Filters principally for use in connection with swimming pools and spas

A method of filtering water of a swimming pool or spa comprising:

• a. positioning a filter assembly in a water-circulation system or a mobile pool cleaning apparatus of the swimming pool or spa, the filter assembly comprising:
• a framework comprising a plurality of framework sections, wherein adjacent framework sections of the plurality of framework sections are pivotable relative to each other such that the framework is configurable between a rolled configuration and an unrolled configuration, wherein the framework in the rolled configuration is a spiral pattern, wherein each framework section of the plurality of framework sections supports at least one panel of mesh material, wherein the framework and the mesh material together define a wall of the filter assembly, wherein, when the framework is in the rolled configuration, the framework defines an unfilled gap between and separating adjacent layers of the mesh material in a radial direction relative to the spiral pattern;
• and
• b. causing water of the swimming pool or spa to flow on a flow path through the filter assembly with the framework in the rolled configuration, wherein:
• when adjacent layers comprising the mesh material in the radial direction are unobstructed by debris, the flow path is in the radial direction through the mesh material;
• and
• when at least one layer of the adjacent layers of the mesh material is obstructed by debris, the flow path is through the unfilled gap in a spiral direction.