Pool Cleaner Filters: How to Clean and When to Replace

Filter types named in cleaner listings

Pool cleaner listings name the filter type in the title or bullet list: a bag, a cartridge, or a screen. The word tells you how the cleaner collects debris and how you will clean it. A bag is a fabric or mesh pouch that traps leaves and larger debris. A cartridge is a rigid or semi-rigid cylinder with pleated filter material. A screen is a flat or curved mesh panel that catches debris as water passes through.

Robotic cleaners typically use bags or cartridges, while suction-side and pressure-side cleaners often use bags or screens. The filter type is a shopping question because it affects how often you empty the cleaner and how you rinse it. The maker's manual is the only source for the exact cleaning steps and replacement intervals for your model.

• Bag: fabric or mesh pouch, good for leaves and large debris.
• Cartridge: pleated material, captures finer particles.
• Screen: mesh panel, easy to rinse, common on suction-side models.

Cleaning a bag filter

A bag filter collects debris inside a fabric or mesh pouch. To clean it, remove the bag from the cleaner according to the maker's instructions, turn it inside out, and rinse it with a garden hose. Use a gentle stream to push debris out of the mesh. For stuck debris, soak the bag in a bucket of water with a mild detergent, then rinse again. Let the bag air dry completely before reinstalling it.

Do not put a bag filter in a washing machine or dryer unless the manual says so. A torn or stretched bag will not hold debris and should be replaced. Check the bag's seams and mesh for wear each time you clean it.

Cleaning a cartridge filter

A cartridge filter uses pleated material to trap fine particles. Remove the cartridge from the cleaner, then rinse it with a hose, working from the inside out to push debris out of the pleats. For oily or ground-in dirt, soak the cartridge in a bucket of water with a cartridge cleaning solution, following the product's instructions. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before reinstalling.

Cartridges can wear out over time. If the pleats are crushed, the material is frayed, or the cartridge no longer rinses clean, replace it. The maker's manual states the recommended replacement interval and the exact part number.

Cleaning a screen filter

A screen filter is a mesh panel that catches debris as water flows through. To clean it, remove the screen from the cleaner and rinse it with a hose, using a brush or your fingers to dislodge debris from the mesh. For fine particles, soak the screen in water with a mild detergent, then rinse. Let it air dry completely before reinstalling.

Screens are simple to maintain, but they can tear or warp. Inspect the mesh for holes and the frame for cracks. If the screen is damaged, replace it with the maker's part. A damaged screen lets debris pass through and reduces the cleaner's ability to collect.

Signs a filter needs replacing

A filter that is clean but no longer works well is a sign it needs replacing. Look for visible damage: tears, holes, stretched mesh, crushed pleats, or a warped frame. If the filter does not rinse clean after soaking, or if debris stays trapped in the material, replace it.

Some cleaners have a filter-full indicator or a light that signals when the filter is full. The manual explains what the indicator means and when to empty or replace the filter. If the cleaner slows down or leaves debris behind, check the filter first. A clogged filter reduces water flow, so the cleaner cannot pick up as much.

The maker's manual is the authority on replacement intervals. Some manuals state a time-based schedule, such as every season or after a set number of uses. Follow that schedule and inspect the filter each time you clean it.

Filter care and what to look for when buying

When comparing cleaners, look at the filter type and how easy it is to access. A bag that opens wide is easier to empty than a narrow cartridge. A cartridge with more pleated surface area may hold more debris before needing a rinse, but the maker's stated capacity is the only figure to trust. The listing may state the filter's volume in liters or gallons, which tells you how much debris it holds.

Replacement filters are a long-term consideration. Check that the maker sells replacement bags, cartridges, or screens for the model you are considering. The manual lists the part number and the replacement schedule. A cleaner with a common filter type may be easier to maintain than one with a proprietary design.

For more on choosing a cleaner, see the best wall climbing pool cleaners guide. If you are deciding between robotic and suction-side types, the pool cleaner type guide explains the differences in listing terms. You can also compare above ground and inground cleaners and wall climbing capabilities to narrow your options.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

How often should you clean your pool cleaner filter?

Clean the filter after each use or when the cleaner slows down. The maker's manual states the recommended frequency for your model. A clogged filter reduces water flow, so the cleaner cannot pick up debris effectively.

Can you use a pressure washer to clean a pool cleaner filter?

Only if the maker's manual says so. A pressure washer can damage the mesh or pleats. A garden hose with a gentle stream is usually enough. Check the manual for the recommended cleaning method.

How do you know when to replace the filter?

Replace the filter when it is torn, stretched, crushed, or no longer rinses clean. The manual states the replacement interval and the part number. Some cleaners have a filter-full indicator that signals when to empty or replace the filter.

Are replacement filters expensive?

Prices vary by brand and model. The listing or the maker's site states the price. Check that replacement filters are available for the model you are considering before you buy.

Can you wash a pool cleaner filter with soap?

Use a mild detergent or a cartridge cleaning solution as the manual directs. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the filter material. Rinse thoroughly and let the filter air dry.