Posted by the Nationwide Pools LLC Team | October 20, 2025
At Nationwide Pools, we know that a sparkling, safe swimming pool starts with proper maintenance. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects is your pool filter. Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned pro, understanding how to clean your pool filter can make all the difference in water clarity and system efficiency. In this post, we’ll dive into what a pool filter does, why cleaning is required, and why you should aim to clean it at least a couple of times a year. Plus, we’ll share some eye-opening images of dirty filters to show you what can build up over time.
Your pool filter is the unsung hero of your swimming pool system. It acts as a barrier, trapping debris, dirt, algae, and other contaminants that enter the water through swimmers, wind, or environmental factors. As water circulates through the pump and into the filter, particles are captured on the filter media—whether it’s a cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth (DE) system. This process keeps your pool water clean, clear, and safe for swimming.
Without a functioning filter, your pool would quickly become cloudy and unhygienic. It’s essentially the kidneys of your pool, filtering out impurities to maintain balanced chemistry and prevent bacterial growth.
Over time, the filter accumulates dirt, oils, leaves, and other debris. This buildup reduces the filter’s efficiency, forcing your pump to work harder and potentially leading to higher energy bills or even equipment failure. A clogged filter can’t effectively remove contaminants, resulting in murky water, increased chemical usage, and a higher risk of algae blooms.
Cleaning restores the filter to optimal performance. For cartridge filters, which are common in many residential pools, this involves removing the cartridges and rinsing or soaking them to dislodge trapped particles. Neglecting this step can shorten the lifespan of your filter and compromise water quality.
To illustrate just how much grime can accumulate, take a look at these examples of dirty pool filter cartridges. They show the brownish buildup from dirt, algae, and oils that can cake on over months of use.
This image highlights cartridges that have turned brown from prolonged exposure to contaminants— a clear sign it’s time for a deep clean.
Here, you can see the stark difference between neglected cartridges (on the left) and fresh ones (on the right). The dirty ones are discolored and compacted, reducing water flow significantly.
We recommend cleaning your pool filter at least twice a year—ideally at the start and end of the swimming season, or more frequently if your pool sees heavy use. Regular cleaning prevents minor issues from escalating into major problems. A clean filter ensures better water circulation, which helps distribute chemicals evenly and keeps pH levels stable. This not only saves you money on repairs and replacements but also promotes healthier swimming conditions by reducing irritants and pathogens.
In regions with high pollen, dust, or frequent storms, you might need to clean more often. Skipping this maintenance can lead to premature filter replacement, which costs more in the long run. At Nationwide Pools, we’ve seen how consistent care extends the life of your entire pool system, keeping your backyard oasis enjoyable year after year.
Maintaining your pool filter isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about safety, efficiency, and longevity. By cleaning it a couple of times a year, you’re investing in crystal-clear water and peace of mind. If you suspect your pool needs to have the filter cleaned then come on over and schedule a cleaning. If you subscribe to any of our Weekly subscriptions we will schedule the filter cleanings automatically when they are needed. Happy swimming!
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