Originally posted by JCT400SB

How does a dirty filter increase performance? I can see that it might help trap more dust and dirt but that also means that it is getting less air because it's more restrictive?

What is wrong with using compressed air to blow the excess water out of the filter instead of waiting a couple of hours for the darn thing to dry?
A) Yes, that's how it works up to the point where it gets TOO plugged up.

B) Because with direct blast of compressed air it's likely BIG holes get blown in the media that let in bigger particles. It could probably be done if one were to use the air stream sensibly, e.g. from a distance, at low force, with a diffuser nozzle..........but the instructions need to be written for the lowest common denominator.