How to Tell If Your Pool Filter Needs to Be Replaced (Not Just Cleaned)
It happened to Tom in Loomis. Every weekend, like clockwork, he was out back with his pool net and garden hose, giving that filter cartridge a good rinse. He thought he was doing everything right—weekly cleaning, checking the skimmer baskets, even brushing the walls. But no matter what he did, his water just kept looking cloudy. After weeks of frustration (and a few eye rolls from his wife), Tom finally called in a pro. Turns out, his filter wasn’t dirty—it was done. Past its prime. Worn out. No amount of cleaning was going to fix it.
Tom's not alone.
There comes a time when even the best filters wave the white flag. So how do you know when it’s time to stop scrubbing and start replacing? That’s exactly what we’re talking about today.
Why Clean Isn’t Always “Clean Enough”
Keeping your pool filter clean is part of regular maintenance. But like tires, shoes, or that one garden gnome you’re pretending not to notice cracked in half—filters wear out. Cleaning helps extend a filter’s life, but it doesn’t make it immortal. Over time, the material inside becomes too worn to trap debris effectively, which means your water quality takes a nosedive.
Let’s break down the clues.
Signs Your Pool Filter Needs to Be Replaced
Even with a regular rinse or backwash, some filters just stop doing their job. Here's how to tell:
1. The Water Stays Cloudy
Cloudy water is often the first red flag. If you’ve balanced your water chemistry, cleaned the filter, and the pump is running fine—but your pool still looks like a foggy glass of lemonade—it’s time to look at the filter media itself.
2. Your Pressure Gauge Won’t Behave
Pool filters have pressure gauges for a reason. If the pressure stays high after you clean the filter, that can mean internal damage or clogs deep in the media. If it drops too low and doesn’t recover, the media might be too worn to provide resistance.
3. You’re Cleaning the Filter More Often
If you find yourself spraying off your cartridge or backwashing every few days, your filter could be losing its ability to trap debris. You shouldn’t have to clean it that often.
4. You See Visible Damage
Cracks, tears, worn bands, or broken pleats in a cartridge filter are telltale signs. For sand or DE filters, watch for channeling—water carving grooves through the media instead of flowing evenly.
5. Shorter Filtration Cycles
When a filter is in good condition, it runs a fairly predictable cycle before needing cleaning. If that cycle keeps shrinking, it's not filtering like it used to.
Cartridge, Sand, or DE: What Wears Out and When?
Each filter type has a different lifespan and different clues it’s on the way out:
Cartridge Filters
Lifespan: 2–4 years (with regular maintenance)
Replace if: You see tears, the pleats are flattened, or the bands are breaking. Also, if rinsing no longer improves performance, it may be time to swap it out.
Sand Filters
Lifespan: 5–7 years (before replacing the sand)
Replace sand if: The water stays dirty even after backwashing, or if you see sand blowing into the pool.
DE Filters
Lifespan: 10+ years for the housing; 1–2 years for the grids
Replace grids if: There are holes in the fabric, or you’re adding DE powder way more often than you should be.
A Quick Tip from the Pros: Don’t Just Guess
Sometimes the filter looks fine, but it's just not cutting it anymore. That’s why we recommend a pressure test, water flow check, and a visual inspection. If the water isn’t flowing right—if it’s slow, erratic, or nonexistent—that’s a big clue your filter media can’t do its job.
The Extra Cost of Waiting Too Long
Hanging onto an old filter for too long doesn’t save money—it costs more. Poor filtration can lead to:
Algae blooms
Clogged pumps
Damaged heaters
More chemicals needed to compensate
A murky swimming pool no one wants to jump into
In other words, replacing your filter on time helps you avoid expensive repairs later. We’ve seen it too many times—something small like an overdue filter turns into something big like pump failure or green water that takes days to recover.
What You Can Do Today
If you’re still not sure whether to clean or replace, here’s what we suggest:
Take a look at your current filter’s age (it may surprise you).
Inspect for damage or flattening.
Compare your pressure readings before and after cleaning.
Track how often you’re cleaning it.
Give us a call—we’ll do the heavy lifting.
Serving Northern California Pools That Deserve Better
Whether you’re in Loomis, Penryn, Lincoln, or anywhere else in Northern California, American Dream Pool & Spa Service is here to help you keep your pool clean, clear, and running like a dream. If your filter’s past its prime or you’re just not sure what the problem is, we’re the team to call. Our pool maintenance and repair services will help you avoid cloudy water, unexpected breakdowns, and high chemical costs.
Get in touch with us today for pool filter replacement, inspection, or a full maintenance check. We’ll help you swim smarter, not harder.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
