Cleaning Solution for Cartridge Filters

[jp4LSU]

So searching through the forum I have seen dish detergent and TSP used for cleaning. I pulled mine this weekend and had a lot of dirt and kind of a slimy milky stuff on them. Some areas of the filters were stained and didn't want to come clean. I used the Aqua Comb on them. I'm wondering what solutions are best?
I have high phosphates in the pool now, should I stay away from TSP....I do however keep my FC around 5.
Can TSP be applied by spray bottle or is soaking the only way to go?
Does dish soap take a while to rinse out?

 

[1poolman1]

DO NOT use dish soap (Dawn, etc.). DishWASHER detergent is OK. The best thing you can use is a commercially available cartridge cleaner. They have the right combination of cleaners to do the job. Overnight soaking is the best way, though there are sprays that work somewhat OK on a filter that is not real dirty. Pleatco makes tablets that you just throw into the container with your filters and water.

 

[jp4LSU]

Thanks 1poolman1. So dishwasher soap being the powder stuff and mix in a bottle. I'll have to look for some cartridge cleaner. If I'm doing it 3 times a year, I could probably swing the inflated cost....maybe.

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks 1poolman1. So dishwasher soap being the powder stuff and mix in a bottle. I'll have to look for some cartridge cleaner. If I'm doing it 3 times a year, I could probably swing the inflated cost....maybe.

If you use a product like Cascade, it takes at least a true cup measurement (about 8oz.) to make a solution strong enough to soak cartridges in. You can pick up true TSP at Lowe's for about $6-7. The one-pound box is enough for two soaks. A better option, just keep it off of any asphalt you may have.
You can find the Pleatco filter cleaner tablet online for a $5-6 each. Very convenient.

 

[Newdude]

A buddy had good success with Cascade pods. I'm pretty sure he used only one in a blue 35 gallon plastic drum. ($10-$25 on the Offerup App).

I used the big green landscaping bucket but will buy a drum one of these days just for the cartridges. The landscaping bucket is often full of landscaping debris when I need it.

 

[jp4LSU]

Thank ya'll for the advice. I'm not sure I really want to have to soak. I kind of want to get it over with in a couple of hours., plus space in my garage is a premium to store big buckets. I might try some spray on solution and let load for a bit and hit with my Aqua-comb, which is pretty good IMO. Beats just spraying it with a hose.
Now I did see the tablets that you mention 1poolman1. I'll check these out again. At first glance it seemed like a gimmick.

 

[1poolman1]

Thank ya'll for the advice. I'm not sure I really want to have to soak. I kind of want to get it over with in a couple of hours., plus space in my garage is a premium to store big buckets. I might try some spray on solution and let load for a bit and hit with my Aqua-comb, which is pretty good IMO. Beats just spraying it with a hose.
Now I did see the tablets that you mention 1poolman1. I'll check these out again. At first glance it seemed like a gimmick.

Nope, I've used them on my filter, they work well. From my experience, this is the best spray cleaner, not cheap but works, just stay upwind as it is a little strong:

Bio-Dex Cartridge Cleaner Quick Spray CART32 by Bio-Dex​

 

[jp4LSU]

Thanks poolman, I was just looking at this stuff. I saw this and Jacks Magic Power Blue cartridge cleaner. The Bio-Dex is cheaper than the Jack's Magic.