How Often Should I Clean My Pool Filter?

Wondering how often you should clean your pool filter? Learn the right schedule for cartridge, sand, and DE filters—and how staying on top of it can keep your pool crystal clear.

Your pool might look clean on the surface—but if your filter is overdue for maintenance, things can get murky fast. Think of your pool filter as the unsung hero of your backyard oasis: it traps debris, removes contaminants, and keeps your water sparkling. But it can only do its job if it’s cleaned on a regular basis.

So how often should you clean your pool filter? The answer depends on your filter type—and how much you use your pool. Let’s break it down.

Cartridge filters are popular for residential pools thanks to their efficiency and low maintenance. But they still need regular cleaning.

Clean your cartridge filter:

• Every 2–4 weeks during heavy swim season
  
  
• Every 4–6 weeks during light use
  
  
• When the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above normal
  
  

Pro Tip:
Use a garden hose to rinse off debris, and soak the cartridges in a filter-cleaning solution every few months for a deeper clean.

Sand filters are known for their durability and simple upkeep. Instead of cleaning by hand, you “backwash” the filter to flush out trapped debris.

Backwash your sand filter:

• Every 1–2 weeks during swim season
  
  
• When the pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI over normal
  
  

Deep clean your sand filter:

• Once at the start of swim season
  
  
• Once at the end of the season

• If you notice cloudy water despite proper chemical balance

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters provide the finest filtration—but they also need the most attention.

Maintain your DE filter by:

• Backwashing about once a month or when pressure rises 8–10 PSI
  
  
• Adding fresh DE powder after each backwash
  
  
• Cleaning the internal grids every 3–6 months, or after heavy use
  
  

Pro Tip:
If you open the filter and the grids look caked or worn, it’s time for a deep clean—or even a replacement.

No matter your filter type, these signs mean it’s time for a clean:

• Cloudy or dull water
  
  
• Poor circulation or weak return jets
  
  
• Rising pressure on the filter gauge
  
  
• Strange odors or algae growth
  
  
• Slow water flow from your skimmer
  
  

Regular cleaning keeps your filter running efficiently, protects your equipment, and gives you the clear, inviting pool you want.

Think of filter maintenance like brushing your teeth. Skip it too long, and the whole system suffers. But stay on schedule, and you’ll enjoy:

• Clearer water
  
  
• Lower chemical usage
  
  
• Longer equipment life
  
  
• Fewer surprise breakdowns
  
  

At Blue Oasis Pools, we help homeowners like you stay ahead of pool problems with expert service and seasonal maintenance packages. Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE filter, we’ll make sure it’s cleaned, inspected, and ready to keep your water pristine.

If you’re unsure how often to clean your filter—or just want a pro to handle it for you—we’re here to help. Contact Blue Oasis Pools and let us take the guesswork out of pool care. Because clean water isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Ready for a pool that looks as good as it feels? Let’s keep it crystal clear, together.