom: skim, brush, then vacuum, so the debris you knock loose ends up in the filter instead of back on the floor.
How to clean your pool
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Skim the surface: Use a leaf skimmer on a telescopic pole and remove debris before it sinks and stains.
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Empty the baskets: Turn the pump off first, then empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
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Brush everything: Walls, steps, benches and behind ladders. The spots with low circulation grow algae first. Use a nylon brush for plaster or pebble, and a softer brush for vinyl or fiberglass.
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Scrub the tile line: Use a tile cleaner or pumice stone (plaster and tile only) for calcium rings.
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Vacuum: Prime the hose fully so no air reaches the pump, then move slowly in overlapping rows. For heavy dirt, vacuum on the “waste” setting to skip the filter.
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Check the automatic cleaner: Clear its bag or canister and look for tangled hoses.
How to clean your pool filter
Clean the filter when the pressure gauge reads 8–10 psi above its “clean” starting pressure, not on a calendar. Write the clean pressure on the tank with a marker after each cleaning.
Know your filter type
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Sand: Filters down to about 20–40 microns. Backwash for 2–3 minutes, then rinse for 30 seconds. Replace the sand every 5–7 years.
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Cartridge: Filters down to about 10–20 microns. Remove and hose off top to bottom, and soak in filter cleaner twice a year. Replace cartridges every 2–3 years.
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DE (diatomaceous earth): Filters down to about 3–5 microns. Backwash, then add fresh DE through the skimmer; tear down and hose off the grids yearly. Grids last many years.
How to backwash (sand or DE)
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Turn the pump off.
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Set the multiport valve to Backwash (never turn the valve with the pump running).
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Run the pump until the sight glass or waste water runs clear (2–3 minutes).
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Turn the pump off, set the valve to Rinse, and run for 30 seconds.
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Turn the pump off, return the valve to Filter, restart, and note the new pressure.
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DE filters only: add the correct amount of DE powder slowly into the skimmer.
Good to know: Cartridge filters are the most common in Arizona because backwash water is restricted in many cities. Check your local water rules.
Rather let us handle it? Book a Blue Kiwi service visit.
