Your pool filter works harder than any other piece of equipment, removing debris and contaminants day after day. When your filter isn’t working right, your pool water suffers. The Pool Boys provide expert pool filter repair, replacement, and cleaning services throughout League City, Friendswood, Clear Lake, and Pearland.
Call 832-473-5715 for pool filter service today.
Types of Pool Filters We Service
Understanding your filter type helps you maintain it properly and know when something’s wrong.
1. Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters use pleated fabric cartridges to trap dirt and debris. They’re the most common type in League City pools because they’re efficient and relatively easy to maintain.
How they work: Water flows through pleated fabric cartridges that catch particles. As cartridges get dirty, water pressure drops, and cleaning becomes necessary.
Maintenance needs: Clean cartridges 2-3 times per year. Replace cartridges every 2-3 years, depending on use.
Pros: No backwashing needed, better filtration than sand, easier to clean than DE filters.
Common problems: Torn cartridges, crushed end caps, dirty cartridges reducing flow, wrong size cartridges installed.
2. DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters
DE filters provide the finest filtration, catching particles as small as 3-5 microns. They’re popular for pools that need crystal-clear water.
How they work: Water passes through DE powder coated on grids inside the filter tank. The DE powder traps extremely fine particles.
Maintenance needs: Add DE powder after backwashing. Clean filter grids 2 times per year minimum. Replace grids every 5-7 years.
Pros: Best filtration quality, great for problem pools, efficient water use.
Common problems: Torn or damaged grids, DE powder in the pool, cloudy water after backwashing, and valve problems.
3. Sand Filters
Sand filters are the oldest and simplest filter design, using sand to trap particles. Less common in newer pools but still widely used.
How they work: Water flows down through sand, which traps debris. Backwashing reverses the water flow to clean the sand.
Maintenance needs: Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above clean reading. Replace sand every 5-7 years.
Pros: Low maintenance, durable, and cost-effective for large pools.
Common problems: Channeling in the sand bed, broken laterals, sand in the pool, and the need for sand replacement.
Signs Your Pool Filter Needs Service
Don’t wait for cloudy water to get your filter checked. Here are warning signs that mean it’s time for service:
High pressure reading – If your filter pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI higher than your clean pressure, your filter is clogged and needs cleaning.
Cloudy or dull water – Even with good chemistry, cloudy water often means your filter isn’t catching particles like it should.
Short filter cycles – If you just cleaned your filter but pressure builds up again quickly, you may have damaged filter media.
Low water flow – Weak return jets or slow pool circulation despite a good pump usually points to a clogged filter.
DE powder in pool – White powder returning to your pool means torn DE filter grids that need replacement.
Sand in pool – Sand coming through returns indicates broken laterals or a cracked sand filter.
Green water that won’t clear – Your filter might not be catching algae particles. Dirty or damaged filter media is often the culprit.
Pressure gauge stuck or broken – A pressure gauge that doesn’t move is lying to you about your filter’s condition.
Pool Filter Services We Provide
Filter Cleaning Service
Professional filter cleaning extends filter life and improves pool water quality. We offer complete cleaning for cartridge and DE filters.
What we do:
- Remove and inspect all filter cartridges or grids
- Deep clean with professional filter cleaner to remove oils and minerals
- Check for damage, tears, or crushed elements
- Replace damaged components
- Reassemble properly and test for leaks
- Add the correct amount of DE powder (for DE filters)
Most filter cleanings take 1-2 hours. We recommend cleaning 2-3 times per year, minimum, more often for heavy pool use.
Pricing: Cartridge filter cleaning starts at $150-250. DE filter cleaning starts at $200-300.
Filter Repair
We fix filter problems fast with same-day parts availability.
Common repairs:
- Leaking multiport or push-pull valves
- Broken pressure gauges
- Cracked or leaking tank fittings
- Damaged filter grids or cartridges
- Faulty air bleeders
- Tank O-ring replacement
Most repairs completed same day. We stock common parts on our service trucks.
Filter Replacement
When repair doesn’t make sense, we’ll recommend the right new filter and install it properly.
You need replacement if:
- Filter tank is 15+ years old
- Multiple expensive repairs needed
- Filter is wrong size for your pool
- Cracked tank or severe corrosion
- Upgrading to better filtration
Complete installation includes:
- System training
- Right-sized filter for your pool
- Professional installation (2-4 hours)
- Proper plumbing connections
- Full pressure testing
- Manufacturer warranty registration
Why Choose The Pool Boys
✓ Same-Day Service – Most repairs and cleanings done today
✓ Licensed Technicians – Texas Contractor License TICL728
✓ All Brands Serviced – Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, Aquastar, and more
✓ Parts in Stock – Common parts on every service truck
✓ Clear Pricing – Know costs before we start work
✓ Full Warranties – New filters backed by manufacturer warranties
✓ Since 2011 – Serving League City neighbors for 14+ years
✓ 5x Nextdoor Favorite – Trusted by your community
Contact Form Pool Boys
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does filter cleaning cost?
Cartridge filter cleaning starts at $150. DE filter cleaning starts at $200. Price depends on filter size and condition.
How long does filter service take?
Cleaning: 1-2 hours. Repairs: 1-2 hours typically. Replacement: 2-4 hours.
Do you charge for diagnosis?
Standard service call fee covers diagnosis. Fee is waived when you proceed with repair or service.
What brands do you service?
Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, Aquastar, Sta-Rite, and most other brands. If it’s a pool filter, we can service it.
How often should I clean my filter?
Cartridge and DE filters: 2-3 times per year minimum. Sand filters: Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 PSI.