How To Clean A Hayward Pool Filter Using Muriatic Acid

Hayward offers a wide variety of pool care products and filters for home use. If you have a Hayward cartridge filter, regular cleaning is necessary to keep it working efficiently. Hayward pool filters trap dirt, debris and algae present in your pool water. A clogged filter means the pool pump has to work much harder to maintain water flow through the system. Commercial filter cleaners can remove most dirt, debris and oil present on the filter, but algae growth requires an acid bath. Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, can kill any algae growth on your pool filter.

Step 1

Turn off the pool pump and open the air relief valve according to your owner's manual.

Step 2

Unscrew the lid on the filter housing and lift out the pool filter.

Step 3

Rinse the pool filter with a garden hose to remove any debris from between the pleats.

Step 4

Spray the Hayward pool filter thoroughly with filter cleaner and allow it to sit for at least one hour or for the recommended amount of time on the package.

Step 5

Rinse the Hayward pool filter thoroughly with a garden hose.

Step 6

Fill a large bucket with water and add 1 part muriatic acid to 20 parts water. Carefully lower the pool filter into the acid solution and allow it to soak until it stops bubbling.

Step 7

Remove the Hayward pool filter from the muriatic acid solution and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose before reinstalling it.