Cleaning Hayward c3030 cartridge filter

[Randy698]

How long have cartridge filters gone before cleaning? I have a new pool that has been used for about 2 months now. The psi was at 10 initially and is at 11 now. I do use skimmer socks and clean them every other day or so. Is it possible I won’t have to clean the cartridges during the first year? I will probably clean regardless before winterizing but don’t want to clean before then if not necessary.

On a side note about cleaning, the Hayward manual says not to lubricate the seal between the upper and lower filter body. It is reinforced with metal so I’m guessing it won’t fold over itself and pinch. I bought some Magic Lube II for when I do eventually clean but should I follow the manual or lubricate anyway? Not sure what harm a little lube could do.

 

[mknauss]

I clean my filter cartridges once a year. Not do to pressure rise but, well, I feel bad if I do not clean them at least once a year.
So waiting until you close the pool this fall is just fine if your filter pressure does not rise.

I would follow the manual. Though I agree, a bit of lube, especially if just a thin amount is placed on the housing mating surfaces, would seem to not be harmful.

 

[arvil]

My cartridge reads about 6 psig clean, I usually clean it when it gets to about 9 or 10. The flow at the return gets noticeably less about then, maybe once a week after spring cleanup. A good rinse and I’m back in business.

 

[Randy698]

I cleaned my cartridges today for the first time and everything was pretty easy. Hosing off the cartridges with a standard nozzle took longer than expected so I’ll be looking into other hose attachments. Put everything back together (no silicone on seals per Hayward manual) and there is a gurgling noise coming from the filter. Sounds like air bubbles. Pressure returned to where it was when originally started up. Bled the valve on top of filter a few times. I’ll check on it throughout the day but does anyone know if this normal or something to be concerned with? Thanks

 

[arvil]

Mine’s not Hayward, it’s Sta-Rite, but should pretty much the same. Takes maybe ten minutes to rinse, the outside is easy, the inside is a bit harder. Even though you vented the air, there’s usually a bit of air left in there. The pump should push it out in a minute or so and you see bubbles from the return. If that persists, there may be a suction side leak. Even though the instructions say to turn the pump on, open the vent, then close it when full, I still prefer to vent and gravity fill before turning the pump on. Reduces differential pressure across the pleats.

 

[keltecfan]

I cleaned my cartridges today for the first time and everything was pretty easy. Hosing off the cartridges with a standard nozzle took longer than expected so I’ll be looking into other hose attachments.

I’ve recently switched to using the Turbo Jet garden hose spray nozzle. It’s $20 at Lowes, has worked out great for me and I believe used less water than standard spray nozzle. It comes with two spray tips. I attached the smaller one and it worked much better/faster than the pistol type spray nozzle I’ve been using. Contrary to their marketing hype, it doesn’t turn your garden hose into a pressure washer. What I like the most is it has the long wand, which saves on (my back) the bending.
Edit: I tried to attach a picture of the filter after spraying but it’s telling me file is too large.