Is It Ok to Run Pool Pump Without Filter Cartridge?
The cartridge filter is growing in popularity as a filter of choice for many spas and smaller above ground pool owners. When necessary, you need to check the pressure gauge and if it’s 8-10lbs above its clean reading you need to clean the cartridge from the tank and use a garden hose to hose it thoroughly from top to bottom. When cleaning, you may have to run your pool pump without the filter cartridge. So, is it ok to run pool pump without filter cartridge?
Is It Ok to Run Pool Pump Without Filter Cartridge
Cleaning your pool is important to prevent it from turning green. In this post, we’ll discuss whether it’s safe to run your pool pump without the filter cartridge. We’ll also address other issues such as cartridge pool filter replacement, maintenance and frequency of cleaning.
Cartridge Pool Filter Maintenance
Cartridge pool filters are easy to maintain. With very few parts besides the filter cartridge and without a filter valve, you’ll rarely go wrong. Simply keep the belly and O-ring clean and well lubricated and be sure to replace the filter cartridge after cleaning it about 10-15 times. There’s little maintenance needed besides replacing the damaged filter parts.
Cleaning Your Cartridge Filter
Cartridge filters don’t have a backwash valve because they’re not built for backward flow. Instead, you shut off the pump, open the air bleeder to drain the tank, remove the lid and remove the cartridge before hosing it thoroughly from top to bottom then replacing it. It can be a hassle but it’s often a once or twice per year job. You also need much less water to clean your cartridge filter than typically needed for backwashing.
You can improve your cleaning by soaking the cartridge in trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution before hosing it. Alternatively, you can use any other pool filter cleaner as long as it states that it’s suitable for cartridge pool filters.
Drying the Cartridge After Cleaning
This is a critical part of the cartridge cleaning process. If possible, place the cartridge in a warm spot for 24 hours so it can dry completely after cleaning. This will also allow any germs and bacteria to dehydrate and die. Consider investing in a second set of filter cartridges so you can replace it as you wait for the one you’ve cleaned to dry. In most cases, you can operate the cartridge pool filter without the filter cartridge inside the tank just to maintain circulation as you wait for the cartridge to dry. However, doing so requires you to ensure you’ve removed all the internal parts and reassembled the tank tightly.
Bottom Line
So, is it ok to run pool pump without filter cartridge? The short answer is yes. However, you need to confirm that all internal parts are removed and that the tank has been reassembled tightly. However, there’s no harm in investing in a second filter cartridge so you can replace it as you wait for the other one to dry after cleaning. To save you from starting a company, if you want to know more about pool repairs or services, our expert Jason can help you today!
Is It Ok to Run Pool Pump Without Filter Cartridge
Cleaning your pool is important to prevent it from turning green. In this post, we’ll discuss whether it’s safe to run your pool pump without the filter cartridge. We’ll also address other issues such as cartridge pool filter replacement, maintenance and frequency of cleaning.
Cartridge Pool Filter Maintenance
Cartridge pool filters are easy to maintain. With very few parts besides the filter cartridge and without a filter valve, you’ll rarely go wrong. Simply keep the belly and O-ring clean and well lubricated and be sure to replace the filter cartridge after cleaning it about 10-15 times. There’s little maintenance needed besides replacing the damaged filter parts.
Cleaning Your Cartridge Filter
Cartridge filters don’t have a backwash valve because they’re not built for backward flow. Instead, you shut off the pump, open the air bleeder to drain the tank, remove the lid and remove the cartridge before hosing it thoroughly from top to bottom then replacing it. It can be a hassle but it’s often a once or twice per year job. You also need much less water to clean your cartridge filter than typically needed for backwashing.
You can improve your cleaning by soaking the cartridge in trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution before hosing it. Alternatively, you can use any other pool filter cleaner as long as it states that it’s suitable for cartridge pool filters.
Drying the Cartridge After Cleaning
This is a critical part of the cartridge cleaning process. If possible, place the cartridge in a warm spot for 24 hours so it can dry completely after cleaning. This will also allow any germs and bacteria to dehydrate and die. Consider investing in a second set of filter cartridges so you can replace it as you wait for the one you’ve cleaned to dry. In most cases, you can operate the cartridge pool filter without the filter cartridge inside the tank just to maintain circulation as you wait for the cartridge to dry. However, doing so requires you to ensure you’ve removed all the internal parts and reassembled the tank tightly.
Bottom Line
So, is it ok to run pool pump without filter cartridge? The short answer is yes. However, you need to confirm that all internal parts are removed and that the tank has been reassembled tightly. However, there’s no harm in investing in a second filter cartridge so you can replace it as you wait for the other one to dry after cleaning. To save you from starting a company, if you want to know more about pool repairs or services, our expert Jason can help you today!
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