Deep cleaning Dolphin polyester fiber filters

rdshackleford · Oct 11, 2015

Does anyone have a recommended way to do a good deep cleaning of the fine polyester fiber filters used on the Dolphins (mine is a Nautilus Plus)? I always simply spray them with a garden hose ever each use. But for the end of season before I put the Dolphin away in storage, I'd like to deep clean and get as much dirt out as I can before storing them dry over the winter.

-R

JVTrain · Oct 13, 2015

What I do is soak mine in a bucket or tub that will let me completely submerged the filters. In the warm water, I put in dishwasher detergent. I let them soak for 24 hours then rinse very well and dry. TSP (Trisodium phosphate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) is a chemical you can use to clean filters as well, but so far I think dishwasher granules work just as well.

rdshackleford · Oct 20, 2015

This article applies generically to pool cartridge filters.

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Cartridge-Type-Swimming-Pool-Filter

Among other things, it says at one point to soak in a bleach soltuion, and then later soak in a muriatic acid solution. Does this sound effective and harmless?

chubbiegull · Oct 21, 2015

what about washing in the dishwasher??

Divin Dave · Oct 21, 2015

Dont know anyone who has, but I would be afraid of the dishwasher because the heat might warp the plastic frame.

chubbiegull said:
what about washing in the dishwasher??

Divin Dave · Oct 21, 2015

Those instructions are a bit excessive if you ask me. As JVTrain says, a day soak in dishwash detergent will produce very good results.

The part about using MA on the filter is to remove calcium scaling that may occur in the filter. But if you maintain proper water balance, there wont be any scaling to worry about.

Having said this though, if you want to follow those directions, there is no harm in doing it.

rdshackleford said:
This article applies generically to pool cartridge filters.

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Cartridge-Type-Swimming-Pool-Filter

Among other things, it says at one point to soak in a bleach soltuion, and then later soak in a muriatic acid solution. Does this sound effective and harmless?

JVTrain · Oct 21, 2015

This post is the one I first learned about how to clean cartridge filters (essentially same as robot filters) and I think is very comprehensive.

How to clean a cartridge filter

rdshackleford · Oct 21, 2015

I agree. First expose it to excessive chlorine. Then expose it to excessive low pH. Then maybe TSP is the answer. I've heard TSP as one of those DIY down home, natural, and old wives tales recipes. Put it in vinegar. Put it in amonia. etc...

As far as I can tell, the Dolphin website says nothing more than hosing it off.

I think I will go with the dishwashing detergent answer, thank you.

-R

Divin Dave said:
Those instructions are a bit excessive if you ask me. As JVTrain says, a day soak in dishwash detergent will produce very good results...