Cartridge Cleaning
- Thread starter Cowtownag06
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,205
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Our cart filters should rinse off easily with a garden hose and perhaps a high pressure nozzle. But you look like you might have an algae issue. Can you post a full set of water test results with a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit?
- May 23, 2015
- 25,795
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Also, if you don’t have one of these, they are a great investment -
Filter Flosser Mikise Ultimate Pool & Spa Cartridge Filter Cleaning Tool
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WKS85K/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_66KPN7KQHHABSDTJRKVZ
Filter Flosser Mikise Ultimate Pool & Spa Cartridge Filter Cleaning Tool
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WKS85K/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_66KPN7KQHHABSDTJRKVZ
I currently have a algae issue that I’m slamming. I had leak that was recently fixed that made it impossible to keep my levels up.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,205
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
That explains it. So during the early SLAM Process it's normal to see the green colored material in the pleats. Just do your best to spray them off. As you get closer to completing the SLAM Process, you should see less green build up on the cartridges and it may just look more like dead algae (grey or white) in color. Hopefully you have a proper kit so you are able to maintain the proper SLAM FC level based on your current CYA as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. That is one major key for SLAM success.
06,
As you are finding out, algae is a chemical issue and not a filter issue. Your filter is just doing its job. I love cartridge filters, but if there is a downside, it is cleaning them if you have algae.. The key of course is to never get algae by following the TFP pool care process.
Thanks,
Jim R.
As you are finding out, algae is a chemical issue and not a filter issue. Your filter is just doing its job. I love cartridge filters, but if there is a downside, it is cleaning them if you have algae.. The key of course is to never get algae by following the TFP pool care process.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Those cartridges appear to be somewhat old. The bands that are supposed to be on the pleats to hold them open are missing. Soaking overnight in a good filter cleaning solution will definitely help. If you think you need to use acid, be sure to use a filter cleaner first to remove the oils that might be in the cartridge. If you first acid clean a cartridge that has oils on it you will ruin the cartridge. You can find that warning in most of the packages that come with new cartridges. If they are three or more years old it would be best to start with new.
06,
While it can't hurt to buy new cartridges, my cartridges are over 7 years old and are still working fine.. I clean them twice a year.. My filter pressure is usually less than 2 lbs..
Thanks,
Jim R.
While it can't hurt to buy new cartridges, my cartridges are over 7 years old and are still working fine.. I clean them twice a year.. My filter pressure is usually less than 2 lbs..
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Jan 7, 2012
- 2,152
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The Aqua Comb also works great for cleaning filter cartridges.
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I gave them a quick hose down Friday. Lowered pressure from 22ish down to 10. Stilling working the SLAM, then I’m going to try and give them a better clean with the comb I ordered.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,795
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The cheapest soaking method for cartridges, assuming it is available in your state, is to use trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner. It's found typically in there paint section of hardware stores and I have ordered it online through Amazon (Savogran is the brand name). But here's the catch - it must be REAL TSP, not any of the "eco friendly" "alternative" TSP brands which is not TSP at all but rather sodium carbonate. Real TSP is a strong phosphate cleaner and degreaser that can remove almost anything. It was the main ingredient in automatic dishwasher cleaners until it was outlawed in the late 70's because environmentalists made a big stink about phosphates causing algae blooms in rivers (hint - it had nothing to do with dishwasher detergent and everything to do with farming runoff ... but I digress).
Follow the instructions on the TSP box - use a TSP + bleach solution to soak your cartridges in and they will be clean as new. You don't need to acid wash them as that is only necessary if they have been scaled with calcium and that is highly unusual.
Follow the instructions on the TSP box - use a TSP + bleach solution to soak your cartridges in and they will be clean as new. You don't need to acid wash them as that is only necessary if they have been scaled with calcium and that is highly unusual.
There is a band on the bottom. I’ve done a few SLAMs and keep having algae come back. I’m wondering if the filters are contributing. As I said earlier, I also had a leak and the cycling of new water (had auto fill) made my CYA an FC levels way off.
Almost all repeated SLAM pools fall into 3 categories.
1). It wasn’t finished to entirety
2) FC somehow dropped below minumum again
3). It was hiding in plain sight and started growing again immediately.
Ladder rails, light niches, equipment, etc. we even had one this year that the auto fill was all gunked up and was easily overlooked. Until it’s all proven otherwise, every last inch is suspect.
1). It wasn’t finished to entirety
2) FC somehow dropped below minumum again
3). It was hiding in plain sight and started growing again immediately.
Ladder rails, light niches, equipment, etc. we even had one this year that the auto fill was all gunked up and was easily overlooked. Until it’s all proven otherwise, every last inch is suspect.
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