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—Pumps, filtration and plant

Replacing a pool filter

Media wears out and can be changed. When the tank, valve or sizing is the problem, the filter itself needs replacing.

A filter vessel can crack, corrode, or develop leaks at seams and fittings. Multiport valves wear, causing bypass or leaks. Sometimes a filter is simply the wrong size for the pump, perhaps after a pump upgrade, or for a pool whose use has changed. In these cases changing only the media will not solve the problem.

Equipment guides are about choosing, sizing and installing plant, not about day-to-day pool care.

Replacement means selecting a filter sized for the pump’s flow and the pool, reconnecting the plumbing — often with new valves and unions — and filling it with fresh media. It is a good point to review the whole plant layout for access and efficiency.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Tank failure

    Cracks, corrosion or leaks.

  • Valve failure

    Bypass and leaks at the multiport.

  • Wrong size

    Mismatched to the pump.

02Detail

Replacement involves

  • Selection

    A filter chosen for the pump’s actual flow and the pool’s use, rather than a copy of the old unit’s size.

  • Plumbing

    Reconnecting with valves and unions.

  • Media

    Fresh sand or glass, or cartridges.

  • Commissioning

    Leak checks, pressure baseline and backwash.

03Before you start

Before replacing

  • Photograph the filter

    And its label.

  • Note pressure readings

    Clean and dirty.

  • Check the pump size

    For matching.

—In practice

How to use this

Identify whether the problem lies with the media, the valve, the vessel or the sizing. If the vessel or valve is failing, or the filter does not suit the current pump, replace it with one sized for the actual flow. Fit isolation valves and unions during the swap so future servicing is quicker and cleaner.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Changing media for a cracked tank
New media does nothing for a leaking or cracked vessel. The underlying fault has to be identified before spending money.
Repeating the sizing error
A new filter of the same wrong size repeats the old problems. Size the replacement to the pump as it is now.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

How do I know the tank has failed?
Leaks from the body, visible cracks or corrosion.
Should I change filter type?
Replacement is a chance to reconsider, based on space and upkeep.
Does a new filter need new media?
Yes, fresh media is installed.
What is a pressure baseline?
The clean filter pressure, recorded for later comparison.
Can the multiport valve be replaced on its own?
Often yes, if the tank is sound; the valve must match the filter’s connection.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under pump & filtration systems. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

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Filter leaking or failing?

Send photos of the filter and valve. We will advise on replacement.

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