Nothing beats the feeling of cooling off steam in a good, clean swimming pool. But is your swimming pool really clean? Perhaps not. According to previous CDC data, nearly 80% of over 48,000 public water venues were found with at least one safety violation.
A similar study also revealed that 58% of tested pool filter samples were positive for E.Coli while 59% had Pseudomonas aeruginosa. E.Coli is a bacteria usually found in the human intestines, so your guess is right. It is poop.
Unless you enjoy swimming in excrement, which your standard vision might not notice, it would be paramount to change your pool filter to have a better swimming experience. Perhaps your pool technician didn’t tell you this, but your filter is the difference between a clean swimming pool and a dirty one. But what is it exactly?
Understanding the importance of pool filter cartridges
The pool filter cartridges are the primary filtration parts of your pool’s filter system. They are inserted into the filter to catch dirt, bacteria, grime, and much more. Furthermore, it is a no-brainer that whenever anyone swims in your pool, they leave dead skin cells, and your filter is the only line of defense that you have.
If there’s dirt or grime in the filter, then the same contaminants eventually get mixed in your pool’s water. This is why they need to be changed regularly.
Signs that your pool filter cartridge needs changing
Besides appearing dirty, there are other factors that you may have to look at to indicate that you need to change your filter as soon as possible. Ignoring this may bring forth damage to the other components of your pool.
Some of the factors to consider include:
High PSI
Under normal circumstances, your pool water is usually under some level of pressure as it moves through the filtration system and back into the pool. However, if you notice undue pressure, you’ll have to change the cartridge.
Excessive PSI is caused by dirt buildup on the cartridge. This means there’s less space for the water to pass, causing the pump to increase pressure as it struggles to push more water through the filter. If you notice a cracked pipe or any other part of your pool, it’s probably the high-pressure buildup due to too much dirt on the filtration cartridge, which needs to be changed.
Frayed fabric
Most pool cartridges are made from porous fabric, allowing water through while stopping the debris. However, water pressure and debris buildup may force the material to eventually get frayed. This makes the debris back into the pool pump, which ultimately breaks its cycle. Should you notice the filter appearing uneven or furry in any way, have it changed as soon as possible.
Endcap failure
Pool filters have plastic caps placed to lock them in place and give them their shape. It is not uncommon for pool chemicals to eat out the plastic caps, cracking them and crumbling filters.
As expected, this paves the way for debris to pass through the pump, which can even damage it. Furthermore, pieces of the broken cap can also circulate through the pump, potentially damaging the entire filtration system.
With all that in mind, you now know the importance of changing your pool filter cartridges. Don’t wait to go through unnecessary expenses, and let the professional take care of your swimming pool.