5 SIGNS IT’S NEW FILTER TIME

Your swimming pool filter works hard to keep your water looking fresh and clean, but more importantly healthy for you to enjoy for water that sparkles, your pool filter needs to be in optimum working condition, but like with most things in life, wear and tear reduces its efficiency and what can’t be repaired needs to be replaced.

While there are many factors that contribute to these valuable pieces of pool equipment breaking down, there are a few warning signs that signal a potential problem. Here are five tell-tale signs that it’s time to consider replacing your pool filter for crystal-clear and healthy water and worry-free swimming.

1. Cloudy water – Despite your best efforts with chemicals, if your pool water starts to look murky or
   dirty, it could be a sign that your pool filter is struggling. Properly balanced water chemistry is essential for effective filtration, so if clarity seems to vanish rapidly, it's time to inspect your filter, pool pump or chlorinator for potential issues. Check your water chemistry or visit your local Swimart for a water test and advice.
2. Flattened pleats – The pleated ridges in the filter cartridge are designed to trap the dirt, debris and finer particles that pass through it. When they flatten out due to wear and tear, they are no longer able to do their job properly. Flattened pleats also restrict water flow, which reduces the cartridge's ability to filter and clean the pool water efficiently. A clear indicator that your filter is due for replacement.
3. Broken bands – Bands play an important role in keeping the pleats from flattening out when under pressure. These bands are under considerable (and constant) pressure, and can break over time. When one or more of these bands are broken, the effectiveness of the cartridge filter can be compromised.
4. Cracked endcaps - Over time, the plastic endcaps of a filter, which are designed to keep the material compact, can become brittle and weaker from constant pressure and chemical exposure. Once an end cap begins to crack or chip, it's best to replace the cartridge right away to prevent any broken pieces from circulating through the filter system and potentially causing equipment damage.
5. Furry fabric - Cartridges are generally made of polyester that wear out over time. A common sign they're getting old is when the material starts to look ‘furry’, which is caused by the tiny fibres tearing apart and standing upright. Small tears or microscopic holes will eventually turn into one giant rip. So it's best to replace the cartridge before this happens.

Don't wait until your filter fails completely — proactively replacing it when these warning signs appear can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. At Swimart, we specialise in servicing and repairing a wide range of pool equipment from reputable brands, ensuring your pool stays in top condition year-round.

With over 40 years of experience, you can trust us to keep your pool running smoothly.

Call us today on 137 665 or visit your local Swimart store to schedule a service appointment and keep your pool sparkling all season long.