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A well-maintained pool filter lasts anywhere from one to 10 years, depending on the type. Watch for inconsistent PSI readings, leaks, or wild chemical swings—these red flags tell you the media is spent. Most cartridge models clock in at two to three years, while a DE unit can push the full decade. Staying on top of maintenance avoids surprise repairs and keeps water sparkling.

Run the pump eight to 10 hours a day to give the water a full turnover and keep chemicals balanced. That schedule stays ahead of debris, eases the load on the filter, and helps the equipment last longer. 

On scorching summer days or after a big pool party, tack on an extra hour or two, but skip nonstop 24-hour cycles that waste energy.

Skip routine filter changes, and you invite costly repairs. A clogged filter overworks the pump, leading to burnout or leaks. You’ll also see cloudy water, algae blooms, and roller-coaster chemical readings. 

The CDC warns that poorly maintained pools can irritate skin and eyes, so stay on schedule with filter swaps to keep swimmers—and equipment—safe. Left untouched, debris can cement inside the housing, pushing replacement costs even higher than a simple filter swap.