How to Clean Cartridge Filters

Start by shutting off the system, relieving pressure, and removing the cartridge according to manufacturer guidance. A controlled process protects both the filter housing and the media.

Rinse each pleat top-to-bottom with steady pressure and inspect for tears, flattening, or heavy scale. If the cartridge is physically damaged or badly compacted, replacement is usually a better long-term choice than repeated deep cleaning.

After reassembly, check startup pressure and record the clean baseline. That number helps you spot when filtration performance is sliding and when professional service should step in.

If pressure, flow, leakage, or returning debris suggests more than routine cartridge cleaning, use the Pool Equipment Troubleshooting Guide to document the symptom before choosing cleaning, repair, or replacement.

If you would rather have the condition assessed and the filter handled professionally, Shipwrecked offers pool filter cleaning for cartridge, DE, and sand filters; this cartridge procedure does not apply to every filter type.