How "clean" should my cartridge filters look?

[doncaruana]

I've got 2 sets and had the pool for 3 seasons (bought the 2nd set after a year with the 1st set).

Even after I've cleaned them and watched what looks like a pound or two of gray junk get washed out of them, they stay gray. I just finished an overnight soak in TSP (1 cup/5 gallons) and rinsed them out and they're *still* gray.

Yet, they seemed to be doing fine last year and my pool was crystal clear all season.

Am I still not cleaning them enough? How can I tell if they need replacing?

Is it a good test to fire up the pump at full blast without them, get the pressure, then fire up the pump with them and see what the increase is?

BTW - sorry I'm a constant flurry of questions lately...did I mention I'm opening my pool myself for the first time?

 

[JasonLion]

Cartridges often turn gray or brown after a few years. It doesn't really mean anything.

The real test is watching what the clean cartridge filter pressure does. As long as that goes back to somewhere around what they were when new you are fine.

 

[pooldv]

Yep, mine are discolored too. Next time you buy a new set try some Pleatcos. They seem to clog less, clean easier, last longer, flow more and keep the pool just as clean.

Here is a link that goes more in depth on cleaning.
http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/4224-Re-How-to-clean-a-cartridge-filter

 

[doncaruana]

The extra set I got are pleatco. Pressure was the same with and without the filters at max speed on the pump so I figure the filters are fine.

Thanks guys!