Pool Filter Cleaning & Replacement

Why Your Filter Matters More Than You Think

Your pool filter is like the kidneys of your pool. It removes dirt, debris, oils, and microscopic particles that make water cloudy. When your filter works properly, your pool stays clear with less effort. When it's clogged or worn out, nothing else you do matters much.

Most people ignore their filter until something goes wrong. The pump works harder. The water gets cloudy despite adding chemicals. The pressure gauge shows higher readings. These signs mean your filter needs attention now, not later.

We clean and replace all types of pool filters for San Gabriel homeowners. Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE filter, we know how to service it properly. Regular filter maintenance saves you money by preventing bigger problems and keeping your water quality high.

Signs Your Filter Needs Service

Your filter tells you when it needs help if you know what to look for:

• Water stays cloudy even after shocking and balancing chemicals
• Pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI higher than when the filter was clean
• Pool pump is running but water flow seems weak
• You can't remember the last time the filter was cleaned
• Green algae keeps coming back despite treatment
• Filter cartridges look worn, torn, or heavily stained
• Sand filter is over 5 years old without sand replacement

Ignoring these signs makes everything harder. Your pump uses more electricity trying to push water through a clogged filter. Chemicals don't work as well because the water isn't circulating properly. Small problems turn into expensive repairs.

How We Clean Different Filter Types

Cartridge filters are the most common type in San Gabriel. We remove the cartridges, spray them down with high-pressure water, and soak them in filter cleaner to dissolve oils and minerals. Each cartridge gets inspected for damage. If the pleats are crushed or the material is torn, we recommend replacement. Cartridges typically last 1-2 years with proper cleaning.

Sand filters need backwashing regularly and complete sand replacement every 5-7 years. We backwash thoroughly to flush trapped debris. When it's time for new sand, we drain the tank, remove old sand, inspect the laterals for damage, and refill with fresh filter sand at the correct amount.

DE filters provide the finest filtration but require the most maintenance. We backwash to remove old DE powder and debris, then recharge the filter with fresh DE. The grids inside need deep cleaning annually. We remove them, inspect for tears, and either clean or replace as needed.

Proper filter maintenance goes hand in hand with our regular pool cleaning services. Clean filters make our weekly work more effective. If you're dealing with persistent water quality issues, combining filter service with algae treatment delivers the best results.

When to Replace Instead of Clean

Sometimes cleaning isn't enough. Cartridge filters with crushed pleats or tears can't be fixed and need replacement. Sand that's over 7 years old stops filtering effectively no matter how many times you backwash. DE filter grids that develop holes or cracks must be replaced to maintain proper filtration.

We'll always be honest about whether cleaning or replacement makes more sense. Sometimes spending money on a new cartridge now saves you from months of frustration with cloudy water. We use quality replacement parts that last, not cheap components that fail quickly.

San Gabriel's hard water is particularly tough on filters. Calcium and mineral deposits build up faster here than in areas with softer water. That's why regular professional cleaning matters. We use commercial-grade cleaners that dissolve buildup your garden hose can't touch. If your filter is showing signs of wear, we can also help with equipment repairs or upgrades.