How To Clean A Cartridge Filter 50% Faster With a Filter Flosser

In this "how to" we will guide you through how to clean your cartridge using  a Filter Flosser. Clean your cartridge filters in half the time and with half the water using this economical and time saving tool. Filter Flosser is constructed of 100% durable aluminum and works with a standard garden hose. The curved nozzle design provides extended cleaning area coverage and high pressure water to reach deep down between pleats. 

1. The first step is to turn off the pool pump to stop the flow of water through the filter.

2. Next you will have to relieve the pressure that has built up in the filter. Note the pressure on the pressure gauge. It will typically read between 15 - 20 psi. To relieve pressure turn the air relief valve on top of the filter counter clockwise. Water will spray out initially as you see the pressure on the pressure gauge go to 0 psi.

3. To access the cartridge filter you will have to take the filter head off the top of the filter. Turn the locking knob counter clockwise until you feel the filter head is loose.

4. Next lift the filter head off the top of the filter. It may be a little hard to lift initially as you break the O-ring seal between the two filter parts.

5. With the filter head off, you will see the top of the filter cartridge.

6. Lift the cartridge filter straight up to remove it from the filter body.

7. Attach the Filter Flosser onto a standard garden hose. Turn the water control switch to its horizontal "OFF" position. Turn on the water faucet to its highest pressure. Turn the water control switch to its vertical "ON" position.

8. Set the filter on the lawn and begin cleaning. Start at the top and work your Filter Flosser down the filter to work the debris down and out the bottom. For best results hold the Filter Flosser 1" from the surface using short up and down strokes. Rotate the filter and repeat.

9. Check inside the folds to make sure all the debris has been removed. For bad build up between the folds, turn the nozzle parallel with the folds and work the Filter Flosser 1" from the surface in short up and down strokes.

10. For particularly dirty areas, like at the bottom of the filter, hold the Filter Flosser 4" from the filter with the water convergence point focused on a bottom folds.

11. When you've finished cleaning the filter cartridge, replace the cartridge by placing it straight down into the filter.

12. It's always a good practice to lubricate the filter head O-ring before replacing the filter head. Lubrication will insure a better fit and extend the life of the O-ring. Rub a thin coat of lubrication on the outside of the O-ring.

13. Replace the filter head on top of the filter. Position the top so that you can read the pressure gauge.

14. When replacing the filter top, watch that the O-ring doesn't bulge out of its grove. This becomes more of a problem as the O-ring becomes older and stretches. If the O-ring is not set properly the top will not close correctly and water will spray out when the pump is restarted. The O-ring should be replaced if this is a recurring problem.

15. Hand tighten the locking knob clockwise.

16. Turn on power to the pump to repressurize the filter.

17. The air relief valve should still be open. As the pressure builds, air will be released through the relief valve. When water starts to spray out of the valve, turn the valve clockwise to close it.

18. Check the pressure gauge. It typically reads between 10 - 15 psi but this will vary according to the make of filter or its age. This value is your system's clean filter pressure. When the pressure is 8-10 psi higher, it's time to clean your filter again.

If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!

Leave a comment