The Sta-Rite System 3 Cartridge Filter is an excellent swimming pool filter and will serve you well if you keep it maintained and cleaned properly throughout the year.

The Sta-Rite System 3 Modular Media Cartridge Filter comes in several different sizes - 300, 400, 450, and 500 square feet. The 300 sq. ft. filter is sufficient for most standard size swimming pools, but for pools over 20,000 gallons, the 450 or 500 sq. ft. filter would be recommended.

For most swimming pools with a Sta-Rite System 3 Cartridge Filter installed, cleaning the filter quarterly is sufficient. Follow these steps to clean a Sta-Rite System 3 Cartridge Filter.

Turn Off Pool Equipment - make sure you turn off the pool equipment. If possible, turn off the circuit breaker for the pool equipment so the filter will not come on while the filter is disassembled.

Relieve Filter Pressure - Open the air release valve on the top of the filter in order to relieve the pressure from the filter.

Drain the Filter - Remove the Filter Drain Plug from the bottom of the filter in order to allow the water to be completely drained from the filter.

Open the Filter - while the water in the filter is draining, remove the Posi-Lok clamps from the outside of the filter. You won't need to unscrew the clamps all the waya€¦ just enough to slide the Posi-Lok clamps up and off of the filter tank top.

Remove the Filter Top - once the water is completely drained from the filter and the Posi-Lok clamps have been removed, carefully remove the filter top and set it out of the way. Be careful not to damage the pressure guage and air release valve on the top of the filter tank top.

Remove the Filter Cartridges - carefully remove the filter cartridges one at a time by pulling straight up on the filter cartridge until they slide off the outlet tubes on the tank bottom.

Clean the Filter Cartridges - using a high-pressure hose attachment, thoroughly clean the filter cartridges removing as much debris as possible from the cartridges.

Clean out the Inside of the Filter - Spray out the inside of the tank bottom to remove any debris.

Clean the Air Bleed Strainer - Clean off and remove any debris from the air bleed strainer. The air bleed strainer is attached to the air bleed tube coming from the tank bottom.

Replace the Filter Cartridges - put the clean filter cartridges back into the tank bottom. Make sure the arrows on the top of the filter cartridges are aligned properly with the outlet tubes on the tank bottom. Make sure the air bleed tube comes up through the middle of the small cartridge.

Replace the Filter Top - carefully replace the filter top.

Close the Filter - replace all of the Posi-Lok clamps until tight. It might be necessary to gently hit the clamps with a rubber mallet in order to tighten the clamps enough to eliminate any leaks.

Replace the Filter Drain Plug - replace the filter drain plug. If necessary, use teflon tape to prevent leaking.

Test the Filter - with the air release valve on the top of the filter open, turn the filter on until a solid stream of water is shooting out of the air release valve.

Close the Air Release Valve - close the air release valve until there is no water being released.

That's Ita€¦ Your Sta-Rite System 3 Cartridge Pool Fitler is Clean! - make a note of the filter pressure (psi) immediately after cleaning the filter for future use.