Questions about filters

[joecooler]

So I have filter questions. Attached is a pic of my filters, Clarathon from Spa Depot. I use an SWG to chlorinate my spa (not sure if that matters re/filters). The filters in the pic are new as of a couple of months ago. One on the right was just rinsed out, one on the left not yet. Questions:

1. Even after hosing the filters down, they don't get completely clean. Is this normal?
2. Notice the pattern of discoloring ... it's stripes all the way around. Not a problem but weird to me. Is this a thing? Why/how does this happen?
3. How often do people replace filters? I want to get max life out of them, obviously, and I hate adding to the dump, but they get so discolored I'm wondering if I should be swapping them out w/every water refill (which I do on a 6-month cycle).

Thanks for any answers in advance!

 

[cowboycasey]

1. its normal.. I use these to clean mine now and it will get most everything out (and all over me ) Amazon.com : Water Jet Nozzle Solid Brass Sweeper Sprayer from The World's Best Brass Nozzle Company : Garden & Outdoor

2. not sure..

3. My hot tub filters were 6 years old and I never replaced them.. as long as they are still attached on top and bottom they are fine... My pool cartridges are on 9 years

 

[cranbiz]

I use Filter cleaner and the Mikso wands. The straight one for cleaning inside to outside and then the filter flosser. I bought those because they were metal and not cheap plastic. They work very well.
Unless you bleach the filters, they will be slightly discolored even after cleaning and flossing.
I have a second set of filters so I pull mine every month for overnight soaking in the filter cleaner, then rinse and pressure wash. Let them dry and repeat next month.
What I do is probably overkill.

 

[RDspaguy]

Staining from metals in the water is common and not a cause for concern, although they will not rinse out. Filter cleaner will remove the stains.
I recommend 3-4 months on water changes, and filter cleaner.
Filters are pleats, and once the pleats soften, loose any support rings, or clog with oily residue the pleats will fold down on themselves under suction (or pressure, in the case of pool cartridges) and reduce flow, overheat the pump, and reduce effective filter area by 90% or more.
If your filters look "fuzzy" or have loose rings it's time for new ones. Otherwise filter cleaner will do the trick.

 

[joecooler]

I use Filter cleaner and the Mikso wands. The straight one for cleaning inside to outside and then the filter flosser. I bought those because they were metal and not cheap plastic. They work very well.
Unless you bleach the filters, they will be slightly discolored even after cleaning and flossing.
I have a second set of filters so I pull mine every month for overnight soaking in the filter cleaner, then rinse and pressure wash. Let them dry and repeat next month.
What I do is probably overkill.

What is a Mikso wand? Google didn't find anything.

 

[joecooler]

https://www.amazon.com/Filter-Flosser-Most-Powerful-Cleaning/dp/B002WKS85K This?

 

[cranbiz]

The above post is the filter flosser, this is the wand. I have both. The wand cleans from inside out, the flosser cleans the pleats.

Amazon.com: Power Pic Reach - The Most Powerful Filter Cleaning Tool: Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com: Power Pic Reach - The Most Powerful Filter Cleaning Tool: Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

 

[wayner]

Can you clean these types of filters with a pressure washer, as long as the pressure is not too high? I have the cleaning device that looks like a comb, but I think a pressure washer would be faster and more effective.

 

[RDspaguy]

long as the pressure is not too high

And you'll know it's too high when you destroy your filter. I'd stick with lower pressure and cleaner.

 

[Newdude]

And you'll know it's too high when you destroy your filter. I'd stick with lower pressure and cleaner.

I have 2 versions of this and LOVE it. It has a lot more ooomph than the regular hose nozzle but can’t really damage anything with standard hose pressure. Everybody has it either in the garden section or the as seen on tv aisle. (HD/Lowe’s/Walmart/Target)

80psi Turbo Jet Power Washer 29.5" - Steel - As Seen on TV

Read reviews and buy 80psi Turbo Jet Power Washer 29.5" - Steel - As Seen on TV at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

www.target.com

 

[Mdragger88]

For what it’s worth, I bought a Clarathon filter from spa depot & it definitely comes cleaner w/ just spraying with the hose than the original that came with my tub ever did. I also feel it filters better. I got it so I could swap them out but have decided to just use the Clarathon one all the time.