MA bath for cartridges

[1poolman1]

I have a cartridge filter and after spending hours trying to clean those filters using a gentle detergent spray, I opted to just toss them each year and buy new ones for about $125 for the package of 4. I change them in less than 20 minutes and life is good. Could be me, but I have many other things needing my time, or that I want to do than clean filters, but I 100% understand the "experimentation" side of seeing what will get these things clean in terms of a soaking solution. My only question is whether the solution would weaken the filter substrate, sort of like bleach weakens any material being bleached such as clothing.

A good filter cleaner solution will not damage the filter material. An acid bath, if not done properly, will.

 

[Newdude]

A good filter cleaner solution will not damage the filter material. An acid bath, if not done properly, will.

Aren't the filter cleaner solutions all TSP or a similar alternative ?

 

[tfpflana1502]

A good filter cleaner solution will not damage the filter material. An acid bath, if not done properly, will.

Understood. After pricing the filter cleaning solutions, I think I'll stick with the entire replacement of the cartridges since that is a 100% guarantee of no remaining contaminants. My sense is a cleaning solution may get a lot of the dirt out, but some will likely remain, reducing the time till the next cleaning is needed vs a fresh batch of cartridges.

 

[Newdude]

You can get 10 years from carts with simple cleanings once the chemistry is properly. balanced, unless you flocc them up.

 

[LaMraVrga]

I have a cartridge filter and after spending hours trying to clean those filters using a gentle detergent spray, I opted to just toss them each year and buy new ones for about $125 for the package of 4. I change them in less than 20 minutes and life is good. Could be me, but I have many other things needing my time, or that I want to do than clean filters, but I 100% understand the "experimentation" side of seeing what will get these things clean in terms of a soaking solution. My only question is whether the solution would weaken the filter substrate, sort of like bleach weakens any material being bleached such as clothing.

These are my filters. That's a great deal but where can I find them for $125?

 

[LaMraVrga]

Honestly, filter cleaning is not that bad or time consuming AS LONG AS YOU DON'T CLOG THEM WITH ALGAE. After I cleaned my first algae clogged filters I'd rather weave/sow/fabricate a filter myself.

 

[1poolman1]

Aren't the filter cleaner solutions all TSP or a similar alternative ?

Never checked the actual chemicals, but most are all high pH detergents to remove the oils. Low pH just causes the oils to form a coating that can't be removed and clogs the filter media.
Real TSP (not the substitutes), or even dishWASHER detergent, can work, but not always as effectively in my experience.

 

[tfpflana1502]

These are my filters. That's a great deal but where can I find them for $125?

Ok maybe not $125, but not that far off! The ones I bought last time were out of stock so the ones below are replacements.

 

[LaMraVrga]

Ok maybe not $125, but not that far off! The ones I bought last time were out of stock so the ones below are replacements.

View attachment 592433

Thank you for sharing this info.