Cartridge Filter Drain vs. Cleaning

Van G · Jul 3, 2020

I know my cartrdige's are fairly clean and pressure is really low but when I do clean the cartridges, the water in the filter rez is pretty dirty.

Wondering if the filter is isolated with valves, would it be useful to simply drain the filter rez (open pressure valved on top and drain on bottom)? Clear out the dirty water without opening the filter?

Second question: what size valve fits into the base of the Hayward filter to replace the current cap? 525 Sq.Ft Swim Clear Cartridge Filter - looks to be 1 1/2" female on the filter

mknauss · Jul 3, 2020

Draining the filter housing will do nothing to clean the filters.

Clean the filters when your filter pressure rises by 25% over the clean filter pressure.

Van G · Jul 3, 2020

I realize it won't clean the filters but thought it would be good to drain the dirty water in between cleaning?

Would this ball valve be appropriate to swap with drain plug? Hayward SP0729

mknauss · Jul 3, 2020

The water is only dirty when you open it up due to disturbing what is on the filters. Draining it will make no difference.

I am not sure on the valve. Check the schematics of your filter and the valve.

Jimrahbe · Jul 3, 2020

Van,

How often do you clean your filter??? With a 525 sq.ft. filter you should be able to go a whole year between cleanings.. I suspect your season is not a whole year in your location.. :mrgreen:

My assumption would be that you would clean your filter at the end of the year, and store your cartridges for the winter, and then install them at the beginning of the new season.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Van G · Jul 4, 2020

We go pretty long for Canada, eh! Open March and close November/December.

Filters go in clean on season open. Clean again after pollen is done. I use skimmer socks year round.

I could go until season end based on filter pressure but to me it seems odd having my clean water go past all that accumulation?

I should note that one of our regular swimmers is a golden retriever.

Jimrahbe · Jul 4, 2020

Van,

I can't see where draining the filter will hurt anything.... but, I also don't see much of an advantage..

And... you are open far longer than me..

Thanks,

Jim R.

setsailsoon · Jul 4, 2020

I run all year round on one to two cleanings per year. I also clean my dive gear in the pool which gets fine sand in it. When I clean the filter, I drain and hose it out to get the sand out. If I didn't have my dive sand I'd never drain. Just one more potential to cause a leak. Isolation valves are an unnecessary opportunity for a leak in my opinion especially with your short season.

Hope this is helpful.

Chris