Pool filter cartridges don’t last forever, and when they begin to fail, there are a few telltale signs that’ll alert you to the need for replacement. If you have a pool maintenance schedule set up, your technician will know when to replace the filter cartridge. But if you’re the DIY maintenance type, recognizing the signs of a deteriorating cartridge might not be your forte. To help you maintain your pool appropriately, the experts at Royal Pool & Spa explain 4 common signs of a failing pool filter below.
1. Cracked Cartridge End Caps
The chemical that balance your pool’s water chemistry can deteriorate plastic cartridge endcaps over time. If the endcaps crack, they can no longer maintain the cartridge’s tight, compact form, which will negatively affect filter performance.
Worse, if a piece of the broken material shears off and travels through the filter system, it can cause further equipment damage. To protect your pool and avoid an unnecessary repair expense, replace the cartridge as soon as you notice a chipped or cracked endcap.
2. High PSI
If your pool pressure gauge registers a PSI spike, that may be indicative of a problem with the filter cartridge. When the cartridge is excessively dirty, it strains the filter, which causes the PSI to rise. If dirt and debris are causing the issue, a quick cartridge cleaning should resolve it. But if that doesn’t work, you should contact a pool filter repair specialist who can inspect the component and advise you whether filter replacement is necessary.
3. Flattened Filter Pleats
When the polyester material that forms the cartridge becomes oversaturated with dirt or debris, the pleats will begin to deform, a process known as flattening. Flattened pleats can significantly restrict water flow, thereby limiting the filter’s cleaning capacity.
If the cartridge has a missing or broken band, that can also result in flattening. If you’re well versed in filter replacement, you can replace the damaged cartridge yourself. Otherwise, contact a professional to perform the job.
4. Cartridge Collapse
If the inner core of your filter cartridge collapses, the filter may look at though it’s been crushed. The inner plastic core provides reinforcement for the cartridge pleats, preventing them from collapsing, but if it breaks, there’s no support for the pleats.
If you notice a crumpled filter, it could be due to improper cartridge size, sub-standard manufacturing, or a long-standing crack that finally gave way. In any case, you should contact a pool filter repair specialist for advice on your best course of action.
Need Pool Filter Replacement or Repair in the Twin Cities? Contact Royal Pool & Spa
If your pool filter appears to be malfunctioning or damaged, contact our team at Royal Pool & Spa right away. We can inspect the filter, advise you on your repair or replacement options, and ensure your pool is clean and safe to swim in. Since 1988, we’ve proudly served Twin Cities pool owners, and anytime you need us, we’re here to serve you too!
To request a quote or schedule a service appointment, feel free to give a call today at 651-779-7606. You can also send us a message on our contact page, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.