How Long Do Pool Filters Last?
Pool filters are essential for keeping your pool clean and safe. Nobody wants to dive into a dirty pool. Not only is it gross to wade around in the murky green water of a dirty swimming pool, but it can also be hazardous. If it is not maintained correctly, your swimming pool can become a cesspool for parasites, algae, and fungi, leading to significant health risks and unpleasant symptoms.
If you have a functioning pool filter and perform routine maintenance, your pool should never reach this point. That said, pool filters don’t last forever. So how long do they last? In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the different types of pool filters out there, how long they last, and when it’s time to replace yours.
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Types of Pool Filters & How Long They Last
Pool filters generally last somewhere between two and ten years, but this depends on the type of filter you have. Here is a comprehensive list of the main types of pool filters and how long each one lasts.
Sand Filters
Sand filters are a highly popular and common choice due to their long lifespan, durability, and low maintenance cost. Sand filters use a layer of sand to filter debris out of your pool water. Sand filters are made up of two main parts: the media and the tank.
Sand filter media are what filter debris out of the pool and can be made of glass balls or silica sand media. Sand filter media have a lifespan of seven to ten years before needing to be replaced.
Sand filter tanks can last up to twenty years without replacement when maintained properly but can have a lifespan as short as seven years without proper maintenance. To get the most out of your filter and extend its life even more, it should be back washed every few weeks to remove the buildup of debris and contaminants.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are another popular pick due to their low maintenance system and efficiency. Cartridge filters use a pleated cylindrical cartridge made of polyester or other durable synthetic material. This cartridge captures debris and contaminants and filters them out of the pool water.
Cartridge filters last from around five to ten years depending on how well they are maintained and how much debris ends up in your pool. Cartridge filter elements, or parts, last anywhere from two to three years.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters offer unparalleled filtration quality by using a powder-coated cotton grid to trap dirt, debris, and contaminants in the grid. The grid is coated with a powder composed of crushed seashells. While DE filters will provide crystal clarity unmatched by other filtration types, they require more maintenance and higher attention to detail.
If you opt for a DE filter, you will have to commit to backwashing the filter monthly and taking apart the entire filter for cleaning and inspection every three months. Additionally, due to the fact that DE filters are quite delicate, they only last up to five years.
Factors That Affect Pool Filter Lifespan
While general estimates can be made to approximate how long your pool filter will last, its actual lifespan will depend on several factors including your pool’s size, the chemical balance of the water in the pool, how often it’s maintained, and how old your filter is. Keep reading for more details about how a pool filter’s lifespan can be determined.
Water Chemistry
Make sure to conduct pool water testing on a regular basis. If your pool’s pH is out of balance, it can affect the lifespan and efficiency of your filter. Too much chlorine or other chemicals can wear down your filter and lead to you needing to pay for an early replacement.
Pool Size and Usage
Larger pools are naturally more difficult to filter than smaller pools and can send your pool filter into overtime. Additionally, if you enjoy your pool often, it will also require the pool filter to be in overdrive. We’re not saying you shouldn't use your pool as often as you want. It’s just important to know that pool filters that are used frequently will require more maintenance to account for the usage.
Maintenance Practices
Another strong determining factor in how long your pool filter will last is how often you maintain it. In order for your pool filter to last for years to come, you will need to take care of it. Regardless of the type of filter you choose, any pool filter must be cleaned and backwashed regularly. Additionally, filter media and parts need to be replaced on time to avoid bigger issues.
Finally, environmental factors such as sunlight, debris volume, and harsh weather conditions can wear down your pool filter. It’s important to be aware of how the weather and environment will affect your pool filter so you can take precautions to extend its life.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pool Filter
Even with meticulous routine maintenance, pool filters will inevitably reach the end of their life. When your pool is in need of a filter replacement, you’ll notice the following signs:
- Reduced water flow
- Increased chlorine demand
- High or low filter pressure
- Cloudy or hazy pool water
- Dirty pool water with a greenish tint
- Frayed or torn filters (if your pool uses a cartridge filter)
- Crushed or flattened cartridge pleats (if you use a cartridge filter)
- Sand or other filter media appearing in the pool (if you opt for a sand filter)
How To Extend the Life of Your Pool Filter
Pool filters can get pricey and replacing them can be a headache. You may be wondering, “How can I make my pool filter last as long as possible?” Here are a few suggestions to help you keep your pool filter functioning for years to come.
Run Your Filter Efficiently
Calibrating your pool filter to run for just the right amount of time each day at the correct speed can greatly extend the life of your filter. If you overwork your filter, it will be susceptible to wear and tear way before its expected replacement date. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pool and filter, and always consult with a pool technician.
Regularly Inspect Your Filter
By checking your filter regularly, you can catch signs of damage before they become a problem. If you notice flattened or crumpled pleats in your cartridge filter or built-up debris in your sand or DE filter, it’s time to replace the media. Staying up on these routine checks can make your filter last much longer.
Keep Your Skimmers Clean
Regularly clearing your pool’s skimmers of debris such as leaves, dirt, and branches (especially after storms and during the autumn and winter months) can greatly extend the life of your filter. When the skimmers get clogged, the filter does too.
Stay Up-to-Date on Routine Maintenance
Regularly cleaning your filter as per the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines will help your filter last longer. It can be tedious to perform monthly maintenance, but it will end up saving you time and money in the long run.
Pool Filter FAQ
How often should I clean my pool filter?
Sand filters should be cleaned every four to six weeks during pool season. Cartridge filters require cleaning depending on their size with small and medium filters requiring cleansing weekly to monthly and larger filters only needing to be cleaned every three to four months. DE filters require the most routine maintenance and need to be rinsed out once a month and deep cleaned at least once every three months.
How do I know if I need to replace my filter media or the entire filter?
You can determine if you can get by on a media replacement or if you’ll need to replace the entire filter by performing a few tests. If your pool uses a sand filter, run your fingers through the media. If the sand or glass flows smoothly, it’s in good working order. However, if it is clumpy or dense, it’s time to replace the media. As a general rule of thumb, expect to swap out sand media every three to five years.
For cartridge filters, if the filter’s pleats are crushed or deformed, you’ll need a media replacement. As a general rule of thumb, if your pool is experiencing minor issues or small drops in performance the issue will likely be resolved by replacing the media. However, if you’re experiencing major issues like visible wear and tear on the filter, decreased water flow, or murky water, you will most likely need to replace the filter.
Can I extend the life of my filter by cleaning it frequently?
Cleaning and maintaining your filter regularly and without skipping a cycle will absolutely make it last longer. In fact, this is one of the best things you can do to extend your pool filter’s life. That said, all pool filters do die at some point and will inevitably need to be replaced when you start to see signs of underperformance.
Are you experiencing cloudy pool water and suspect it may be time for a media or filter replacement? Check out our selection of sand, cartridge, and DE filters.
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