Cartridge Cleaning Instructions

CHLORINE USERS WHEN SHOULD A CARTRIDGE ELEMENT BE CLEANED?

For swimming pools, clean the cartridge when filter canister pressure reaches 8 PSI above the initial system or new cartridge starting pressure. For spas, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based o the amount of spa usage. If Baquacil® or SoftSwim® is used as a sanitizer, the filter element must be cleaned with Baquacil Filter Cleaner® or SoftSwim® filter cleaner before any cartridge cleaner is used (Step 4). Please refer to “Cartridge Cleaning Supplement for Baquacil® or Soft Swim® users” in this bulletin.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO CLEAN MY CARTRIDGE?

– Remove the cartridge from the filter housing following the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Use a garden hose with a straight flow nozzle to wash down the filter element. Work from the top down, holding the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, and wash all the pleats with emphasis between pleats.
– Rinse until all dirt and debris is gone.
– For all spa cartridges and elements used in swimming pools where perspiration, suntan lotions, and other oils are present, soak the element for at least one hour (over night is most effective) in (1) a commercial filter cleaner; or (2) one cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) to five gallons water; or (3) one cup dishwasher detergent to five gallons of water.
– Rinse the cartridge again to remove oils and cleaning solution.
– If the filter has a coating of algae, calcium carbonate (residue from calcium hypochlorite), iron, or other minerals, soak the cartridge in a solution of one part muriatic acid to twenty parts water until all bubbling stops. WARNING: Failure to remove all oils and cleaning solution before acid soaking will result in a permanent restriction of water flow and cause premature cartridge failure.
– Rinse the cartridge clean and reassemble housing.

NOTE: Ultra Modern Pool & Patio does not recommend the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) with cartridge filters. DE particles will become trapped in the body of the media and shorten cartridge life. If desired, a cellulose fiber (synthetic DE) can be used in moderation.

BAQUACIL® OR SOFTSWIM® USERS:

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT CLEANING MY CARTRIDGE ELEMENT IF I USE BAQUACIL® OR SOFTSWIM®?

Unlike chlorine, which oxidizes the bacteria in the water, the active ingredient in Baquacil® and SoftSwim® — polyhexamethylene biqunaide (PHMB) – destroys the bacterial cells. PHMB locates and binds to the bacterial surfaces, and then attacks the outer bacterial wall. Once this wall has been comprised, the inner cell membrane (the cytoplasmic membrane) is destroyed. This destruction allows the cell contents to disperse into their surroundings where they are further broken down in to the elemental parts by Baqua Shock® or Softswim “C®”, both non-chlorine oxidizer.

In addition, Baquacil® and SoftSwim® are mild coagulants which combines bacterial cells and other small particles in the environment into particles large enough to be trapped by the filter. The resulting deposit is a gray sticky film on the media which can only be removed with Baqua Clean® or SoftSwim® Filter Cleaner. If trisodium phosphate (TSP) or any TSP type cleaner is used prior to stripping the film, the cleaner and the gray film will combine to form a gum-like substance. Once this occurs, the substance cannot be removed from the media and the filter cartridge must be replaced.

Download a printable PDF: BUL-151 – CARTRIDGE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING—follow all manufacturer’s instructions, warnings and cautions when using Baquacil®, Baqua Shock®, Baqua Clean®, and SoftSwim® Products.
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when using acid and chlorine. Do not add water to acid. Do not mix chlorine and acid.

NOTE: Always follow label directions and manufacturer’s instructions for each product used. Conditions may vary from pool to pool. Ultra Modern Pool & Patio does not assume any responsibility or liability for the results that may be obtained through utilization of this or any other program, procedure or product.

Copyright ©2015 ULTRA MODERN POOL & PATIO, INC.
Bulletin #151