Pool Filter Cleaning & Replacement

Why Your Filter Matters

Your pool filter is the hardest-working piece of equipment you have. It runs for hours every day, removing dirt, debris, oils, and contaminants from your water. When your filter works properly, your pool stays clear and inviting. When it doesn't, you end up with cloudy water, algae growth, and expensive problems. Our filter cleaning and replacement service in San Mateo keeps your filtration system running at peak performance.

Most pool owners don't think about their filter until something goes wrong. But regular filter maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your pool. A clean filter removes more contaminants, uses less energy, and extends the life of your entire pool system. We recommend professional filter cleaning at least once or twice per year, depending on your filter type and how much you use your pool.

Types of Pool Filters We Service

There are three main types of pool filters, and we work with all of them. Each type has different maintenance needs and cleaning methods:

• •Sand Filters: These use special sand to trap dirt and debris. They're low maintenance but need backwashing regularly and complete sand replacement every 5-7 years. We can backwash your sand filter, inspect the internals, and replace the sand when needed.
• •Cartridge Filters: These use pleated cartridges to catch contaminants. They filter smaller particles than sand filters and need cleaning every few months. We remove the cartridges, deep clean them with professional equipment, and replace them when they wear out (typically every 2-3 years).
• •DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters: These provide the finest filtration but require the most maintenance. DE powder coats internal grids to trap even microscopic particles. We backwash DE filters, add fresh DE powder, and replace the grids when they tear or wear out (usually every 5-10 years).

Not sure what type of filter you have? No problem. We'll identify your filter type, assess its condition, and recommend the right maintenance schedule. If your filter is struggling and you're also dealing with dirty water, you might benefit from our deep pool cleaning service to get everything back in great shape at once.

Our Professional Cleaning Process

Filter cleaning isn't just about hosing off some dirt. We do a thorough, professional job that restores your filter to like-new performance. For cartridge filters, we remove all cartridges and use high-pressure cleaning equipment and special filter cleaners to remove oils, minerals, and embedded dirt that regular hosing misses. We inspect each cartridge for tears or damage and let you know if replacement is needed.

For sand filters, we perform a complete backwash cycle and inspect the sand condition. If your sand is channeling (creating paths that bypass filtration) or is more than 5-7 years old, we'll recommend replacement. Changing sand requires draining the filter, carefully removing old sand without damaging internal parts, and adding the right type and amount of new filter sand.

DE filters get a thorough backwash, grid inspection, and fresh DE addition. We check for grid damage and make sure the DE is coating evenly. Proper DE filter maintenance is tricky because too little DE means poor filtration, while too much can damage the grids. We know exactly how much your filter needs.

Signs Your Filter Needs Attention

Your filter will tell you when it needs help if you know what to watch for. High pressure on your filter gauge (8-10 PSI above normal) means the filter is clogged and needs cleaning. Cloudy water even when chemicals are balanced often indicates poor filtration. Short filter cycles where the pressure builds up quickly show that the filter media is worn out or extremely dirty.

If your pool takes longer than usual to clear after adding chemicals, your filter probably isn't working efficiently. Sand or DE powder coming back into the pool means damaged internal parts need replacement. And if your energy bills have gone up, a clogged filter forces your pump to work harder, using more electricity. When you notice any of these signs, it's time for professional service. Our equipment repair service can also fix any filter problems beyond routine cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions