- \n
- Gauge pressure above normal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cloudy water despite adequate filtration time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sand or filter media debris on the pool floor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The skimmer does not pull in leaves or surface debris.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increasingly long filtration cycles to achieve the same result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Pool](\"https:\/\/www.jmcifrepiscinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/filtro-piscina-1024x683.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\nTypes of filters and their most common failures<\/h4>\n\n
Sand filter.<\/strong> The most common issue is channeling within the sand bed (where water carves paths through specific areas instead of filtering evenly), in addition to wear and tear on the multiport valve from use.<\/p><\/p>\n\n
Cartridge filter.<\/strong> It typically fails due to cartridge clogging (requiring periodic cleaning or replacement) or damage to the filter housing seals.<\/p><\/p>\n\n
Diatomaceous earth filter.<\/strong> Less common in residential installations, but failures are usually due to tears in the filter fabrics or inadequate air purging.<\/p><\/p>\n\n
Most common skimmer malfunctions<\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Broken lid or basket, allowing leaves and large debris to pass into the circuit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Skimmer opening clogged or water level incorrectly adjusted, reducing suction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cracks in the housing, causing small leaks around the skimmer itself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Repair or replace?<\/h4>\n\n
- \n
Sand clogging or channeling:<\/strong> resolved by cleaning or backwashing\u2014no need to replace anything.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Worn or seized multiposition valve:<\/strong> normally it is enough to replace the valve, not the entire filter.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cracked filter body or structural leaks:<\/strong> in this case, it is worth considering a complete replacement, especially if the equipment has already been in use for several years.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Preventive maintenance<\/h4>\n\n
Periodic backwashing (weekly during peak season) and checking the skimmer basket prevent most of these issues before they arise. Checking the pressure gauge every few weeks allows for the detection of a gradual rise in pressure before filtration efficiency is compromised.<\/p>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h4>\n\n
How often should the filter sand be changed?<\/strong>
Why does the water remain cloudy even though the filter is clean?<\/strong>
Can I clean the cartridge myself?<\/strong>
Does the skimmer require maintenance separate from the filter?<\/strong>
Is your filter or skimmer not working as it should? At JM Cifre Piscinas, we diagnose and repair pool filters and skimmers in Mallorca.<\/p>\n\n