What’s Hiding in Your Pool Filter Right Now?

You might think your pool water looks clean—but what about your pool filter? That hardworking piece of equipment is constantly trapping debris, dirt, and bacteria. And if you haven’t cleaned it recently, you might be surprised (or a little grossed out) by what’s lurking inside.

At Ace Pool & Spa, we’ve cleaned thousands of filters across Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and beyond—and trust us, we’ve seen it all.

Here’s What Could Be Hiding in Your Pool Filter Right Now:

1. Leaves, Bugs, and Twigs

From beetles to soggy leaves, your filter catches all the stuff that gets blown or dropped into your pool. This organic debris can quickly clog your system and reduce water flow.

2. Sunscreen and Body Oils

Not everything that enters your pool is visible. Sunscreen residue, lotions, and body oils build up in the filter over time, making it less efficient and potentially leading to cloudy water.

3. Algae Spores

Even if your pool looks clear, microscopic algae spores can be lurking in your filter media. If left unchecked, they can multiply quickly—especially when temperatures rise.

4. Dust and Pollen

Especially here in Tennessee, seasonal pollen and fine dust particles are common culprits. These invisible invaders clog filters and can affect your pool’s water clarity.

5. Bacteria and Biofilm

Filters can harbor harmful bacteria if not properly maintained. Over time, this can lead to biofilm buildup, which is difficult to remove and may cause unpleasant odors or even skin irritation.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Filter?

It depends on your filter type and how often you use your pool, but a good rule of thumb is:

Cartridge filters: Rinse every 4–6 weeks and deep clean every 3–6 months

Sand filters: Backwash every 1–2 weeks during pool season

DE filters: Backwash monthly and deep clean at least twice a season

Don’t Let the Gunk Build Up

Your filter is essential to keeping your pool safe, clean, and crystal clear. If you can’t remember the last time it was cleaned, it’s probably time.

Ace Pool & Spa offers expert pool filter cleaning and inspections throughout Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Green Hills, Hendersonville, and Belle Meade. Let us take care of the dirty work—so you don’t have to wonder what’s hiding in your pool filter ever again.