One often overlooked area of pool maintenance is cleaning or changing your filter cartridge. If your filter cartridge is obviously and excessively dirty or your pump seems to be running at a higher pressure than normal, it is probably time to clean or replace your cartridge. Remove your cartridge and clean it with a water hose or, for best results, a filter flosser cleaner. If you notice that the pleats are broken or are excessively worn and dirty after cleaning, it is probably time to buy a replacement filter cartridge. Making sure that you purchase the right one can be tricky. If you know your model number, we can find it for you quickly. If not, our website gives detailed measuring instructions to help you determine the model that you need.
Tag Archives: Filter Cartridges
Time for Spa Maintenance
Pools across the country are closing, but spa season is in full swing! Now is the time to perform basic maintenance of your hot tub or spa to make sure that it is proper working order. Make sure that the spa cover is in good condition and doesn’t need any maintenance or repair. You will also want to typically drain and refill the tub with fresh water once every three months. If it has been longer than 5 since your water was changed, you should drain and refill. It might also be time to clean or replace your spa filter cartridge. If your filters shows any signs of damage or excessive wear, now is the time to purchase a new one. BackyardCity Pools sells hundreds of brands of pool and spa filter so we will almost certainly have what you are looking for!
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Expert Help for Choosing the Perfect Filter Cartridge
Do you need to replace the filter cartridge in your pool or spa? Knowing which replacement model to choose can be confusing. Use the easy step by step guide below to make sure that you choose the correct option!
- Measure the outside diameter of the end cap. Be sure to use exact measurement (+ or – 1/32″).
- Measure the existing cartridge length. The length is calculated from end cap to end cap and should be exact (+ or – 1/16″). Be sure to exclude any handles or extensions from this measurement.
- Measure the top inside diameter. Again, be sure to use exact measurements (+ or – 1/32″).
- Do the same with the bottom inside diameter.
- Note the name and model of the filter that the cartridge came out of.
- Next, you will have to identify the correct top and bottom type. These are the types that you will see. Note the one that most closely matches your filter cartridge.
 Open Top/Bottom |
 Open Top/Bottom w/Gasket |
 Closed Top |
 Closed Top w/ String Handle |
 Castle Top |
 Molded Cone Handle |
 Semi-Circular Handle |
 Open Bottom w/ Male Slip Fitting |
 Open Bottom w/ ThreadedFitting |
With all of the information that you have now gathered, you are ready to call or visit your pool supply source with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase!
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Tips for Opening Your Pool
It’s that time again, pool owners! Time to open your pool for the season and get ready for swimming. I always look forward to this time of year. To make opening your pool easier, I have compiled this list of steps that you will need to follow to ensure that you are swimming in no time!
- Remove your winter cover, dry, and store away for next season.
- Remove all expansion pillows, plugs from the skimmer and wall returns, etc.
- Next, you will want to check your filter and pump to make sure that they have not sustained any damage during the winter months. Replace any damaged or worn out parts, including replacing pool filter cartridges. If your filter needs to be cleaned, but not replaced, consider using a filter flosser, which sends high pressure streams of water into your filter in order to blast out dirt.
- Check lighting fixtures inside the pool for cracks and loose wiring. Replace any damaged parts.
- Check the surface of your pool. If you have a fiberglass or concrete pool finish, you will want to check for cracks, scratches, and coping issues. Contact a pool repair professional for any problems. If you have a vinyl liner pool, you will want to check for tears, leaks, or discoloration. If you notice any tears or excessive bubbling and fading, you will want to consider purchasing a replacement vinyl liner.
- Next, reinstall any rails, ladders, slides, etc. that were removed during the winter months.
- Add water to fill the pool until the desired level is reached.
- Clean all leaves, twigs, and debris from the pool. You can use a manual brush and leaf rake or an automatic pool cleaner. Make sure that your floor, walls, and surface are clear or dirt and debris.
- Now, turn your pool on and run the filter for 12-24 hours to mix any old water with new water added to the pool.
- Test the water, “shock” the pool with high levels of chlorine, and adjust the alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels as needed using specialized pool chemicals. Add stain and rust remover, super shimmer, and algaecide as needed. You can even purchase a start-up chemical kit that has everything you need to get started in premeasured doses! Remember to wait 24 hours (and test again) before swimming!
