Signs your pool filter needs replacing (and when to install a new one)
From ensuring cleaner and safer water to preventing the likelihood of costly future repairs, timely pool filter replacement has countless benefits, but when exactly is the right time to replace your swimming pool filter?
As plant room and pool filtration experts, the specialist team at Chemsol Group has put together this quick guide to pool filter replacement, covering the various signs that your filter might need replacing and the typical lifespan of different types of pool filters.
What are the health and safety implications of not replacing your pool filter?
Failing to replace an inefficient, old, or damaged pool filter can create unsafe and unhygienic conditions for swimmers. Some of the key health and safety implications of late pool filter replacement includes:
- Risk of irritation and infections from bacteria and viruses
- Unsightly green blooms from algae growth
- Reduced water clarity (cloudiness and green algae)
- Poor water quality (which can have a strong odour)
- Potential damage to pool pump and other equipment
Signs your filter might need replacing
Regardless of whether you manage a commercial pool or want to keep your domestic pool clean and clear, if your pool filter is failing, you’ll typically notice either visual issues or performance problems.
Cloudy water
If your pool water is still cloudy despite achieving the correct chemical balance, then the filter may require cleaning or replacement. If the cloudiness persists following backwashing or cleaning, you should consider pool filter replacement.
Algae growth
With the right chemical balance, maintenance, and pool filter, algae growth should be inhibited from forming in your pool. So, if you’re seeing green water or algae blooms and are confident that the chemical balance and maintenance schedule is spot-on, you should look for issues with the filter.
Visible cracks or tears
Unfortunately, cracks and tears in the filter can allow unfiltered water to bypass the media and be washed back into the pool, significantly reducing the filter’s efficiency and impacting the water quality. Damaged filters should therefore be replaced as soon as possible.
Wear and tear
Even if your pool filter hasn’t sustained substantial damage in the form of a large crack or tear, general wear and tear over time can lead to eventual degradation of the filter material – even with regular maintenance and cleaning.
Check the typical lifespan of your pool filter material – is it heading towards the end of its maximum life expectancy? If so, it’s probably time to get a replacement. Not to mention, opting to replace the pool filter before any significant issues arise can help commercial pool managers to avoid costly and inconvenient downtime.
Increase in debris
Effective pool filters should have no trouble removing leaves and dirt from the water, so if your pool filter is failing to remove the visible debris, it’s certainly failing to avoid the less visible contaminants like bacteria and viruses, as well as chemical contaminants.
Heavy rust
While light pool filter rusting can sometimes be rectified through cleaning, heavy rust can make its way into the pool, negatively impacting the water quality and potentially causing blockages in the system. If cleaning doesn’t solve the issues, pool filter replacement is often necessary.
Low flow rate
Low flow rate (which typically leads to poor circulation and inefficient filtration) can have many causes including low water level, air leaks, and blocked skimmers. However, in some cases, this issue can be caused by a clogged or improperly functioning filter.
Rising pump pressure
Most commonly, a rise in pump pressure is indicative of a clogged or dirty filter as the pump has to work harder to maintain a sufficient flow rate. If cleaning the filter doesn’t help to resolve the situation and you’re noticing other signs that your swimming pool filter is struggling (such as a reduced flow rate or unusual noises), it could be time to replace it.
More frequent clogging
Over time and with more frequent use, filters lose their ability to effectively trap debris which can result in an increase in clogging. As a result, if you find yourself carrying out more maintenance than usual to combat excessive clogging, then the problem could be the filter's capacity to capture dirt.
Excessive backwashing
Backwashing is completely normal and often the go-to solution to support filter efficiency. However, more frequent backwashing can be a sign that the filter needs replacing as it struggles to effectively filter out dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
What is the typical lifespan by media type?
Alongside the type of filter, the typical lifespan of each type of pool filter media will naturally vary depending on a long list of factors including frequency of use, water quality, and maintenance practices, and environmental conditions.
As a rough guide, however, you can expect the different types of media to last:
- Sand - seven to 10 years
- Cartridge - two to four years
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – five to ten years
- Zeolite – five to seven years
- Glass – five to 10 years
Pool filter replacement cost vs repair
While pool filter repair can be a faster and more affordable solution to getting your pool up and running again, it may not always be the most suitable or cost-effective option in the long run.
For example, if your pool filter requires frequent repairs and excessive maintenance or is at the end of its typical lifespan, replacement is often the more reliable and economical solution.
Book a pool filter inspection with Chemsol
Ready to request a quote for a new pool filter installation? Or maybe you’re still unsure whether now is the right time to replace your pool filter – we can help. Start by arranging your filter inspection with one of the water treatment specialists at Chemsol Group today.
Our team has the experience, equipment, and expertise to provide comprehensive plant room and pool filtration system inspections, ensuring we have all the necessary information to make tailored pool filtration package recommendations.
To discuss your bespoke pool filtration requirements with a knowledgeable member of our team, please don’t hesitate to speak to us today on 01492 582 888.
If now isn’t a good time to talk, you can also get in touch via email at info@chemsol.co.uk or register your interest in our pool filter replacement services using our online contact form.