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Maintaining your Hayward pool filter is essential to keeping your pool water clear and your system running efficiently. Whether you use a sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth filter, regular maintenance can extend the life of your filter and improve its performance. In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean and maintain each type of Hayward pool filter to keep your pool in tip-top shape.
Why Filter Maintenance Is Important
The pool filter is the heart of your pool’s circulation and filtration system. It continually removes dirt, leaves, algae, grease, and microscopic sediment from the water, ensuring you enjoy a clean, clear, and safe bathing experience. Without proper filtration, contaminants can quickly build up, causing the water to become cloudy or even unsafe.
Over time, however, pool filters can become clogged with the very particles they’re supposed to remove. These deposits reduce water flow, impede circulation, and reduce the system’s ability to absorb new sediment. This can cause your pool water to become cloudy, discolored, or develop an unpleasant odor. Additionally, when a filter becomes clogged or overloaded, the pool pump must work harder to maintain circulation, which can lead to increased energy consumption and wear on mechanical parts.
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Cleaning and Maintaining Hayward Sand Filters
How It Works
Hayward sand filter is a special grade of sand to capture debris. Water flows through the sand bed, which captures dirt, and clean water is returned to the pool.
Maintenance Steps
- Backwash regularly – Backwashing reverses the flow of water through the filter, flushing out dirt.
- Turn off the pump.
- Set the valve to “backwash.”
- Turn on the pump and let it run for 2-3 minutes, until the water in the sight glass runs clear.
- Turn off the pump and set the valve back to “filter.”
- Flush the filter – After backwashing, set the valve to “flush” for about 30 seconds to reset the sand bed.
- Replace the sand every 3-5 years – Over time, the sand wears out and loses its effectiveness. Replace according to Hayward’s recommendations.
Cleaning and Maintaining Hayward Cartridge Filters
How It Works
Hayward cartridge pool filter holds dirt in the pleated fabric. They are known for being easy to maintain and are ideal for pools with moderate levels of dirt.
Maintenance Steps
- Remove the pool filter cartridge – Turn off the pump, open the filter housing and remove the cartridge.
- Rinse with a Garden Hose – Use a garden hose to spray water between the pleats. A nozzle with a concentrated jet is best.
- Use a Filter Cleaner – For a more thorough cleaning, soak the cartridge in a commercial filter cleaning solution overnight to remove oil and scale.
- Inspect for Damage – If the pleats are torn, crushed or worn, replace the cartridge.
- Reinsert and Secure – Once clean and dry, reinsert the cartridge into the housing and secure the filter cap.
Cleaning and Maintaining Hayward DE Filter
How It Works
DE pool filter uses a mesh coated with diatomaceous earth powder to capture fine particles. They offer the highest filtration accuracy of the three filter types.
Maintenance Steps
- Backwash filter – Backwash diatomaceous earth filters (such as sand filters) when the pressure gauge is 8-10 psi above the cleaning starting level.
- Add new diatomaceous earth powder – After backwashing, you need to refill the diatomaceous earth powder:
- Mix the diatomaceous earth in a bucket with water to form a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the pool skimmer while the pump is running.
- Annual deep cleaning – Once a year, disassemble the filter and clean the grates with a hose. Soak them in filter cleaner if necessary.
- Inspect grates for cracks – Replace damaged grates to ensure proper filtration.
When should you clean your filter?
After frequent pool use or a storm: If your pool is used frequently or has recently experienced rain, storms, or leaf fall, there is a good chance that your filter has become heavily clogged with debris, dirt, and oil. Cleaning after such an event helps maintain optimal performance and prevent clogging.
If the pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above the clean level: Most Hayward filters come with a pressure gauge. Note the pressure displayed after a thorough cleaning—this is your clean level. If the pressure is 8-10 PSI above that, the filter is clogged and needs cleaning or backwashing, depending on the filter type. If the water looks cloudy or circulation is reduced: Cloudy or turbid pool water is a clear sign that the filter may not be working effectively.
If you notice weak water flow from your pool jets or dead spots where the water isn’t circulating properly, it could be due to a dirty filter that needs repair.
More Tips
Keep the area around the filter clean and dry to avoid slips, water damage or corrosion.
Check O-rings and pipe connections for leaks. Replace worn or damaged parts to prevent water loss and maintain pool filtration system pressure.
Keep a maintenance log to record filter cleanings, filter element changes and pressure readings for long-term maintenance.
Use high-quality replacement filters. Whenever possible, always choose genuine Hayward filter elements or choose reliable and cost-effective alternatives such as Unicel or POOLPURE replacement pool filters, which provide powerful performance at a better price.
Conclusion
Properly maintaining your Hayward swimming pool filter will ensure cleaner water, better energy efficiency, and a longer life for your pool system. Whether you use a sand filter, cartridge filter, or diatomaceous earth filter, regular maintenance can save you time and money in the long run and keep your pool sparkling clean all season long.