How to find you replacement filter from DPW:

1. Mesure the outside diameter (2) of the cartridge (in inches + or - 1/32").
2. Measure the cartridge length (3) (in inches + or - 1/16") including end caps but excluding any handles or other extensions.  We  recommends measuring through the center (if possible) rather than along the outside edge.
3. Identify the cartridge outside edge end cap configuration (1) using chart at the bottom of this page.  If the top and or bottom is "open," measure the inside diameter (in inches, + or - 1/32") of the top and or bottom.
4. Record the OEM name and model of the filter cartridge that came out of the equipment (if possible).
5. Count the number of pleats (+ or - 2 pleats) and note whether there is a center core or not.

Cartridge Filter Cleaning Instructions (Chlorine Users)

You should clean the filter element when the pressure increases 8 PSI (pounds per square inch) above the clean pressure. If you are using Baquacil®, Soft Swim® or some type of biquanide system you should first clean the element with a chemical specifically designed for this sanitizing system (see adjacent block for cleaning process).  Spa filters require more frequent chemical cleanings than pools elements.

1. Remove the cartridge from the filter housing following the manufacture's instructions.

2. Use a garden hose with a straight flow nozzle to wash down the filter element.  Work from the top down, holding the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, and wash all the pleats with emphasis between pleats.

3. Rinse until all dirt and debris are gone.  At this point if the element does not need to be chemically cleaned you can return the element back to the filter housing.  However, filter elements tend to work better if they go in the filter housing dry so it is a good idea to have 2 filters one would be in use while the other is being cleaned and dried.

4. If you are chemically cleaning the filter, follow the directions on the filter cleaner manufacture's bottle or web site for how to apply the solution.

5. Rise the cartridge again to insure the chemical cleaning solution has been removed.

6 If the filter has a coating of algae, calcium carbonate (scale), iron (looks brown), or other minerals, soak the cartridge in a solution of one part acid to twenty parts of water until all bubbling stops. WARNING: Failure to remove all oils and cleaning solutions before acid soaking will result in a permanent restriction of water flow and cause premature cartridge failure.

7. Rinse the cartridge clean and let dry (see note in step 3).

Note: DPW does not recommend the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) with cartridge filters.  DE particles will become trapped in the body of the media and shorten the cartridge's life.  If desired, a cellulose fiber (Zeofiber) can be used in moderation.

Cartridge Cleaning Supplement for Biguanide Users

Unlike chlorine which oxidizes the bacteria in the water, the active ingredient in biquanide systems, polyhexamethylene biqunaide (PHMB), destroys the bacterial cells. PHMB locates and binds the bacterial surfaces, then attacks the outer bacterial wall. Once this wall has been compromised, the inner cell membrane (the cytoplasmic membrane) is destroyed. This destruction allows the cell contents to disperse into their surrounds where they are further broken down into their elemental parts by non-chlorine oxidizer such as Baqua Shock® or Soft Swim C®.  A simpler explanation; If you had a log in a fire place and you set fire to it when it was done burning you would have very little of the original log left over.  This is the equalivent of using chlorine in the pool. However if you used a saw you would have all of the log left over in a huge pile of saw dust. This is what a biquanide system does.  So there is far more mess to clean up clogging the filter faster.

In addition, Baqua Shock® and Soft Swim C® are mild coagulatns which combine bacterial cells and other small particles in the environment into particles large enough to be trapped by the filter. The resulting deposit is gray sticky film on the media which can only be removed by using Baqua Clean® or Soft Swim Filter Cleaner®.  If trisodium phosphate (TSP) or any TSP type cleaner is used prior to stripping the film, the substance cannot be removed from the media and the filter cartridge must be replaced.

WARNING: Follow all manufacture's instructions, warnings and cautions when using Baquacil® or Soft Swim® products.