Remember Safety When Cleaning Your Pool Filter

One of the many responsibilities of a pool or spa owner is keeping the pool filter clean. Having a clean filter is the simplest way to ensure your pool's water is sanitary and that other components of your pool and spa can maintain optimum workability. Yet this responsibility can come with some serious dangers. While it is not uncommon for pool and spa owners to clean their own pool filters, it is important to remember that a lot can go wrong in the process.

One of the most dangerous hazards of cleaning pool filters is pressure build up. Pool filters operate under high pressures. If you are not careful, pressure can build up in your pool filter to the point that the lid can be blown off, shooting several feet away. If you are in the pool filter’s vicinity when this happens, you could suffer from serious injuries.

If you are not comfortable with the chore of cleaning your spa or pool filter, hire an experienced professional. A certified technician knows the precautions and potential hazards of cleaning any pool filtering system.

If you do decide to clean your pool filter without the help of a professional, make sure you follow recommendations from the pool filter's manufacturer. Remember there different pool filter types ‑ Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.), Sand, and Cartridge pool filters. Each type of pool filter requires different cleaning methods. Make sure your cleaning methods match those necessary for your specific pool filter.