You vacuumed last weekend. You tossed in shock. You even cleaned the skimmer basket once this month. So why is your water still murky like a swampy soup? It’s not just the filter’s fault. Hate to break it to you, but it might be your fault.
You’re not alone, though. A lot of pool owners do the exact same thing. Let’s talk about the 5 sneaky mistakes that mess with your pool’s filtration.
1. You Backwashed Too Often (Or Not Enough)
Backwashing is one of those things that sounds fancy but isn’t hard. The problem? Most people either overdo it or forget it entirely.
- Too much backwashing: You’re flushing out the helpful dirt that actually improves filtration.
- Too little backwashing: You’re clogging up the filter so badly that nothing gets through.
Fix: Check your pressure gauge. When it’s 8–10 psi over the clean starting pressure, it’s time to backwash.
2. You Never Opened the Filter Tank
If you’ve never taken apart your cartridge or DE filter, that gunk inside has been aging like fine cheese. And not the good kind.
- Sand filters need sand replacement every 5 years.
- Cartridge filters need deep cleaning (or replacing) regularly.
Fix: Crack it open once or twice a season. Rinse it. Replace what’s worn out. It’s messy, but worth it.
3. Your Pool Chemistry Is a Dumpster Fire
Think your filter will magically fix bad chemistry? Nope. If your chlorine’s off, your pH is wacky, and your stabilizer is through the roof, your water is basically a science experiment.
- Low chlorine: Algae grows. Filter clogs.
- High stabilizer: Chlorine becomes useless.
- High calcium: Cloudy water just keeps coming.
Fix: Test often. Don’t just dump chemicals. Know what you’re adding and why.
4. You Keep Running It for Four Hours and Calling It a Day
Sorry, but four hours won’t cut it. Especially not during the summer.
- Short run times mean incomplete circulation.
- Debris and gunk just sit there, laughing at you.
Fix: Run your pump 8 to 12 hours a day in hot months. Let that filter work.
5. You Ignored the Tiny Stuff
Your filter isn’t designed to catch everything. Especially if you’re dealing with fine particles, pollen, or the ever-popular dead algae.
- Microscopic junk floats right through.
- You might blame the filter, but it’s not equipped.
Fix: Use a clarifier or flocculant when the water looks hazy. Sometimes the filter just needs a boost.
Let’s Wrap This Up with a Reality Check
You’re not the only one frustrated. But don’t fire your filter just yet. It’s doing its job. You just need to help it out.
